Penetrometer Tests Research Articles

Characterization of Recycled Aggregates in Existing Pavement Base Layers

ABSTRACT The use of recycled pavement materials in transportation infrastructure projects has contributed positively to maintaining a sustainable flow of construction materials and sources. Geotechnical properties of recycled pavement materials play a major role in the suitability of such materials for use in civil infrastructure. This study aimed at evaluating the properties of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) and reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) used as base layer materials in existing hot mix asphalt pavements (with service life of more than 8 years) and comparing them with virgin crushed aggregate (CA) base materials of similar service life. Coring of flexible pavement surface layers at 18 pavement sites was performed to expose the base course layer materials for sampling and testing. Then, the dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) test was conducted in which the cone penetrated through base layers to the subgrade when possible. Thereafter, base materials were retrieved from the pavement sites for laboratory testing and evaluation. Laboratory tests consisted of particle size analysis, specific gravity and absorption, and Micro-Deval abrasion. Analysis of the particle size distribution showed the presence of high sand size fractions in both RCA and RAP base materials compared with virgin CA base materials. This indicated the recycled materials were crushed/milled to smaller size fractions or degraded under freeze-thaw cycles and traffic loads during the pavement’s service life, or both. The RCA base materials exhibited the highest absorption and mass loss in the Micro-Deval test. The DCP test results were used to predict California bearing ratio (CBR) and resilient modulus (Mr) of base materials. The predicted CBR and resilient modulus of the recycled base materials showed that RCA, RAP, and CA all had comparable strength and modulus values that were high. The investigated recycled RCA and RAP aggregates possessed properties that are comparable with the properties of the virgin CA.

Improved computational methods for probabilistic liquefaction hazard analysis

Current procedures for analysis of and design against liquefaction hazards focus primarily on the use of probabilistic ground motions at a single ground-shaking hazard level, with the cyclic loading represented by a peak ground acceleration (PGA) corresponding to a target return period and a single representative moment magnitude Mw. These parameters are typically used in conjunction with deterministic simplified procedures for estimating liquefaction triggering and consequences that largely neglect the considerable uncertainties inherent to liquefaction problems. Motivated by these limitations and the resulting inconsistencies in liquefaction design levels, early methods for probabilistic liquefaction hazard analysis (PLHA) were proposed that incorporate the full ground motion hazard space, integrated with probabilistic liquefaction triggering models. Such methods provide liquefaction factor of safety (FSL) hazard curves for standard penetration test (SPT) data. Recognizing the increased use of higher-resolution cone penetrometer test (CPT) data in engineering analysis and design and the potential computational challenges it presents, an expanded suite of probabilistic triggering models, and wider availability of more detailed seismic hazard data, an improved PLHA computational methodology is presented in this study. The methods described utilize the U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard Model directly through web services to obtain PGA hazard and disaggregation calculations for any site and average shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m of the site (Vs30) in the conterminous United States, to reconstruct the PGA hazard space for use in PLHA calculations, and to employ array calculations for efficient liquefaction hazard curve estimates for the thousands of CPT measurements in a given profile. The framework presented here is modular in nature, and discussion on the use of alternative models and extension to probabilistic liquefaction consequence evaluation is presented. The importance of appropriate representation of probabilistic liquefaction model uncertainties is also highlighted, along with the impacts of different levels of uncertainty on the PLHA calculation. Finally, a potential roadmap for incorporation of the PLHA framework in seismic provisions is presented, with an illustration of how it can address current limitations and impacts in liquefaction hazard analysis and design.

Effect of Composite Portland Cement for Subgrade Stabilization and the Effect on Unsoaked CBR Value

Soil is a material that has an essential role in construction. Soils that have low bearing capacity require soil improvement. One method of soil improvement is soil stabilization using composite portland cement. Based on the results of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test, the location in this study, namely Cibingbin village, Pandeglang Regency, has a bearing capacity of 2.67%, meaning that the soil at this location needs to be repaired. This study aimed to determine the effect of portland cement on physical properties and unsoaked CBR values. Variations of portland cement used were 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, with curing times of 0 days and seven days. The results showed that based on the unified soil classification system (USCS), the soil classification was in the CH category (inorganic clay with high plasticity, fat clay) and the maximum CBR value was obtained at 8% Portland cement variety at seven days curing time, namely 13.23%.

