44 Field density

44.1 General
COMMENTARY ON 44.1
The bulk density of soil can be measured by a range of field tests which comprise
the removal of a representative sample of soil from the site and then the
determination of its mass and the volume it occupied before being removed. The
variations lie in the several procedures used for measuring the volume and these
depend upon the nature of the soil being tested. In coarse grained soils it forms the
"field" element of the relative density test, the other two elements often being
carried out in the laboratory.
Safe physical access to the soil in situ should be provided for all test methods
in 44.2 to 44.5. The water content of the sample should be representative.
Ideally, the weighing should be done on-site; if this is not possible, the entire
sample should be preserved until it can be weighed, taking care to avoid loss of
water.
NOTE The tests can be of limited accuracy and it might be necessary to take the
average of at least three determinations to obtain a significant result.

44.2 Sand replacement test method

Sand replacement tests should be carried out in accordance with BS 1377-9,
which describes two test variations (see BS 1377-9:1990, 2.1 and 2.2). The first is
used for fine and medium-grained soils, as defined in BS 1377. The second is
suitable for fine, medium and coarse-grained soils. These test methods are
unsuited to soils containing a high proportion of coarse gravel or larger
particles. The method should not be used in soils where the volume of the hole
cannot be maintained constantly. It also loses accuracy in soils where it is
difficult to excavate a smooth hole because the test sand added into the hole
cannot easily occupy the full volume.

44.3 Water replacement test method

The water replacement test method should be carried out in accordance with
BS 1377-9:1990, 2.3. The method is normally used in coarse and very coarse soils
(including rockfill) when the other methods for determining the field density are
unsuitable because the volume excavated would be unrepresentative. It consists
of excavating a hole large enough to obtain a representative sample, lining the
hole with flexible polyethylene or similar sheeting and then determining the
volume of water required to fill the hole.
The accuracy of the results of this test can be enhanced by attention to the
following details:
a) the hole should be made as large as possible;
b) the sides of the hole should be made as smooth as possible;
c) as thin a gauge of polyethylene as possible should be used, consistent with
it not puncturing too easily.