ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering

CE413CL: Geotechnical Engineering 2 Laboratory

Laboratory Activity 6: Field Density Test

Submitted by:
Kyla Angela E. Liberato
202110825

Submitted to:
Maria Cecilia Marcos

December 6, 2024

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1st Semester, A.Y. 2024-2025
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Abstract

The sand cone method is a widely recognized field technique employed to determine
the in-situ density of compacted soil. This method plays a crucial role in evaluating soil
compaction, which is a key factor in the design and construction of stable and durable civil
engineering structures such as roads, embankments, and foundations. The primary objective
of this experiment is to calculate the dry unit weight of soil by excavating a test hole and using
the sand cone apparatus to measure its volume. The experiment begins with the calibration of
the sand cone apparatus to ensure accurate volume measurements. A test hole is then
excavated at a level surface on the field, with the displaced soil carefully collected for
subsequent moisture content analysis. The excavated hole is backfilled with calibrated Ottawa
sand, enabling precise determination of its volume. This process is combined with the recorded
weight and moisture content of the soil to compute the dry density. By following the ASTM
D1556 standard procedure, this study not only validates the effectiveness of the sand cone
method but also provides insight into its application in real-world engineering projects. The
results highlight the importance of accurate soil density measurement in maintaining structural
integrity and ensuring long-term performance in construction.

Introduction

The compaction of soil is a critical process in geotechnical engineering and construction,

aiming to enhance the soil's mechanical properties by reducing air voids, thereby increasing its
density. Properly compacted soil ensures stability, improves load-bearing capacity, minimizes
settlement, and reduces the risk of structural failure. Measuring soil density in the field is
essential to verify whether compaction meets the design specifications. Various methods exist
to assess in-situ soil density, with the sand cone method being one of the most commonly
utilized due to its simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

This experiment focuses on the application of the sand cone method, as defined by
ASTM D1556, to determine the in-situ dry density of soil. The procedure involves excavating a
test hole, collecting the excavated soil, and using a calibrated sand cone apparatus filled with
Ottawa sand to measure the volume of the test hole. By correlating the weight of the soil and
its moisture content with the measured volume, the dry unit weight of the soil can be
calculated. The steps include calibrating the apparatus, preparing the test site, excavating the
soil, backfilling the test hole with sand, and conducting laboratory analysis of the soil sample
for moisture content determination.

Understanding soil density is fundamental to geotechnical engineering because it

directly impacts the stability and durability of structures built on or within the soil. Improper
compaction can lead to issues such as differential settlement, reduced strength, and failure
under applied loads. Accurate density measurements enable engineers to assess compaction
quality, ensuring that construction meets safety and performance standards.

The sand cone method, as demonstrated in this experiment, provides a practical

approach to density determination that is widely adopted in both laboratory and field settings.
Its relevance extends beyond academic exercises to real-world construction projects, making

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it a vital tool for geotechnical professionals. By following the standard procedure and analyzing
the results, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of soil compaction and its critical
role in engineering practices.

Materials and Methods

Materials
1. Sand cone apparatus
2. Balance
3. Bowl
4. Spatula
5. Shovel
6. Ottawa sand
7. Standard compaction mold
8. Plastic bag
9. Metal tray with hole in the center
10. Oven

Procedure

 Prepare Materials:
o Arrange all necessary materials for the experiment.
 Initial Weighing:
o Weigh the jar with the cone attached.
o Place the jar upright on a laboratory table surface.
 Calibrate the Sand Cone Apparatus:
o Invert the sand cone apparatus on the lab table.
o Open the valve and let the sand flow until it stops.
o Close the valve sharply.
o Weigh the apparatus with the remaining sand to determine the mass of the jar,
sand, and cone (after use).
 Field Preparation:
o Select a level surface at the test site.
o Place the metal tray on the surface.
o Excavate a test hole through the center of the metal tray, shaping the hole to
approximate the calibration chamber.
o Excavate the hole to a depth of 4–6 inches.
o Collect the excavated moist soil in a bowl for moisture content analysis.
 Sand Cone Test:
o Cover the excavated hole with a plastic sheet.
o Invert the sand cone apparatus over the hole.
o Open the valve to allow Ottawa sand to flow into the hole until it stops.
o Close the valve and weigh the apparatus with the remaining sand.

