THEORY

In this lab session, the Sand Cone Method was used to determine the dry density of soil.

In sand replacement method, a small cylindrical pit is excavated and the weight of the soil
excavated from the pit is measured. Sand whose density is known is filled into the pit. By
measuring the weight of sand required to fill the pit and knowing its density the volume of pit is
calculated. Knowing the weight of soil excavated from the pit and the volume of pit, the density
of soil is calculated.

Figure 1: Sand replacement method

𝑊1 − 𝑊3 −𝑊2
 Bulk density of sand, ρsand =
𝑉𝑎

 Weight of sand filling excavated hole alone, Wb = 𝑊1 − 𝑊4 − 𝑊2

𝑊1 − 𝑊4 −𝑊2
 Volume of excavated soil, V =
𝜌𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑

𝑊5
 In-situ bulk density of the wet excavated soil, ρs =
𝑉

100(𝑊− 𝑊𝑑 )
 Moisture content of soil, w% =
𝑊𝑑

𝑊𝑑 100
 In-situ dry bulk density of the wet excavated soil, ρd = ρs × = ρs
𝑉 (100+𝑤%)

Notations:

Ρs = Bulk density of the soil sample

ρd = Dry density of the soil sample
ρsand = Bulk density of sand
W2 = Weight of sand required to fill cone
V = Volume of excavated soil
Va = Volume of the container
w% = Water content of the soil sample
W1 = Weight of cylinder and sand filled up to 10mm from top edge
W3 = Weight of cylinder and sand after pouring into calibration container and cone
W4 = Weight of cylinder and sand after pouring into excavated hole and cone
W5 = Weight of soil from excavated hole
Wd = Oven dry weight of the soil sample
W = Weight of the wet soil sample