Faculty of Engineering

KNS2591 Civil Engineering Laboratory 3

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

SOIL COMPACTION TEST

InSitu density test using Sand Cone Replacement Method

Faculty of Engineering
KNS2591 Civil Engineering Laboratory 3
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

INTRODUCTION

The field density test is important to measure the amount of compaction achieved in
construction. In the field, compaction is conducted using heavy machinery which consists of
static and vibratory vertical forces. For laboratory compaction test is not directly applicable to
the field compaction because of different compaction effort. In this laboratory test, we use
sand cone replacement method, ASTM D1556 to determine the field density, field moisture
content and dry density.

In sand cone replacement method, a calibrating cylinder is excavated and the weight of
the soil is measured. Sand that has been filled in the calibrating cylinder is measured and
knowing the volume of the calibrating cylinder. The weight excavated from the calibrating
cylinder, the volume of pit, density of the soil is calculated. Therefore, in this experiment
consists of two stages:

1) Calibration of sand density

2) Measurement of sand density

OBJECTIVES

To determine the field density of sand at a given location by sand cone replacement method.

APPARATUS

1) Sand pouring cylinder (sand cone)

2) Calibrating cylinder
3) Metal tray with central hole
4) Dry sand ( passing through 600 micron sieve)
5) Weighing balance
6) Moisture content can
7) Metal tray
8) Scraper tool
9) Knife
10) Spatula
Faculty of Engineering
KNS2591 Civil Engineering Laboratory 3
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

PROCEDURE

Stage 1 (calibrating of sand density)

1) The internal dimensions of the calibrating cylinder is measured and calculated using

h
the internal formula πd² .
4
2) To avoid spill over, the sand pouring cylinder is filled with sand until the top is 1cm
distance from the upper surface and the weight is measured. (w1)
3) The sand pouring cylinder is placed on a plate. The slit is opened above the cone by
operating the valve. The sand would freely run down until it filled the conical portion.
4) The slit is closed up if there was no further movement of sand in the sand pouring
cylinder. The weight of the sand inside is measured. (w2)
5) The amount of sand in (w2) is placed back to have a same amount in (w1).
6) The sand pouring cylinder is placed concentrically on top of the calibrating cylinder.
The slit is opened up to allow the sand to run until it stopped. The slit is closed and
the weight of remaining sand in the sand pouring cylinder is measured. (w3).

Stage 2 (Measurement of soil density)

1) The ground surface is cleaned up and levelled the ground until it flat.
2) The metal tray with central hole is placed over the flat surface where the field density
is to be determined.
3) The pit is excavated into the ground and must approximately 13.4 deep (same as the
height of the calibrating cylinder).
4) The excavated soil is collected and put into the tray and the weight of the soil is
measured (w).
5) The moisture content of the excavated soil is determined.
6) The sand pouring cylinder is placed over the pit to base of the cylinder that covered
the pit concentrically.
7) The slit is opened up and allowed the sand to run into the pit freely until there was no
movement and closed it.
8) The weight of the sand pouring cylinder with remaining sand (w4) is determined.