Great questions and answers. I looked it up, a kit like that is around $2500. There`s also pocket penetrometers for $50, pen size tool you push in 1/4" to get a reading.
That is exactly what I've been looking for. Putting on a large deck on close to the water table, and do want piers to sink. Everyone thinks I'm crazy to be worrying about soil psi... Another vid is a guy making a soil probe from black iron, which is great if you don't mind $35 in black iron and some fittings from HD to get a sample for 4-5' depth without have to auger or dig. This looks like a shop fabbed piece from 2"(?) pipe? You're pushing a much wider diameter tip through the earth than the professional ones, was it ever calibrated against a professional one?
I'm confused on your comment? That was a company that the engineering guys use to test the soil? That's a real expert with real tools I'm sure you've heard of Summit engineering
Normally around 1200 to 2000 in my area This is all dependent on how in depth the engineers proposed details are for a proper install. And make sure you document every step so if it fails you can go back on the engineer firm that gave you a solution.
