EXPERIMENT GUIDE

GROUP 7   CE 14L - B1
Members:
▪ Cabugsa, Angielica Siede
▪ Eslit, Wilt Marco
▪ Galeon, Jr., Allan B.
▪ Ong, Louise Dianne
▪ Tagotilla, David Hanz

EXPERIMENT NO. 7:
Field Density Test by Sand Cone Replacement Method

I. INTRODUCTION
The field density test by sand cone replacement method is an important aspect of
construction and material testing, as it determines the degree of compaction achieved
during the construction process. The sand cone replacement method is widely used to
determine this field density and to assess whether the desired level of compaction has
been met.
This method involves digging a small cylindrical pit in the soil and measuring the
weight of the dirt removed. The hole is then filled with sand, whose density is known, and
the volume of the hole is calculated by weighing the sand used to fill it and considering
its density. The field density of the soil is then determined by dividing the weight of the
soil removed from the pit by its volume.
The dry density of the compacted soil or pavement is a commonly used indicator of
the degree of compaction achieved. This dry density is calculated by combining the field
density and the moisture content of the soil. The dry density is a crucial parameter for
determining the strength and stability of the soil and is, therefore, an essential factor in
the construction and material testing process.

II. REFERENCE STANDARD:

● ASTM D1556: Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by
Sand-Cone Method. 

III. OBJECTIVE
● To determine the in-situ density and water content of soil using the Sand Cone
Method.

IV. MATERIALS & LAB EQUIPMENT

● Sand Sample
● Sand Cone
● Sand pouring cylinder
● Base plate with central hole
● Weighing balance/scales
● Soil and Sand Containers
● Moisture Tester
● Trowel
● Scraper
● Sampling Spoons
 ● Sieve #20 and #30
● Drying Equipment/Oven

V. PROCEDURE

A. Setting-up The Apparatus Need

Figure 1. serves as the prescribe installation of the equipment before the implementation
of the experiment. It consists of a one gallon plastic container, detachable metal cone
with valve, and density base plate. Figure 2. presents the Schematic Diagram of Sand
Cone Method. This allows to determine if the natural soil can be acceptance as
compacted soil for construction project.

Figure 1 Figure 2

B. Test Procedure
1. Clean and level a 450mm square section of the selected site using a scraper.
2. Place the metal tray with a central hole on the prepared surface.
3. The metal tray central hole is placed on the prepared surface.
4. Use the center hole as a guide and excavate the soil to the required depth
with a trowel. Gather the loose soil in the metal container and weigh it.
5. Remove the metal tray and place the sand pouring cylinder centrally over the
excavated hole.
6. Open the shutter until the sand fills the excavated hole and cone completely,
without any further movement of sand in the cylinder.
7. Close the shutter and weigh the cylinder to determine the weight of the sand
filling excavated hole.
8. Determine the moisture content of the excavated soil by taking a sample,
weighing it, drying it in an oven at least 1100C, and re-weighing.
9. Repeat these steps three times and calculate the average to determine the
field density value of the soil.
VI. FORMULAS

The formula to be used to get the dry density is:

𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
Dry density, pd = (1 + 𝑤)

The dry density is the dry density of the soil and is the mass of solids per unit of the
entire volume of the soil mass before drying. This is derived from the formula of dry
𝑀𝑑
density, pd = 𝑉
. To get bulk density and Water Content W, we use the formula:

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑀 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Bulk density = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
w= 𝑀𝑑
−1 (w = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙
)

Reminder: The bulk density is specified in either g/cm3 or kg/m3. Additionally, the dry density is
highest when the moisture level is lowest.

VII. PRESENTING DATA

● To present the data, a table can be created that includes the weight of the
metal container and soil sample, the weight of the metal container and sand,
and the dry density of the soil sample.

VIII. OUTPUT ANALYSIS

● The laboratory result will show the field density of the soil sample determined by the
sand cone replacement method. The results can be compared to the relevant
standard to ensure the soil sample meets the required specifications for construction.

IX. REFERENCE

● Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method.

(n.d.). ASTM. https://www.astm.org/d1556-00.html