DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Geotechnical Engineering 1 Laboratory Manual

EXPERIMENT 13: Determination of Density of Soil In - Place by the Sand – Cone Method
AASHTO T 191 – 02

13.1. Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Experiment

PO. b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
PO. d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
PO. e. ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
PO. k. ability to use techniques and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

13.2. Experiment’s Intended Learning Outcomes (EILOs)

At the end of this experiment the student shall be able to:
a. identify the laboratory and calibration data needed for the field test
b. modify the relative compaction of the soil from its laboratory and field test results
c. apply the in-place unit weight determination relevant to professional engineering practice

13.3. Objective of the Experiment

The aim of this experiment is to present the method of determining the density of soil in situ, or in its natural
state.

13.4. Principle of the Experiment

Density of Soil is defined as the weight / mass per unit volume. It is a very significant engineering property
of soils as strength is dependent upon density.

The field density test is widely used as a control test in embankment construction to ensure adequate
compaction. Highway specifications usually require that the embankment should be compacted not less
than 95% of maximum density. Another application of the test in highway work is in connection with the
determination of “pay quantity” of borrow materials, when the borrow pit is not amenable to direct
volumetric measurements.

Laboratory Computations

Density of the Sand, DS

𝑊&
𝑫𝑺 =
𝑉(

where: 𝐷* = density of the density of sand used (Ottawa Sand)

𝑊& = weight of sand to fill the mold
( = volume of mold
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Weight of Sand to fill the Cone and Guide Plate, W C

WC = 𝑊&+ − 𝑊-

where: WC = weight of sand to fill the cone and guide plate

𝑊&+ = weight of sand cone apparatus full of sand
𝑊- = weight of remaining sand in the apparatus

Volume of Test Hole, VH

𝑊&0
𝑽𝑯 =
𝐷&

where: 𝑉0 = volume of test soil

𝑊&0 = weight of sand to fill the hole
= WSC – WC - WB
𝐷& = density of sand used (Ottawa Sand)

Field Computations

Wet Density of the Soil in the Field, DM

𝑊𝑊𝑆
𝑫 =
𝑴 𝑉𝐻

where: 𝐷( = wet density of the soil in the field

𝑊4& = weight of soil removed from the hole
𝑉0 = volume of test hole

Dry Density of the Soil in the Field, DD

1
(
𝑫 =
𝑫 +𝜔

where: 𝐷8 = dry density of the soil in the field

( = wet density of the soil in the field
𝜔 = moisture content of the soil removed from the hole

13.5. Materials and Equipment

1 unit Density Apparatus (Sand Cone Apparatus) )– shall consist of 4 L capacity (1 gal)
jar and a detachable cone consisting of a cylindrical valve with an orifice 12.7 mm
(1/2 in.) in diameter
Guide Plate – 300 mm x 300 mm with 150 mm hole in the center

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temperature control,1 capable
Laboratory maintaining 110  5C
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Balance, sensitive to 0.1 g to conform to the requirements of AASHTO M 231
Steel Straightedge

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1 set Digging Tools, such as earth auger, crowbar or chisel

Sieve Sizes required
Sand – any clean, dry, free - flowing, un-cemented passing No. 10 and retained in
No. 200 sieve

Figure 13.5.1. Sand – Cone Apparatus with Guide Plate

13.6. Procedures

1. Determination of volume of density jar.

a. Weigh the assembled apparatus and record.
b. Place the apparatus upright and open the valve.
c. Fill the apparatus with water until it appears over the valve.
d. Close the valve and remove the excess water.
e. Repeat the procedure described to take at least 2 trials; then solve for the volume.
2. Determine the bulk density of the sand to be used in the field.
a. Place the empty apparatus upright on a firm level surface, close the valve and fill the funnel
with sand.
b. Open the valve, keeping funnel at least half full of sand, fill the apparatus.
c. Close the valve sharply and empty excess sand.
d. Weigh the apparatus full of sand, WS.
e. Repeat the procedures described to take at least 3 trials; then solve for the bulk density.
3. Determine the mass of sand required to fill the funnel / cone.
a. Put sand in the apparatus and secure mass of the apparatus and sand, WSC.
b. Seat the inverted apparatus on a clean, level, plane surface.
c. Open the valve and keep open until after the sand stops running.