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  Soil Analysis:
o Weigh the moist soil removed from the test hole and record the data.
o Place the moist soil in a can, weigh it, and record the mass.
o Place the can with soil in an oven for water content determination.
o After 24 hours, weigh the dry soil to calculate the dry unit weight of the moist
soil.

Calculation

Results

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Discussion

The results of this experiment highlight the importance of accurately measuring the
physical properties of soil, specifically the moisture content, field unit weight, and dry unit
weight, using the sand cone method. The moisture content of the soil was calculated to be
22.88%, indicating a moderate water content that is suitable for compaction, depending on the
soil's optimum moisture content (OMC). This moisture content is essential for ensuring effective
soil compaction, as water serves as a lubricant between particles, allowing them to rearrange
and compact under applied loads.

The field unit weight of the soil was determined to be 3437.11 kg/m³, representing the
in-situ density of the moist soil, including the weight of water and solid particles. This value is
crucial for assessing the load-bearing capacity of the soil in its natural state. After accounting
for the moisture content, the dry unit weight was computed as 2797.85 kg/m³, representing
the density of the soil excluding water. The dry unit weight is a critical parameter for evaluating
the soil's compaction quality and ensuring it meets project specifications.

The experimental results underline the significance of precise measurements and

standardized testing procedures, as any errors in weighing, moisture determination, or volume
calculations can significantly impact the results. Additionally, factors such as soil type, particle
size distribution, and compaction effort can influence the measured values. This experiment
reinforces the sand cone method's role as a reliable field technique for determining soil
properties, despite its manual and labor-intensive nature.

Conclusion

This experiment successfully demonstrated the application of the sand cone method to
determine the moisture content, field unit weight, and dry unit weight of a soil sample. The
moisture content was calculated as 22.88%, indicating the amount of water present in the soil
relative to its dry mass. The field unit weight and dry unit weight were computed as 3437.11
kg/m³ and 2797.85 kg/m³, respectively. These values are critical for evaluating soil compaction

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and ensuring that the soil meets the required specifications for construction or geotechnical
applications.

The results confirm the importance of maintaining adequate moisture levels to achieve
proper compaction and load-bearing capacity. The field and dry unit weights provide a
quantitative assessment of the soil's density and compaction quality. The sand cone method,
despite its time-intensive nature, remains a trusted and widely used technique for field density
determination.

Recommendations

To improve the reliability and application of the sand cone method, several
recommendations are suggested. First, additional tests should be conducted to determine the
soil's optimum moisture content (OMC). Comparing the calculated moisture content with the
OMC will provide a clearer understanding of whether the soil is compacted under ideal
conditions. Moreover, multiple trials are recommended to reduce errors caused by
environmental factors, equipment handling, or variations in soil properties, ensuring
reproducibility and accuracy of the results.

Regular calibration of equipment, such as the sand cone apparatus and weighing scales,
is essential to maintain precision in measurements. Proper site preparation, including leveling
and clearing the test area, should also be prioritized to avoid discrepancies in the volume
calculations. Additionally, alternative methods such as nuclear density testing may be considered
for large-scale or time-sensitive projects, as they offer quicker results and reduce manual effort.
Lastly, providing comprehensive training to field personnel on standardized procedures, such as
ASTM D1556, will ensure consistent and reliable data collection.

By implementing these recommendations, the sand cone method can continue to serve
as a valuable tool for soil density evaluation while enhancing its accuracy, efficiency, and
applicability across different projects.

Reference:
ASTM International. (2016). Standard test method for density and unit weight of soil in place by
the sand cone method (ASTM D1556-15). West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
https://doi.org/10.1520/D1556-15

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