A Case Study on Distresses of Concrete Pavements Supported on a Retaining Wall

Embankments and retaining walls are integral parts of the bridge system and provide a smooth transition from lower elevations (i.e., roadways) to higher elevations (i.e., bridge decks). Performances of pavement structures supported on embankments or retaining walls are directly related to their conditions. This paper presents a comprehensive case study of the evaluation of pavement structures supported on an in-service mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall that showed significant distresses, such as lane separation, faulting, lane settlement, and tilting of the MSE wall. The conditions of the pavement structures were evaluated via visual observations, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests, and coring through pavement structures. The conditions of the MSE wall were evaluated through dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) tests, cone penetration tests (CPTs), LiDAR surveys, and soil borings. Detailed analysis of the data obtained in this study provides valuable insights into potential distress mechanisms.

Development of a new T-bar for the geotechnical centrifuge at TU Delft

An accurate estimation of undrained shear strength of clay seabed is important for interpreting lateral pile-soil interaction response. The cylindrical T-bar is a widely used site investigation tool for profiling the undrained strength (su) of soft soils. As such, a new miniature T-bar penetrometer is designed and fabricated at TU Delft for characterization of the undrained shear strength profile of clay layer in centrifuge models, and OCR profile can be then derived from undrained shear strength profile with known pre-consolidation stress level. The miniature T-bar penetrometer head is a cylinder of 5 mm in diameter and 20 mm in length and the miniature T-bar penetrometer head is connected with a rigid shaft (Figure 1(a)). The T-bar penetration resistance along the depth of clay sample can be obtained and further interpreted into the undrained shear strength profile.
 Rate of penetration is one of the key parameters that govern the drainage behaviour of soil response around the T-bar and the resulting penetration resistance. A very low rate of penetration leads to partial pore water dissipation and thus partial drainage condition. When a very large rate of penetration is applied, the fully undrained condition is achieved. However, the effect of T-bar penetration rate has not previously been fully examined for normally consolidated and over consolicated clay in the centrifuge. In this paper, the tip resistance profile of T-bar penetration tests under different rates of penetration is analyzed to obtain undrained shear strength profile of clay soils.
 A series of T-bar tests are conducted in both normally consolidated and slightly over consolidated clay samples at 100 g. The sample drainage state is tested by varying the rate of penetration from 0.01 mm/s to 5 mm/s. The results are interpreted by two methods: (i) the conventional method by converting the measured penetration resistance to soil strength using a single bearing factor, indicating a full-flow mechanism at failure [1]; and (ii) an approach considering soil buoyancy and a reduced bearing factor arising from the shallow failure mechanism, indicating the shallow correction procedure has a significant influence on the soil strength profile inferred from a T-bar penetrometer test [2]. The interpreted undrained shear strength profile provides soil property and OCR information for further monopile tests in the centrifuge, allowing a comprehensive study of the soil-structure interaction on soft soils.

Subsurface Geotechnical Competence Evaluation Using Geoelectric Sounding and Direct Cone Penetrometer Test at Plural Garden Estate, Ilaramokin Southwestern Nigeria

In order to evaluate the geotechnical competence of the subsurface soil materials at Plural Garden Estate, Ilaramokin Southwestern Nigeria, geotechnical investigations involving geoelectric sounding and Direct Cone Penetrometer Test (DCPT) was carried out in the estate. A total of 27 VES points and 8 DCPT points were occupied across the study area. A, H, K, Q and KH are the five sounding curve types delineated in the area. Resistivity values of the top soil, weathered layer, fractured layer and fresh bedrock vary from 65-864, 156-1698, 28-217, 433-12167 ohm-m respectively, while their thicknesses vary from 0.7-3.7, 2.4-10.5 and 6.3-40.1 m in the upper three layers respectively. The geoelectric sounding results were presented as depth slices at depths of 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 2.0 m competency maps. Larger part (70 to 80 %) of the surfaces (1.0 and 2.0 m) considered in the study area are characterized as moderate to high competent. The depth slice iso-resistivity maps indicated that geotechnical competence increases with depth within the shallow depths considered (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 2.0 m). Geotechnical test involving DCPT were done at common depth of 1.0 m to validate the 1.0 m competency map. The DCPT agreed with the geoelectrical derived 1.0 m depth slice competence map. Some zones suspected to be very low and low competence were revealed to be competent based on DCPT suggesting that the low resistivity may be due to the presence of non-plastic clay and moisture.

