Field Density — Sand Cone / Core Cutter — Lab Manual
Field Density — Sand Cone / Core Cutter: objective, apparatus, step-by-step procedure, formulas, typical values and a printable data sheet (ASTM D1556 / BS 1377-9).
Objective & standard
In-place dry density and degree of compaction of fills, subgrades and backfill.
Standard: ASTM D1556 / BS 1377-9
Apparatus
- Sand-pouring cylinder & calibrated sand (or core cutter & dolly)
- Tray, chisel, balance
- Moisture tins / speedy moisture meter
Procedure
- Calibrate the sand: bulk density and the mass filling the cone.
- Level the surface, dig a hole about 100 mm deep through the base plate and keep all the soil.
- Weigh the excavated soil and take its moisture content.
- Pour sand into the hole; weigh the sand used.
- Volume of hole = sand used in hole ÷ sand density.
Calculations
- γd field = (Wsoil ÷ V) ÷ (1 + w)
- Degree of compaction = γd field ÷ MDD × 100
Typical values: Specifications usually ask 95 % of modified MDD for subgrade and 98 % for base course.
Open the Field Density (Sand Cone / Core Cutter) calculator →
Data sheet (print this page)
Project: ____________________ Sample: __________ Date: __________ Tested by: __________
| Test no. | Location / chainage | Soil (g) | Hole volume (cc) | w (%) | γd | % compaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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