The sand cone method is used for field density test in our highway construction.
In the
field, the dry density test is carried out for check the compaction of layers.
Compaction is most useful for the preparation of sub base grade and other pavement
layers and in construction of embankment in order to increase the stability and to
decrease settlement. In field compaction, the compacting moisture content is first
controlled at optimum moisture content and the adequacy of rolling or compaction is
controlled by checking the dry density achieved and comparing with the maximum dry
density.
Base layer-98%
Sub base layer-98%
Type 1 layer-95%
ABC layer-100%
Road shoulder- 98%
Field density test
Testing procedure:
The weight of empty sand cone is measured and then filled with dry sand and weighted.
The soil excavated from the hole is collected and weighted.
After weighting, a specimen of soil is taken to determine it water content.
The sand cone is placed on the test hole with the help of the base plate and sand is
allowed to run by opening the control value.
When the sand stops running, the valve is closed and the cone is weighted with the
remaining sand.
Then the dry density of soil can be calculated and the present of compaction of
otherwise the compaction is failure. Then, the compacted place to be re-compacted and
re-test.
Calculation:
Weight of used sand: 16000mg
Remain sand weight: 4286mg
Density of sand: 1.349mg/cm3
Weight of ABC: 15632.42mg
Volume of cone: 2274cm3
Volume of hole: 8683.47cm3
Density of ABC: 2.48mg/cm
Moisture content: 4.5%
Dry density: 2.33mg/cm3
Degree of compaction: 98%
Method For Field Dry Density Test (FDT) By Sand Replacement Method ( Using a Sand
Cone Apparatus)
ASTM D 1556 ASTM D 1557 BS 1377
Dear friends this is a very important test at the site. The fresher engineer must read the full post and
shall learn about this test, I have shared in detail about this test if any doubt just comments below.
1.0 SCOPE
1.1 - This method statement detail the procedure for determining
the in-place density and unit weight of soil by using a sand cone
apparatus for granular sub-base, subgrade, ABC ( Aggregate
base course), Structural fill Material.
1.2 - This method is not suitable for soils that would deform or
compress during the excavation of the test pit and also not
suitable for soils contains an appreciable amount of oversize
particles.
2.0 PURPOSE
2.1 - The purpose of the test is to provide data to assist in the
evaluation of soil placed as an engineering soil (embankments,
foundation, pads, road bases) of foundation soil often compacted
to improve their engineering properties. This test method of
conjunction with ASTM D 1557 ( Laboratory compaction
characteristics of the soil) can be used to determine the degree of
relative compaction and the % of water content achieved at the
site.
2.2 - This test method can be used as a basis for the quality
control acceptance for soil compacted to a specified density or
percentage of a maximum density determined by a laboratory
test method such as ASTM D 1557.
3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
3.1 - ASTM D 1556
3.2 - ASTM D 1557
3.2 - ASTM D 2216
3.3 - BS - 1377 PART - 4
3.4 - PROJECT SPECIFICATION
4.0 APPARATUS
Sand Cone Apparatus
4.1 - Density Apparatus - shall consist of a plastic jar and a
detachable appliance consisting of a cylindrical valve with an
approximately 13mm dia. Orifice and having a small funnel on
one end which can be attached to the plastic jar and a large
funnel on the other end.
4.2 - A metal base plate with a flanged center hole ( 15cm dia
for 150mm layer and 20cm dia hole for above 150mm) to
receive the large funnel.
4.3 - Clean, dry, Uniform in density and grading, and free-
flowing sand.
4.4 - Weighing Balance - having an accuracy of 0.1 % of the
total mass used for weighing.
4.5 - Drying Oven - Thermostatically controlled and capable of
maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 ± 5 ˚C.
4.6 - Specimen Containers - Non-corrosive metal containers
with close-fitting lids for moisture content determination.
4.7 - Miscellaneous Equipment - Chiesel, Hammer, Small Paint
Brush, Plastic Bags for retaining the moist soil sample, large
nails to securing the base plate, etc.
Sand Cone Apparatus for 30 cm Thick layer
5.0 INSPECTION AND CALIBRATION OF APPARATUS
5.1 - Sand in cone apparatus will be checked on a 14 working
days basis.
5.2 - Sand cone apparatus will be routinely inspected for damage
that may affect the volume of the cone will necessitate a
recalibration.
5.3 - Determination of density of sand will be done on a 14
working days basis or any significant changes in atmospheric
humidity or before the use of a new batch of sand.
5.4 - Prior to starting the test all apparatus shall be checked and
the calibration sticker shall be checked at the test location.
6.0 PROCEDURE
6.1 - Prior to starting the test Maximum dry density (MDD) and
Optimum Moisture Content shall be available. Note: - Using
former MDD and OMC value is considered as Non-
Comformace so Site QC shall mark it that new MDD and OMC
are used and frequency for MDD and OMC shall be followed as
per project specification. ( Generally One test for MDD and
OMC for each 5000 Cum loose-filled material).