3D printable concrete without chemical admixtures: Fresh and hardened properties

AbstractThere are several significant advantages to 3D concrete printing (3DCP) over conventional concreting techniques. Structures are built by printing them one layer at a time. This study aimed to improve the usability and accessibility of this technology to solve on‐site issues, such as those caused by chemical admixture. In order to construct concrete that can be printed in three dimensions, researchers added many chemical admixtures in controlled quantities. This experiment's main goals were to prepare 3D printable concrete (3DPC) without chemical admixture and to evaluate fresh and hardened properties. Slump, flow, extrudability, buildability, open time, and penetrometer tests were carried out for fresh properties. Compressive, flexural, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity were evaluated for hardened properties. The printed specimens in the longitudinal direction exhibited higher compressive strength than in the downward and lateral directions. Similarly, higher flexural and splitting tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of printed specimens than in the downward and lateral direction. The results of developing 3DPC without chemical admixtures demonstrated good performance in fresh and hardened properties.

Predicting the Strength Performance of Hydrated-Lime Activated Rice Husk Ash-Treated Soil Using Two Grey-Box Machine Learning Models

Geotechnical engineering relies heavily on predicting soil strength to ensure safe and efficient construction projects. This paper presents a study on the accurate prediction of soil strength properties, focusing on hydrated-lime activated rice husk ash (HARHA) treated soil. To achieve precise predictions, the researchers employed two grey-box machine learning models—classification and regression trees (CART) and genetic programming (GP). These models introduce innovative equations and trees that readers can readily apply to new databases. The models were trained and tested using a comprehensive laboratory database consisting of seven input parameters and three output variables. The results indicate that both the proposed CART trees and GP equations exhibited excellent predictive capabilities across all three output variables—California bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and resistance value (Rvalue) (according to the in-situ cone penetrometer test). The GP proposed equations, in particular, demonstrated a superior performance in predicting the UCS and Rvalue parameters, while remaining comparable to CART in predicting the CBR. This research highlights the potential of integrating grey-box machine learning models with geotechnical engineering, providing valuable insights to enhance decision-making processes and safety measures in future infrastructural development projects.

Influence of environmental stresses on the durability of slag-based alkali-activated cement crusts for wind erosion control

Wind erosion is a significant environmental challenge in arid and semi-arid regions, and artificial crust creation on the soil surface has emerged as an effective approach to mitigate this phenomenon. Various methods of crust formation have been proposed to combat wind erosion in these regions. However, a comprehensive study assessing the durability of these crusts against environmental stresses has been lacking. Hence, the primary objective of the present study is to address this critical issue by evaluating the erodibility and surface strength of alkali-activated slag crusts in response to various environmental stressors. These stressors encompass ultraviolet radiation, heating and cooling cycles, wetting and drying cycles, and freezing and thawing cycles. Through wind tunnel tests, erosion rates were measured under different wind velocities and saltation bombardment conditions, while penetrometer tests were conducted to analyze surface strength. The results demonstrate that alkali-activated cementation produced robust crusts, exhibiting an impressive reduction of over 99.9 % in erosion rates compared to untreated samples. However, the introduction of environmental stresses led to a fivefold increase in erosion rates. Freeze and thaw cycles had the most detrimental effect on the alkali-activated cement crusts while heating and cooling cycles had a relatively minor impact. The wetting and drying cycles and UV radiation ranked second and third, respectively, in terms of their destructive effects on crust erodibility. Despite the observed effects, the crusts maintained their efficiency even when subjected to severe environmental stresses. Notably, the erosion rate of the treated crusts after enduring the most severe studied stress, that is five freeze and thaw cycles, was over 250 times lower than that of the untreated samples.

Assessment of the Composition Effect of a Bio-Cementation Solution on the Efficiency of Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation Processes in Loose Sandy Soil.

