Abstract: Provided is a consolidometer and methods of its use. In its preferred embodiment, the device and methods permit accurate and convenient laboratory sampling of the self-weight consolidation of media, such as soft soil and soil slurries that may result from dredging operations. One option also provides for attaching sensors at locations along the consolidometer for taking data on additional characteristics of the media.

Abstract: Provided is a consolidometer and methods of its use. In its preferred embodiment, the device and methods permit accurate and convenient laboratory sampling of the selfweight consolidation of media, such as soft soil and soil slurries that may result from dredging operations. One option also provides for attaching sensors at locations along the consolidometer for taking data on additional characteristics of the media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grout injection device and method for depositing a liquid grouting material in a hole formed by a cone penetrometer. The device is a modular design with a sliding sleeve member that replaces older grouting injection devices with exit port opening actuated by fluidic pressures with an improved more reliable mechanical design that is actuated by withdrawal of the cone penetrometer pipe string by friction between the sliding sleeve and the soil wall formed by the cone penetrometer. The invention solves the problem of pressure losses that can occur with prior art devices resulting in partially opened grout exit ports. The instant invention's design also achieves proper channeling of the grout flowing out of the device's grout exit ports for even distribution of grout filling the hole. This is achieved by the invention's boss structures mounted on an adapter unit of the device.

Abstract: A zone isolator module for use on a penetrometer comprises a tubular body having an annular recess in an exterior wall thereof, an elastomer membrane fixed in the annular recess and adapted to lie against an inner surface of the recess, a sleeve slidably disposed on the tubular body and slidably movable between a first position in which the sleeve completely covers the recess, and a second position in which the sleeve is substantially removed from the recess, and the body having an opening extending outwardly from an axial central bore therethrough to the inner surface of the recess, whereby fluid flowed through the bore and the opening operates to expand the elastomer membrane against the sleeve when the sleeve covers the recess and to expand the elastomer membrane beyond the exterior wall of the body when the sleeve is substantially removed from the recess.

Abstract: An improved module and assembly for sampling liquids and gases within the ground is characterized by module housings containing sampling cavities having lateral openings to the exterior of the housings. Within each lateral opening a removable insert and piston assembly is provided. The piston is displaceable between open and closed positions within the insert in response to changes in pressure from pressure and vacuum sources. When in the closed position, the piston and insert are flush with the exterior of the housing to prevent contaminants from accumulating at the opening. When the module is inserted to a desired depth in the ground, the piston is displaced to the open position and samples from the soil at the desired depth enter the sampling cavity.