When soft soils cause project delays, every minute—and every dollar—counts. At Coleman Moore Company, we’ve built a reputation for turning on‑site challenges into streamlined solutions that have saved owners millions. With our deep expertise in Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) testing and our smart integration of advanced design tools like Tensar Plus, we offer you a process you can trust to get your project back on track quickly.
Diagnosing the Problem with In‑Situ Testing
When a project grinds to a halt because of weak subgrades, our team at Coleman Moore Company steps in immediately. We meet with engineers and contractors on‑site to discuss the issues and then perform a series of DCP tests to understand the soil’s behavior.
- Grid or Linear Pattern:
• For large areas, we set up a grid to map variability across the site.
• For road projects, we run a straight‑line series along the proposed alignment. - DCP Testing Basics:
The DCP test involves repeatedly dropping an 8‑kg hammer on a cone that penetrates the soil. Each blow’s penetration is recorded to quickly indicate in‑situ soil strength. This rapid assessment is one of the many reasons our clients trust Coleman Moore Company—our proven process has delivered results on countless projects.
Learn more about the fundamentals of DCP testing on Pavement Interactive
.
Converting DCP Data to CBR Values
After collecting the DCP readings, we convert the results into a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value – a key metric that quantifies soil strength.
- Why CBR?
The CBR value, originally developed for highway design, compares the soil’s resistance to penetration against a standard crushed rock. This conversion gives you a direct measure of the subgrade’s load‑bearing capacity, ensuring that the final design can support the intended traffic.
For a detailed overview of CBR testing, check out Wikipedia
.
Streamlining Design with Tensar Plus and Coleman Moore Expertise
Once we have your CBR values, our process doesn’t stop there. At Coleman Moore Company, we input these figures into the industry‑leading Tensar Plus app—a cloud‑based geotechnical design tool that calculates the optimum pavement or aggregate thickness for your project.
- The Road Module & Beyond:
Depending on your project’s requirements, we select the appropriate Tensar Plus module:
• Pass the Proof Roll: Ensures initial pavement performance is guaranteed.
• Unpaved Road & Subgrade Stabilization: Perfect for enhancing subgrade strength before paving.
• Heavy Haul Road: Designed for projects that must support exceptionally heavy loads.
• Asphalt Pavement: Optimizes design for conventional paved surfaces. - Our Expertise Makes the Difference:
While Tensar Plus offers advanced design capabilities, it’s our hands‑on experience and technical knowhow that truly set us apart. Coleman Moore Company has performed DCP testing on many projects, and our seasoned experts have repeatedly delivered solutions that not only meet design standards but also save time and money for project owners.
Real‑World Success Story
Project: CF Industries Plant Expansion
Location: Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Measured CBR: 1.0%
At CF Industries in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, soft subgrade conditions threatened to derail the entire project. The geotechnical engineer’s report revealed extremely poor soils with a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of just 1.0%—far below the required strength.
The Challenge:
Massive excavation loads, oversized plant components and tens of thousands of truck passes required an all-weather haul road, heavy haul road, laydown/staging areas and parking areas capable of sustaining more than two years of ongoing construction traffic over the existing soft soils.
Our Approach:
Using comprehensive geotechnical data provided by our consultants, we converted the soil information into reliable CBR values. With these critical insights, the team at Coleman Moore Company developed an optimized roadway and laydown sections . By integrating advanced design methodologies and stabilization techniques we were able to significantly reduce the required aggregate thickness without compromising performance.
The Outcome:
Our optimized design resulted in a dramatic reduction in aggregate usage. Every inch shaved off the aggregate layer translated directly into an approximate saving of $1 million in construction costs. This not only enabled the project to resume quickly and efficiently but also delivered substantial financial benefits for the owner.
Clients Should Expect Fast Reliable Results
Our approach marries cutting‑edge technology with unparalleled field expertise:
- Speed & Efficiency: Rapid on‑site evaluations ensure you’re not waiting weeks for lab results.
- Accurate, Data‑Driven Decisions: Converting DCP readings to CBR provides a reliable measure of subgrade strength, allowing us to recommend precise design modifications.
- Proven Track Record: Our process has been honed through years of field experience, consistently saving our clients millions.
- Tailored, Expert Solutions: While Tensar Plus is an excellent tool, our team’s expertise in interpreting data and crafting solutions is what truly makes the difference.
all Us
When soft soils bring a project to a standstill, Coleman Moore Company offers a proven, fast‑track solution. Our on‑site DCP testing, conversion to CBR values, and integration with Tensar Plus design software combine to deliver results that are both cost‑effective and reliable. Trust our expertise to guide your project forward—our process is designed to get you moving, save you money, and give you the confidence that your design is built on a solid foundation.
For more details on our process or to discuss your next project, contact Coleman Moore Company today.