ROBOCONE Testing in Onsøy Clay, Norway

Successful first set of ROBOCONE tests in Onsøy clay in Norway! University of Southampton and University of Bristol researchers worked with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) to pull off this testing.

In June 2026 researchers from the University of Southampton and University of Bristol took the ROBOCONE device to Norway to test it in clay for the first time. This device attaches to a standard CPT rod and is pushed into the ground. At a specific depth, a horizontal, or p-y module, it can be pushed out to test the lateral soil reactions. This was a fantastic week of field testing full of challenges and problem solving as anticipated with a new in-situ device.

Massive thanks to NGI - Norwegian Geotechnical Institute for the opportunity to test in Onsøy clay and all the continued support throughout the week. Additionally, Martin and Daniel our two drillers for their assistance on-site with the CPT rig operation!

We now look forward to analysing the data and continuing our large-scale testing programme at Trinity College Dublin.