Dynamic Cone Penetration Testing (DCP) in Geotechnical Design: Applications, Limitations, and Innovations for Infrastructure Assessment

Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) testing has emerged as a widely accepted in-situ geotechnical method for rapidly assessing soil strength, stiffness, and subgrade conditions, especially in regions with limited access to advanced testing equipment. The simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and portability of the DCP device make it particularly suitable for infrastructure design and evaluation in both developing and developed contexts. This paper provides a comprehensive literature-based overview of the use of DCP in infrastructure-related geotechnical investigations. The theoretical background and historical evolution of DCP testing are explored first, followed by focused sections covering applications in pavement design, bearing capacity estimation, CBR prediction, and layer thickness evaluation. The paper also discusses limitations including restricted penetration depth, sensitivity to soil types, operator influence, and data interpretation challenges. Two emerging directions are examined: automated DCP logging and data-driven predictive modeling via machine learning integrated with GIS platforms. Case studies from different regions, including Türkiye, illustrate how DCP methods can be adapted to varying soil conditions and project scales. The aim is to help engineers and researchers select appropriate DCP approaches while emphasizing the need for standardization and calibration across geotechnical settings. Ultimately, the paper supports the recognition of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer as a viable, scalable, and increasingly intelligent tool for field geotechnical characterization.