Sand Cone Test MethodField Test to Determine Dry Density of Soil Sample

Sand Cone TestSand cone test determines field dry densitySand cone method requires field and laboratory workLab: weighing of samples, equipment, use of ovenField: collection of sample, use of sand

A Note on Compaction TestsNote that specs usually call for soil to be compacted to a certain percentage of maximum dry densityPercent compaction is therefore field dry density divided by maximum dry densityMaximum dry density is determined in the laboratory, requiring the determination of the maximum moisture content

Test Equipment

Step 1- . Weight of Proctor mold, W1

Step 2a- Pouring the sand into the compaction mold

Step2b- Making the surface leveled

Step2c- Compaction mold filled out with sand

Step 2d-Weight of proctor mold + Sand, W2

Step 5. Weight of plastic Gallon+Cone+Sand (before use)

Step 6a-Close the valve of the cone attached to the cone

Step 6b- turn the cone and gallon upside down

Step 6c- open the valve, sand flows from the gallon to the cone, after the flow stops close the valve and take the gallon+cone from the tray

Step 6d- CNTD...

Step 6e- Weight of plastic Gallon+Cone+Sand (after use)

Step 8a- Weight of plastic Gallon+Cone+Sand (before use)

Step 8b- Go to the field where the soil's unit weight is to be measured and place the metal tray and fasten the 4 screws.

Step 8c- Dig up a hole about 10 to 15 cm deep.

Step 8d- As you are digging the hole put the retrieved soil into the plastic bag in order that the soil does not lose moisture.

Step 8e- All of the soil is transferred into the bag

Step 8f- The soft soil at the bottom of the hole is poured into the bag as well.

Step 8g- All of the soil is transferred into the bag

step 8h-Having the valve closed turn the gallon+cone upside down and place the cone in the center hole of tray and open the valve so that sand flows

Step 8i- sand flows CNTD... Unlike this photo plastic bag should be kept closed

Step 8j- After flow of sand stops close the valve and pick the assembly up, the sand in the cone will be poured into the tray.

Step 8k- CNTD

Step 8L- The sand in the hole and the overflow sand will be left in the field, grab all parts and get back to the lab.

Step 9- Weight of plastic Gallon+Cone+Sand (after use)

Step 11- Weigh the evaporating dish

step 12- Weigh the evaporating dish + wet soil from the field

Step 13- Put the evaporating dish + wet soil in the oven and after 24hrs weigh it again

Calculation Table