GEOTECHNICAL SITE INVESTIGATION

Geotechnical site investigations unveil the characteristics and properties of the subsurface and its various strata. This comprehension is essential for proper project sizing and subsequent success in its execution.

GEOTECHNICAL SITE INVESTIGATION

 

Our deep commitment to geotechnical engineering drives us to maintain strong partnerships with leading suppliers of advanced testing equipment, enabling precise and reliable subsurface investigations.

We believe that an effective geotechnical investigation campaign must be dynamic, collaborative, and adaptable—conducted in close coordination with engineering consultants and supported by a wide array of tools and methodologies to generate the most accurate understanding of ground conditions.

Below, we highlight some of the specialized equipment available in our operational scope. For more details on each test, please refer to our technical resources section or explore the links provided.

OUR DIFFERENTIALS

    • Highly trained and experienced field operators with in-depth technical knowledge of geotechnical testing procedures;
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    • Broad portfolio of equipment, allowing for comprehensive and tailored investigation campaigns;
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    • High-performance drill rigs with capabilities suited to various geotechnical and geoenvironmental testing needs;
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    • Strict adherence to occupational Health and Safety standards, protecting our teams, clients, and surrounding communities;
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    • Multidisciplinary team of engineers, geologists, and technicians, equipped to solve complex subsurface challenges collaboratively;

 

    • Regularly calibrated equipment, in accordance with Brazilian Calibration Network (RBC) standards and other relevant international protocols.
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CPTu – Test Description (BR)

CPTu – Granulometric behaviour (BR)

CPTu – Dissipation Tests (BR)

Piezocone Tests (CPTu)

The Piezocone Penetration Test (CPTu) is recognized as one of the most effective tools for geotechnical and geoenvironmental site characterization worldwide.

Beyond its speed and operational efficiency, the CPTu provides continuous profiling and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. Its advanced sensors allow for near-instantaneous stratigraphic interpretation, making it a reliable and versatile method for subsurface investigations in both routine and complex projects.

Flat Dilatometer Tests (DMT) – Test Description (BR)

Flat Dilatometer Tests (DMT)

Utilized in over 40 countries, the Marchetti Dilatometer Test (DMT) is a highly effective in-situ tool for geotechnical investigations, particularly well-suited for evaluating soil deformability parameters.

Renowned for its simplicity, robustness, and repeatability, the DMT offers consistent results and is supported by a vast body of published technical literature. Its ability to provide intermediate parameters—such as horizontal stress index, material index, and dilatometer modulus—makes it a valuable complement to other in-situ and laboratory tests in both design and quality control applications.

Ménard Pressuremeter Test  – Test Description (BR) 

Ménard Pressuremeter Test (PMT)

Widely used in France, the Ménard Pressuremeter Test (PMT) is a key tool for in-situ geotechnical investigations.


It provides direct measurements of soil deformability and strength, making it ideal for stress–strain analysis and foundation design.

Vane Tests (VST)

Vane tests are widely used to determine the undrained shear strength (Su) of cohesive soils under in-situ conditions, particularly in soft and sensitive clays.


We employ Type A equipment, which is designed to ensure higher accuracy and reliability in field conditions, making the test especially suitable for stability analyses, foundation design, and slope evaluation.

Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)

The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is the most widely used and traditional in-situ geotechnical investigation method in Brazil.


It provides essential data on soil resistance and stratigraphy, supporting foundation design, compaction control, and general geotechnical characterization.

Rotary Drilling

Rotary drilling is a core method for investigating rock masses, allowing the recovery and classification of rock cores for geotechnical, geological, and hydrogeological analyses.


At Damasco Penna, we are equipped to perform various rotary drilling techniques—such as conventional, wireline, and PQ/HQ/NQ systems—reaching depths of over 800 meters, depending on project requirements and geological conditions.

 

Drilling and Sampling

Soil sampling methods vary according to the objective of the investigation, soil type, depth, and other site-specific conditions.
Over the years, we have developed solid technical expertise in obtaining both disturbed and undisturbed samples, using manual methods and hydraulic drilling systems.

Our sampling scope includes tools such as Shelby tubes, Denison samplers, split spoons (SPT), and augers, ensuring suitability for a wide range of analyses—geotechnical, physical, and chemical. Sampling procedures follow relevant international standards, such as ISO 22475-1 and ASTM D1587, to ensure the reliability and representativeness of collected specimens.

Alameda Rio Negro nº 1.105
Barueri - São Paulo

Damasco Penna

We have been transforming the Brazilian geotechnical egineering for over 40 years.

Excellence from beginning to the end

Our company performs diverse geotechnical, geological and geoenvironmental services throughout the Brazilian territory.