Silt Content of Sand (Field Test) — Lab Manual

Objective & standard

Quick site check of clay and silt in sand before using it in concrete or plaster.

Standard: Field settling test (IS 2386-II method)

Apparatus

• 250 ml glass measuring cylinder
• 1 % salt solution
• Ruler

Procedure

1. Pour 50 ml salt water into the cylinder.
2. Add sand up to the 100 ml mark, then water to 150 ml.
3. Shake well and leave for 3 hours.
4. Measure the silt layer (V1) and the sand layer below it (V2).

Calculations

• Silt (%) = V1 ÷ V2 × 100

Typical values: Up to 6–8 % acceptable for concrete; above 8 % wash the sand or reject it.

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Data sheet (print this page)

Project: ____________________   Sample: __________   Date: __________   Tested by: __________

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