It took 2000 years of penetration to arrive at the Amap'Sols static-dynamic penetrometer

Penetration tests to evaluate soil resistances have been used for centuries. Their modern versions were developed in Sweden, The Netherlands and in France. Lyons took a leading position in the development of the static-dynamic penetration, first in 1959 and then again in 1967. A new static-dynamic penetrometer, called Amap’Sols, was constructed in 1993. This paper presents the unique features and first results obtained with this new device which represents an important improvement in the methods for soil investigations.