noun
- an instrument used to measure the resistance of soil or other materials to penetration
Usage: technical; engineering
Examples
- The engineer used a penetrometer to test the soil’s bearing capacity before construction.
- Geotechnical surveys often require penetrometer readings at various depths.
- The penetrometer indicated that the clay layer was too soft for the foundation.
- Agricultural researchers use penetrometers to measure soil compaction.
- The construction team took penetrometer measurements every ten feet across the site.
- A cone penetrometer was driven into the ground to assess soil density.