Seismic Cone
The Seismic Cone Penetration Test (SCPT) is a reliable, cost effective technique to determine in situ seismic wave velocities. The seismic test method consists of measuring the travel times of body waves propagating between a wave source on the ground surface and an array of geophones in an in situ seismic cone penetrometer. These body waves comprise shear waves (S-waves) and compressional or primary pressure waves (P-waves).

The seismic wave velocities give an indication of ground characteristics, such as low-strain shear modulus and Poisson's ratio. Those parameters are relevant for assessing the response of dynamically loaded foundations and for earthquake studies. Seismic wave velocities also allow correlation of seismic profiling data and geotechnical borehole and CPT results.