Soil properties are the most important factors determining the safety of civil engineering structures. One of the soil improvement methods studied, mainly under laboratory conditions, is the use of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Many factors influencing the successful application of the MICP method can be distinguished; however, one of the most important factors is the composition of the bio-cementation solution. This study aimed to propose an optimal combination of a bio-cementation solution based on carbonate precipitation, crystal types, and the comprehensive strength of fine sand after treatment. A series of laboratory tests were conducted with the urease-producing environmental strain of bacteria B. subtilis, using various combinations of cementation solutions containing precipitation precursors (H2NCONH2, C6H10CaO6, CaCl2, MgCl2). To decrease the environmental impact and increase the efficiency of MICP processed, the addition of calcium lactate (CaL) and Mg ions was evaluated. This study was conducted in Petri dishes, assuming a 14-day soil treatment period. The content of water-soluble carbonate precipitates and their mineralogical characterization, as well as their mechanical properties, were determined using a pocket penetrometer test. The studies revealed that a higher concentration of CaL and Mg in the cementation solution led to the formation of a higher amount of precipitates during the cementation process. However, the crystal forms were not limited to stable forms, such as calcite, aragonite, (Ca, Mg)-calcite, and dolomite, but also included water-soluble components such as nitrocalcite, chloro-magnesite, and nitromagnesite. The presence of bacteria allowed for the increasing of the carbonate content by values ranging from 15% to 42%. The highest comprehensive strength was achieved for the bio-cementation solution containing urea (0.25 M), CaL (0.1 M), and an Mg/Ca molar ratio of 0.4. In the end, this research helped to achieve higher amounts of precipitates with the optimum combination of bio-cementation solutions for the soil improvement process. However, the numerical analysis of the precipitation processes and the methods reducing the environmental impact of the technology should be further investigated.

Strength and stiffness characterizations of geo-materials composing unpaved roads using LFWD, DCP, and CDP tests

To assess the condition of the geomaterials composing unpaved roads subjected to cyclic wheel loads by moving vehicles, it is necessary to evaluate the variations in mechanical properties with depth. In this study, a crosshole-type dynamic cone penetrometer (CDP) was applied to characterize the stiffness of unpaved soil along its depth. In addition, light falling weight deflectometer (LFWD) and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) tests were conducted for a comparative analysis. The LFWD, DCP, and CDP tests were conducted on a newly constructed unpaved road after the application of 0, 200, and 400 cycles of wheel loads by a moving vehicle. From the experimental results, the strength and stiffness properties such as Evd, NDCP, and Vs, were obtained, and their incremental ratios were investigated according to the number of cyclic wheel loads. In addition, the improved relationships between Evd, NDCP, and Vs were constructed considering the strain influence factors with depth. This study demonstrates that CDP can be an efficient testing method to profile the stiffness of unpaved roads, and the relationships considering the strain influence factors may be used effectively for reasonably estimating the engineering properties.

Wind erosion control using alkali-activated slag cement: Experimental investigation and microstructural analysis

This paper aims to mitigate wind erosion of soil by employing alkali-activated slag. Wind tunnel tests were conducted on soil samples treated with varying percentages of slag at different wind speeds (7, 14, 21, and 28 m/s) and under a sand bombardment condition. In the absence of saltating particles, the erodibility ratios of the alkali-activated slag-treated samples with weight percentages of 1%, 2%, 4%, and 6% to the untreated sample at the highest wind speed (i.e., 28 m/s) correspond to 0.19%, 0.10%, 0.08%, and 0.06%, respectively. Moreover, in the presence of saltating particle bombardment, these samples exhibited erodibility reductions of 98.5%, 98.8%, 99.4%, and 99.6% compared to the untreated sample. The strength of the formed crusts, determined by penetrometer tests, increased significantly for the treated samples, ranging from 1300 to 6500 times greater than the untreated sample. The complementary analysis using x-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of albite and anorthite crystals along with the formation of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate, sodium aluminosilicate hydrate, and calcium silicate hydrate gels in the cementation process. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of alkali-activated slag in forming strong crusts that provide substantial protection against wind erosion, resulting in a significant decrease in wind erodibility.

Effectiveness of Protein and Polysaccharide Biopolymers as Dust Suppressants on Mine Soils: Large-Scale Field Trials

Recent laboratory studies have shown that biopolymers have the potential to act as dust suppressants on barren mine soils. However, there is a lack of field trials investigating the effectiveness of biopolymer treatments under real field conditions on a large scale. This study performed field trials to examine the potential of three biopolymers—corn starch (CS), xanthan gum (XG), and fava bean protein concentrate (FBPC)—as dust suppressants. The field trials started in August 2022 with spraying of low doses of the selected biopolymers on trial areas of an overburden dump at the Inden open-cast lignite mine, Germany. The field trials were conducted over 45 days. They included repeated measurements of dust emissions from soil plots exposed to different airflows generated by an electric blower, visual inspections, and penetrometer tests. The results showed that all biopolymer treatments effectively suppressed dust emissions in the short term up to 8 days after application. Total suspended particle emissions measured on the biopolymer-treated trial plots were significantly reduced and ranged from 0.05 to 0.27 mg/m3 compared to the untreated control (4.5 to 39.2 mg/m3). The visual inspections and penetrometer tests supported these results. After day 8, rainfall-induced leaching of the biopolymers resulted in the rapid degradation of the treatments’ effectiveness. The results suggest that the treatments would have lasted longer under dry conditions. Thus, the field trials provide practical evidence that biopolymers can effectively mitigate dust emissions on exposed, undisturbed mine soils in the short term, making them a bio-based alternative to traditional dust suppressants, such as chloride salts or petroleum-based products.

