Field Density Test of Soil by Sand Replacement Method.

Determination of Field Density Test of Soil by Sand Replacement Method.

The field density test of soil is conducted in the field to know whether the specified compaction is achieved or not. Normally Sand Replacement Method is adopted for this purpose.

Sand Replacement Method is also known as Sand Cone Method.

The apparatus used in this field density test consists of a sand pouring cylinder, with pouring cone at its base.

There is a shutter between the cylinder and the cone. The cylinder is first calibrated to determine the unit Weight of sand.

For good results, the sand used should be uniform, dry and clean passing a 1.0 mm sieve and retained on a 600-micron sieve.

Test Standard:

AASHTO                  T99-86

ASTM                      D 446-82

BS1377:                  Part 4.

Apparatus:

1. Sand cone apparatus, filled with uniformly graded sand passing through No. 20 sieve and retained on No. 30 sieve.

2. Density Plate, with a central circular hole of diameter equal to the diameter of pouring cone.

3. Digging tools.

4. Balances sensitive to 1 gm & 0.1 gm.

5. Spoon.

6. Brush.

7. Moisture containers.

8. Oven.