Introduction

The test method may be used to determine the in-place density and Unit weigh of soil using a sand cone apparatus according to ASTM D 1556.

Standard Testing

ASTM D 1556 :     Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method

ASTM D 4959 :     Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating

Apparatus

• Sand-Cone Density Apparatus, consisting of the following :
  
  • An attachable jar or other sand container.
    
  • A stainless / metal funnel ( sand- cone).
    
  • A metal base plate or template with a flanged center hole cast.
    
• Sand : Sand must be clean, dry uniform in de3nsity and grading.
  
• Balance or scales : 5.0 gm. readability, or better, to determine the mass of sand and excavated soil
  
• Drying Equipment: Gas Stove used for determining water content.
  
• Miscellaneous equipment: Chisel or spoons for digging test holes, containers, small paint bush, calculator, etc.
  

Procedure

• Prepare the surface of the location to be tested so that it is level plane and secure the base plate against movement.
  
• Dig the test hole through the center hole in the base plate, and place all excavated soil, and any soil loosened during digging in a moisture tight container, and record the mass of the moisture material
  
• Clean the flange of the base plate hole, invert the sand-cone apparatus, open the value and allow the sand to fill the hole, when the sand stops flowing, close the value, and record the mass of the apparatus with the remaining sand.
  
• Mix the material thoroughly , and either obtain a representative specimen for water content determination
  

Application of Test Results

Calculate the in- place wet density (rw) and dry density (gd) of the material tested as follows

r_w    =    M_w / V
r_d    =    M_d / V

where: V    = Volume of the test hold

M_w    = Wet mass of the material form the test hole
M_d    = Dry mass of the material form the test hole

The comparative percentage of the in-place density as follows :-

g_d by In-place density x 100

     g_d by Laboratory density

Where:

• g_d by In-place density in accordance with the test method ASTM D1556
  
• g_d by Laboratory density in accordance with the test method ASTM D 698 or ASTM D 1557
  

Report

The report shall be including the following information for each specimen

• Compaction type
  
• Dry density and Moisture content of soil compacted
  
• Percentage of soil compacted 

Ex sample Report Field density test

Figture for In-situ density test & Moisture content test