a)

The sand cone method is a test used to determine the in-situ dry density of soils by measuring the
volume of a hole excavated in the soil and comparing it to the weight of sand that fills the hole.
Firstly, the hole will fill with sand, and after the sand settles, the remaining voids will fill with the soil
to be tested. By measuring the weight of the sand before and after the test, the in-situ density of the
soil can be calculated.
Advantage:
 It is simple and easy to perform, making it suitable for field applications where quick results
are needed.
 It provides immediate results, allowing for real-time adjustment in construction projects.
 It can be conducted directly at the construction sites.
Disadvantage:
 The accuracy of the test depends on the skill of the operator in ensuring proper sand flow and
measurement.
 The method may not be suitable for cohesive soils or those with significant moisture content,
as these factors can affect sand flow and compaction results.
 The process of filling the hole with sand, then soil can disturb the surrounding soil, potentially
influencing the test results.

b)
The rubber balloon method is used to determine the volume of the excavated soil hole. Firstly, place a
known mass of moist soil in a cylindrical mold, and the rubber balloon is attached to the top to form
an airtight seal. The balloon becomes filled with air, which causes it to expand and compact the soil.
The pressure inside the balloon is adjusted to obtain the necessary compaction energy. After
compaction, the balloon is deflated, and the compacted soil is removed for testing.
Advantage:
 It provides a more uniform distribution of pressure during compaction compared to other
methods.
 Provide results that may be more representative of actual construction scenarios.
 Can be applied in many types of soil, including cohesive and granular soils.
Disadvantage:
 Required skilled operators to ensure accurate and consistent results.
 The equipment can be more complex and costly.
 Suitable for small-scale laboratory testing may not be practical for large-scale field
applications.
c)
The nuclear density method is for measuring the density of soil or asphalt in situ by using a nuclear
density gauge. The gauge contains a radioactive source that releases gamma rays, and the detectors
track the amount of radiation that passes through the material. The soil density has an impact on how
much gamma rays are deflected. Calculate the in situ density of soil by comparing the counts of
gamma rays at the source and detector.
Advantages:
 It allows for the test of in situ density without disturbing the material being tested.
 Provide rapid results, allowing for a quick test of the compaction test of the soils.
 Can be applied to various materials, including soils and asphalt.
Disadvantage:
 Need careful handling and proper training while doing this test because the use of radioactive
materials.
 Nuclear density gauges can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
 Need proper calibration to get accurate results and regular maintenance is required.