Experience with the DP Conductivity Cone

Recent advances in cone penetration technology has led to the ability to measure an increasing number of in situ soil properties. The electrical conductivity of a soil can now be measured by the conductivity cone which enables an assessment of groundwater quality. This paper presents basic theory relevant to the electrical conductivity of saturated soils, describes calibration of the conductivity cone developed by D J Douglas & Partners Pty Ltd (DP) and presents results from a local case study demonstrating application of this test in an environmental investigation.