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d. Close the valve sharply, weigh the apparatus with remaining sand, WB, and determine the
loss of sand. This loss represents the mass of sand required to fill the funnel, WC.
e. Repeat the procedure described to take at least 2 trials; take the average.
4. Determine the soil Density – In – Place.
a. Smooth off a representative spot of sufficient size and lay flat the guide plate on the surface
of the soil layer to be tested.
b. Dig the test hole inside the center hole in the base plate with an auger, knife or any digging
tool to the full depth of the layer under test. Trim the hole carefully to make the sides more
or less vertical and bottom, level.
c. Place all the loosened soil in a container being careful to avoid losing any material. Protect the
material from any loss of moisture. Weigh the material, WWS + pan.
d. Weigh the Sand – Cone apparatus with full of sand, WSC.
e. Position the density apparatus into inverted position leveled to the guide plate above the
test hole. Open the valve to release the calibrated sand. Take care to avoid jarring or
vibrating the apparatus on the ground during this step. Close the valve after the sand has
stopped and determine the mass of sand used in the test.
f. Mix the material kept in a container thoroughly and obtain a representative sample for
moisture content determination or use the entire sample. Dry and weigh the moisture
sample.
g. Remove the sand from the test hole; clean for future use.

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13.7. Experiment Report

Course: Experiment No.:

Group No.: Section:
Group Members: Date Performed:
Date Submitted:
Instructor:

13.7.1. Data and Results

Calibration Data

A. Sand Density Determination

Sand Used : _____________________

Volume, VM =____________________ cc
Wt. of sand to fill the volume measure Trial No. 1 =____________________ g
Trial No. 2 =____________________ g
Trial No. 3 =____________________ g
Average Wt., WS =________________ g
49
Density of Sand,
&
= =_______________ g/cc
:;

B. Weight of Sand to fill the Cone

Wt. of filled jug + cone, WSC = ______________ g

Wt. after Trial No. 1, WB =__________________ g Wt. to fill = _____________________ g
Wt. after Trial No. 2, WB =__________________ g Wt. to fill = _________________ __ g
Wt. after Trial No. 3, WB =__________________ g Wt. to fill = _________________ __ g
Average Wt.to fill the cone, WC =______________ g

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Laboratory Data from Field Test

Table 13.7.1.1. Determination of Density of Soil In - Place (Laboratory Test Data)

DATA

Wt. of pan, g

Wt. of wet soil + pan, g, WWS + pan

Wt. of wet soil, g, WWS

Wt. of wet soil + can, g, W1

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Wt. of dry soil + can, g, W2

Wt. of can, g

Wt. of dry soil, g

Moisture Content, w%

Field Data (Sand Cone Method)

Table 13.7.1.2. Determination of Density of Soil In - Place (Field Test Data)

DATA

Type of sand used

Unit Wt. of Sand, g/cc3, DS

Wt. of jug + cone before use, g, Wbefore

Wt. of jug + cone after use, g, Wafter

Wt. of sand used (hole + cone), g, WSHC

Wt. of sand in cone (frm calibration), g, WC

Wt. of sand in hole, g, WSH

Volume of Hole, cc, VH

Density of Soil

Wet Density, DM = ____________________ kN/m3

Dry Density, DD =____________________ kN/m3

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13.7.2. Computations

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13.7.3. Discussion

13.7.4. Conclusion

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13.8. References

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. (1994). AASHTO LFRD Bridge Design Specifications.
Washington D.C., United States of America: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officia ls.

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. AASHTO T 191 - 02. In Standard Method of Test for Density
of Soil In-Place by the Sand-Cone Metho. Washington D.C., United States of America: American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials.

Bureau of Research and Standards. (2014). Laboratory Testing Procedures Manual, Soils and Aggregates (Vols. I - Soil and
Aggregates). Philippines: Department of Public Works and Highways.

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