6.2 - The selection of test locations is done by the client or
consultant.
6.3 - Numbers of the test is done by as per project specification
frequency ( Generally one test for each 400 Sqm or if
compaction is done separately for each area so each test for
compaction).
6.4 - Level the surface of the test location by using the base
plate, seat the base plate on the plane surface if required used
nails to secure the plate against any moment while doing the
test.
Procedure for FDT and Apparatus
6.5 - Dig the test hole through the center hole of the base plate.
The volume shall depend on the anticipated maximum particle
size and in any case more than 1415cm2. (Or hole dept
approximately 12cm to 15cm).
6.6 - Place all excavated soil, and any loosened soil while
digging in a plastic bag and seal it with masking tape for
preventing any loss of moisture until the wet soil mass has been
determined in the laboratory.
6.7 - Invert the previously weighed sand cone apparatus on the
cleaned flanges of the base plate, Avoid all types of vibrations in
the test area. Open the valve and allow the sand to fill the test
hole and the sand cone. Close the valve when the flowing of the
sand stopped.
6.8 - Determine the mass of moist soil at the laboratory, check
for any oversize. If present use the oversize correction if
required.
6.9 - Determine the moisture content in accordance with ASTM
D 2216
6.10 - Determine the mass of remaining sand and calculate the
volume of the excavated hole.
6.11 - Calculate the in place wet and dry density of the material
tested.
6.12 - Calculate the in-place dry unit weight.
6.13 - Determine the in place relative compaction by using the
laboratory determined maximum dry density.
7.0 REPORTING
The calculation for wet dry density, moisture content, and dry
density shall be done as per the below calculation.
The dry density of compacted soil will be found in Three steps
as calculated below.
IN-PLACE WET DENSITY OF SOIL
1. Bulk density of poured Sand (ρs) g/m3 - 1.48 ( Varies
from 1.47 to 1.52, Based on the result in test, Bulk density
shall be regularly checked in the period of 14 days)
2. The initial mass of sand before pouring (m1) in g = 8000
gm ( with the bottle ).
3. Mass of sand after pouring in the hole (m2) in g = 2940
gm
4. Mass of sand used to fill Funnel and Baseplate (m3) in g
- 1650 gm ( Constant for each test)
5. Mass of sand in the hole (mb) = (m1- (m2+m3) in g
= 8000 - (2940+1650) = 3410gm
6. The volume of the hole V = mb/ρs in cm3 = 3410/1.47 =
2320gm
7. Let us assume Mass of Wet Soil dug from the hole (mw) in
gm - 5230 gm (let us say)
In-Place Wet Density of Soil in g/cm3
ρm = mw / v = 5230/2320 = 2.255 g/cm3
MOISTURE CONTENT DETERMINATION (ASTM - 2216)
1. Mass of container (w1) = 145 gm (Let us say)
2. Mass of wet soil with the container ( w2) = 700 gm ( Let us say we kept this mass in
Oven)
3. Mass of dry soil with the container ( w3) = 680 gm ( Wet soil sample shall be dried in hot
oven up to 16 hours or up to next day)
4. Mass of Moisture (M) = ( w2 - w3) = 700 - 680 = 20gm
5. Mass of Dry soil (Md) = (w3 - w1) = 680 - 145 = 540gm
Moisture content in percentage nearest to 1 %
ω = (M/Md) X 100 in Percentage
ω = (20/535) X 100 = 4 %
In place dry density of soil (ρw) nearest to .01 %
(ρd) = [100 ρm / (100+ω)]
(ρd) = [(100X2.255) / (100+4)
(ρd) = 2.17 g/cm3
Relative compaction in %
Maximum Dry Density ρmax (in g/cm3) = 2.444 gm/cm3
Optimum Moisture content in % = 4%
In place, dry unit weight Kn/m3 = (ρd X 9.807) = (2.17X 9.807) = 21.28 Kn/m3
Relative Compaction = (ρd/ρmax)X100 = 89%
In most of the projects required compaction is 95% to 98%. It is
a must to achieve the value more than the project requirement.
And for moisture content ± 2 or 3 % of optimum moisture
content percent is permitted.
NOTE: - NEXT LAYER SHALL NOT BE COMPACTED
OR SPREAD ON TESTED LAYER TILL RESULTS ARE
NOT FOUND SATISFACTORY ON REPORT WITHOUT
RESULT LAYING OF NEXT LAYER
IS CONSIDERED NON CONFORMITY
Cubic centimeter (cm3) : 2830 = Square centimeter (cm2) : 200.0741
Square centimeter (cm2): 200.0741 = Centimeter (cm) : 14.1448
Centimeter (cm): 14.1448 = Millimetre (mm) : 141.448
