FIELD DENSITY TEST

(FDT) USING SAND

CONE METHOD
Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Balmores, Janmar Luisce I.
The sand cone apparatus is one of the two methods used to
determined the in situ or in place property of a soil. The
determination of the in-situ density of the soil is used to
estimate the volume change that may occur when are
transported or compacted at construction site. The
methodology is in accordance with the ASTM D1556 “The
Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil
in Place by Sand-Cone Method”
PROCEDURE OVERVIEW
 1.1 Student Responsibilities For Testing:
 Read and Understand the requirements of this procedure
 Provide fine and coarse aggregate samples
 Cleaning machine after testing

 1.2 Staff Responsibilities For Testing:

 Read and Understand the requirements of this procedure
 Provide students with keys to control and accessories cabinets
 Assist students with testing as needed
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
 Wheelbarrow

 Hand Shovel

Rod Sand Cone Container

+ Jar +
Sand
 Metal Plate with a hole
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
 FIELD SOIL SAMPLE

Basin

Weighing Scale
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
 Safety Glasses
 Safety Shoes
 Hard Hat
 Hearing Protection
 Disposable Rubber Gloves
DETAILED PROCEDURE
1. Calibrate
 Calibrate the sand cone apparatus by determining the density of the sand, the total weight of the sand
cone plus the jar and the weight of the sand to fill the cone.
2. Place
 Place the metal tray with a whole on center, then dig a whole or test pit, make sure to collect all the
removed soil.
3. Weigh
 Weigh the removed soil and record it “total mass of the in-situ soil”
DETAILED PROCEDURE
Reference Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULk8aE5qbT0

1. Determine
 To determine the volume of the in-situ soil we use the sand cone apparatus we calibrated,
clean the test pit and place the sand cone apparatus on the metal plate,
2. Release
 Release the valve to allow the sand to fill the whole and the cone the close the valve.

3. Weigh
 Weigh the sand cone apparatus and record it.
RESULTS
PURPOSE AND KNOWLEDGE
LEARNED
The Sand Cone technique is a critical test in highway and road
building. This test is used to assess the in-situ density of a road
project's sub-base, base, or subgrade to see if it fits project
specifications. It is critical because if the soil is not adequately
compacted, the pavement will settle unevenly under weight. When
doing a sand cone test, the primary assumption is that the calibrated
testing sand completely fills the dug hole and no piece is left
unoccupied. For the test to be successful and useful, this assumption
must be true.