Integrated and data Science-informed seabed characterisation for optimised foundation design

Unlike traditional offshore oil and gas projects which generally involve a limited number of structures and are confined to a relatively small seabed footprint, renewable energy projects such as offshore wind farms can comprise many tens or even hundreds of structures dispersed across an extensive area. Driven by the need for offshore wind to reduce costs while also minimising project risk, there is currently a strong focus within the offshore industry on identifying new ways to extract the full benefit from all available site investigation data and carry this benefit through to engineering design. This paper provides a demonstration of two such approaches that utilise geo-data from offshore Western Australia, potentially representative of conditions of future offshore wind farms; the first is an integrated approach combining geophysical and geotechnical data through a seismic inversion process, while the second encompasses statistical analysis of geotechnical cone penetrometer and soil strength test data combined with a Bayesian compressive sampling-based spatial interpolation method. The demonstrations yielded useful findings about the methodologies and associated input requirements. It is envisaged this work will lead to the development of an efficient integrated framework for interpreting geo-data that will inform future offshore site investigation and geotechnical design practice.

Analysis of Physical and Mechanical Soil Properties Determined Using Interpretations of Dilatometric Test (DMT) and Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Methods

Road design is a complex, time-consuming, and very responsible process. To develop a high-quality and viable road project, it is very important to start with an accurate geological survey in order to define the best road layout. Moreover, the geotechnical characterisation of foundation soils and construction materials as well as the analysis and assessment of geotechnical works are mandatory. Laboratory and in situ investigations are complementary and should be carried out by defining a cost-effective investigation campaign. Most often, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) or Cone (static) Penetration Test (CPT) are performed because they are economic and quick. In addition, it is also possible to perform the Marchetti Dilatometer Test (DMT). From the obtained test results, the data are interpreted by determining the properties of the soil layers. Although all probing methods are similar, each of them gives slightly different results. The aim of this study is to analyse and compare the results of the probing test, to determine the difference between the obtained data and to find out how the obtained results affect the development of constructive solutions from the safety and economic point of view.

Evaluation of non-destructive techniques for mechanical characterisation of earth-based mortars in masonry joints

In this paper, the use of non-destructive tests for the mechanical characterisation of earth-based mortars in masonry joints is discussed. Four testing methods, namely the penetrometer, Schmidt hammer, pendulum hammer and scratch test, originally developed for other types of mortar, are reviewed. The methods are applied to the earth-based mortars at the Wupatki Pueblo archaeological site, in Arizona, US. The outcomes of the experimental programme allowed to assess the reliability of the methods and to identify their limitations. Finally, the methods are compared in terms of six qualitative indicators, namely easy-of-use, consistency of results, range and granularity of results, respect towards cultural value, depth of investigation under the visible surface and versatility in application. Overall, the penetrometer test is recommended as the preferable method to characterise the mechanical performance of earth-based mortars.

The Practice and Development of T-Bar Penetrometer Tests in Offshore Engineering Investigation: A Comprehensive Review

In recent years, the development of marine hydrocarbon resources has led to an increased demand for research on the marine soil bearing capacity and cyclic loading effect in marine engineering design. Because of the difficulties and high costs involved in obtaining high-quality soil samples from offshore sites, in situ testing techniques have become the preferred method of determining design parameters in offshore geotechnical engineering projects. This paper provides a review of the current state of marine penetrometer deployment technology used in offshore engineering investigations and presents a summary of the T-bar penetrometer test for measuring marine soft clay. The existing literature research on penetration mechanisms, numerical simulations, laboratory experiments, and field tests of the T-bar penetrometer in the field of marine geotechnical engineering are analyzed. Finally, the potential difficulties, challenges, and prospects of the T-bar penetrometer tests are discussed.

