Density of the soil in place by the Sand Cone Method

Introduction:
This test method sets out the procedure for the determination for the in-situ dry density of
compacted soils, gravels and crushed rock materials in earth works and pavement layers by the
sand replacement method using a sand pouring cone. This test is generally limited to materials
with a maximum particle size of 38 mm.
The basic principle of sand replacement method is to measure the in-situ volume of hole from
which the material was excavated from the weight of sand with known density filling in the hole.
The in-situ density of material is given by the weight of the excavated material divided by the insitu volume.
This test method is applicable for soils without appreciable amounts of rock or coarse materials
in excess of 38 mm diameter. The main application of this test is the cases like embankment and
pavement construction. This is basically a quality control test where a certain degree of
compaction is required. This test is also used in stability analysis of embankments and slopes, for
the calculation of pressure in underlaying strata for settlement problems and also design of
underground structures.
Objectives:

Objective of this test is to determine the field density by sand replacement method.

Apparatus:
The following apparatus are required (Figure 1).

Figure 1 - Apparatus for Sand Cone Method.

1) The standard density apparatus consisting of jar and detachable appliance consisting of a
cylindrical value with an orifice 12.5 mm in diameter.

2) Any clean, dry free-flowing un-cemented sand.

3) A balance of 10 kg, capacity readable and accurate to at least 0.01 g.
4) Density base plate with a center flanged 16.5 mm diameter hole.
5) Miscellaneous equipment such as small pick chisels or spoons for digging test hole.
6) Small containers for moisture content determination.
7) Drying Oven A thermostatically controlled oven capable of continuously maintaining a
temperature of 105 110 C0, throughout the drying chamber.
Procedure:
1) The volume of the Bottle (Jar) was determined earlier and it was taken as 3975 cm 3 in this
trail test.
2) The Bulk Density of the sand to be used in the field test was determine as follows.

The empty assembled apparatus was weighed and recorded.

The empty apparatus was placed up right on a firm level surface, the valve was closed
and the funnel was filled with sand.

Then the valve was opened and keeping funnel at least half full of sand, the apparatus was
filled with sand. Then the valve was closed sharply and the excess sand was emptied .

The apparatus was measured with sand and the net weight of sand was determined by
subtracting the weight of the apparatus.

3) The weight of the sand required to fill the funnel was determined as follows.

The sand was put in the apparatus and the weight of apparatus and sand was secured.

The inverted apparatus was seated on a clean, level, plane surface.

The valve was opened and kept open until after the sand was stopped running.

The valve was closed sharply, weighted the apparatus with remaining sand and the loss of
sand was determined. This loss represents the weight of sand required to fill the funnel.

4) The density of the soil in the field was determined as follows.

The surface of the location to be tested was prepared so that it was a level plane.

Metal density base plate with a center flanged 16.5 mm diameter hole was placed on the
required location and it was nailed to the ground.

The inverted apparatus was seated on the prepared plane surface over the hole of metal
plate and marked the outline of the hole.

The test hole inside the mark was dug and extreme care was taken to avoid disturbing the
soil that will bound the hole.

All loosened soil was placed in a container without losing any material.

The apparatus was seated in the previously marked position, the valve was opened and
after the sand had stopped flowing, the valve was closed.

The apparatus was weighted with remaining sand and the weight of sand used in the test
was determined.

The material that was removed from the test hole was weighted.

The material was mixed thoroughly, secured and weighed with a representative, sample
for moisture determination.

Sample was kept in the oven for water content determination and after 24 hours it was
weighed.

Observation:
Observations are given in Annex 1.
Calculations and result:

In-situ Density of soil;

sand = W2 W1
V1

in kg/m3

The Water Content of the Soil and then the Dry Density of the soil;
Water content

w = MW
MS

Dry Density

dry = bulk
(1+w)

The results are given in Annex 1.

Specimen Calculation:
Bulk Density of the sand

=
=

Mass of sand required to fill the funnel

=
=

Mass of sand required to fill the hole & the funnel =

=
Mass of sand required to fill the hole

=
=

Volume of the hole

=
=

Mass of the soil

=
=

Bulk density of the soil

=
=

Moisture content of the soil

=
=

Dry density in the field

=
=

The Max Dry Density

Relative Compaction

=
=

Discussion:
1) The Limitations of this Test.
Sand Cone method is not suitable for organic, saturated, or highly plastic soils that would
deform or compress during the excavation of the test hole.
This test method may not be suitable for soils consisting of unbound granular materials
that will not maintain stable sides in the test holes. The soil or other material being tested
should have sufficient cohesion or particle attraction to maintain stable sides on a small
hole or excavation, and be firm enough to withstand the minor pressures exerted in
digging the hole and placing the apparatus over it, without deforming or sloughing.
Sand Cone method cannot be used in soils containing appreciable amounts of coarse
materials larger than 38 mm (11/2 in.) and it is applicable for soils without appreciable
amounts of rock or coarse materials in excess of 38 mm (11/2 in.) in diameter.
This test method is also not suitable for granular soils having high void ratios. Sand Cone
method cannot be used if the natural voids or pore openings in the soil are not small
enough to prevent the sand used in the test from entering the voids.

2) Compare the Sand Cone Method with other Methods of Field Density
Determinations.
There are several methods for determination of field density of soils such as core cutter
method, sand replacement method, rubber balloon method, heavy oil method etc.
Core cutter method has a major limitation in the case of soils containing coarse-grained
particles such as gravel, stones and aggregates. Under such circumstances, field density
test by sand replacement method is advantageous, as the presence of coarse-grained
particles will adversely affect the test results.