Many in situ tests require that a device be pushed, at a fairly slow rate, vertically into the ground. This is commonly achieved with a hydraulic ram assembly mounted on a large vehicle. A multi-purpose research vehicle will be outfitted for in situ geotechnical testing. The equipment will allow for better characterization, analysis, and understanding of the behavior of porous (soft) soils in their natural setting. In addition, the research will provide new instrumentation and calibration procedures needed for studies on penetration mechanisms in soft soils.