Improved predictive model for the strength of fluidized seabed sediments with rate effect characteristics by full-scale spherical penetrometer tests

Sampling fluidized seabed surface sediments with viscous fluid characteristics is highly challenging, making in situ penetration tests essential to evaluate their strength. Unfortunately, an in situ full-flow spherical penetrometer (i.e., ball) is typically used to assess the strength via deep penetration, and research on surface penetration, extensive viscous fluid shear behavior of fluidized surface sediments, and ball-ambient water-surface sediment interaction is lacking. To address this gap, this study utilizes a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model validated through centrifugal tests to examine the penetration of balls with free and no-slip in fluidized seabed surface sediments with the shear rate effect. This study analyzes the stress characteristics on a ball under complex conditions and proposes three phases of the penetration resistance coefficient of the ball in fluidized surface sediments. Additionally, this study quantifies the effects of various factors, such as initial undrained shear strength, rate effect, ambient water above the ball, and contact relationship between the ball and fluidized seabed surface sediment, on sediment strength evaluation. Finally, this study establishes a three-phase method to evaluate the undrained shear strength of fluidized seabed surface sediments by full-scale spherical penetrometer tests. This method calculates the surface penetration resistance coefficients as functions of the dimensionless penetration depth, providing a vital basis for acquiring the strength of fluidized seabed surface sediments.

Discussion of “Practical transitions among undrained shear strengths of remolded samples from pocket penetrometer tests and other laboratory tests” by Budak T.O., Gurbuz A. and Eksioglu B. [Catena 213 (2022) 106148

This article presents an appraisal of the recently published research paper in the Catena Journal titled “Practical transitions among undrained shear strengths of remolded samples from pocket penetrometer tests and other laboratory tests”. This paper investigated correlations on undrained shear strength (su) with liquidity index (IL) among pocket (soil) penetrometer (PP), fall-cone, laboratory vane, unconfined compression (UC), and unconsolidated-undrained triaxial compression test methods for 10 fine-grained soils investigated. Some differences between the mobilized su for testing of identically prepared samples of a given soil using different strength measurement approaches could be expected. However, the data plots presented in the original paper indicate that, depending on the IL, significantly different su values can be mobilized among several of these strength tests for a given water content — an aspect that merits critical examination. In this discussion of said paper, several observations are presented on various shortcomings in the adopted experimental methods, as reported in the original paper, and in the su – IL data analyses presented for the different strength tests investigated. Also, with the spring-operated piston of the PP device usually calibrated (by the manufacturer) using correlation studies with UC strength data, the good agreement obtained for the Authors’ PP and UC su – IL correlations would be expected.

Effectiveness of Protein and Polysaccharide Biopolymers as Dust Suppressants on Mine Soils: Results from Wind Tunnel and Penetrometer Testing

For the dust control of barren mine soils, protein and polysaccharide biopolymers have recently shown potential as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional dust suppressants (e.g., salt brines or petroleum-based products). However, laboratory studies that determine suitable application parameters are required for large-scale field trials. This study performed wind tunnel and pocket penetrometer tests to investigate the wind erosion and penetration resistance of treatments with different biopolymer types, concentrations (wt%), and application rates (L/m2) on two mine soils. The results demonstrate that all treatments significantly enhanced the wind erosion resistance of both tested soil types, with the biopolymer type, concentration, and application rate having a significant effect. Depending on the biopolymer type and application parameter, the wind-induced soil loss ranged from 0.86 to 423.9 g/m2 (Control = 2645.0 g/m2) for medium-grained sand and from 0.3 to 225 g/m2 (Control = 26,177.0 g/m2) for fine-grained silica sand, with the soil loss reducing as concentrations increase, until it reached a plateau concentration. For a similar performance, the tested proteins (wheat and fava bean protein) must be applied at higher concentrations than those of the polysaccharides (xanthan gum, corn starch, and carboxymethylcellulose). Spearman rank correlation revealed a moderate-to-strong negative correlation between soil loss (g/m2) and penetration resistance (N), rendering the pocket penetrometer a rapid, low-cost, and indirect method for evaluating potential dust suppressants. This research contributes to evaluating biopolymers as alternatives to traditional dust suppressants for controlling dust emissions on barren surfaces. Biopolymers are biodegradable and can be sourced regionally at a relatively low cost, reducing the environmental impact and expenses associated with dust suppression.