Q1. State the objective and principle of the sand cone
method. Ans. As defined, the Sand Cone Method is a sand replacement method for determining the field unit weight or the in-situ density of natural or compacted soil. Also, it is used to determine soil density in the field and to control the results of field compaction in earth embankments, road fill, and structural back fill. In this method, a soil sample is excavated manually and its weight measured. The volume of excavated soil is determined from the volume of fine sand required to fill the hole. This test is also used in stability analysis of embankments and slopes, for the calculation of pressure in underlying strata for
settlement problems and also designs of underground
structures.
Q2. Why do we use particular sand for the sand-cone
method? Why not use any sand? Ans. To maintain constant density which is an important requirement when we need to determine the volume from weight measurement is the primary reason on why we cannot use any type of sand. The uniformity of sand that passes through a No. 20 sieve that is retained on a No. 30 sieve is the particular sand that we need. In addition, the ASTM requires a coefficient of uniformity Cu smaller than 2, all particle sizes smaller than 2mm, and no more than 3% smaller than 0.25mm.
Q3. Why is it important not to lose any soil from the
excavated hole during the sand cone method? Ans. Substantial error in the determination of the unit weight for such a relatively small sample will be produced if the soil from the excavated hole will be reduced or loosed. It will give us inaccurate data for our experiment. Q4. Can you name two other test methods that are used to define the soil density in field? Ans. Two other test methods that are used to define the soil density in field are the Rubber Balloon Method (ASTM D2167 or AASHTO T 205) which uses a balloon inflated with water to fill the excavated hole and the Nuclear Method (ASTM D2922 or AASHTO T 238) which measures both soil density and water content by using two types of radioactive sources.