IS : 2720 ( Par t XXVIII ) - 1974

( R e a ff i r m e d 1995 )

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PA RT XXVIII DETERMINATION OF DRY DENSITY
OF SOILS IN-PLACE, BY T HE SAND
REPLACEMENT METHOD

( First Revision )
Sixth Reprint AUGUST 1998

UDC 624.13 1.431.5

Copyright 1974

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG

NEW DELHI 1 10002

Gr 6 October 19 74
 IS : 2 7 2 0 ( P a r t XXVIII ) - 1974

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART XXVIII DETERMINATION OF DRY DENSITY
OF SOILS IN-PLACE, BY T H E SAND
REPLACEMENT METHOD

( First Revision )
Soil Engineering Sectional Committee, B DG 23

Chairman Representing
PROF DINESH MOHAN Central Building Research Institute (CSIR).

Roorkec

Members
SHRIG. R. S.JAIN ( Alternate 1o

Prof Dincsh Mohan)

PRQF At.AM SINGH University ofJodhpur, Jodhpur
DR A. BANERJEE Cementation C o Ltd, Bombay
SHRI S. GUPTA {Alternate)

SHRi K N DADiNA pcrsonal capacity ( P-820 New Alipore, Calcutta 53)

SHRI A G DASTiDAR Hindustan Construction Co, Bombay
SHRI R L DEWAN Irrigation Research Institute, Khagaul, Patna
DR G s DHiLLON Indian Geotcchnical Society, New Delhi
DIRECTOR Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
PROF S. K. GULHATI {Alternate )

D I R E C TO R Irrigation & Power Research Institute, Amritsar

bSHRI B. B. L. BHATNAGAR (Alter 'note )

DIRECTOR ( CS & MRS ) Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (CS & MRS )

(Alternate )
SHRI A. H. DIVANJ I Rodio Foundation Engineering Ltd; and Hazarat &
Co, Bombay
SHRI A. N. JANGLE {Alternate )

SHRI V. G. HEGDR National Buildings Organization, New Delhi

SIIRi J. p. SHARMA {Alternate)

DR IQBAL AH Engineering Research Laboratory, Hyderabad

SHRI K. R. SAXENA {Alternate )

JOINT DIRECTOR RESEARCH ( FE ), Railway Board (Ministry of Railways )

RDSO
DEPUTY DIRECTOR RESEARCH,
SOIL MECHANICS, RDSO (Alte r II ,J !C y

( Continued on page 2 )

Copyright 197 4

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act (XIV of 1957) and

reproduction in whole or in p a r t by any means except with written permission of the

publisher sh al l b e deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.

18 12720 ( Part X X V m )-19 74

{ Continued from page 1)

Members. Representing
SHRI. 0.. P. . MALHOTRA Public Works Department, Government of Punjab
SHRIJ. S. MARYA Roads Wing ( Ministry of Skipping & Transport)
SHRI A. S. BQHNOI (Alternate)
SHRI M. A. MEHTA Concrete Association of India, Bombay
SHRI T. M. MENON (Alternate )

SHRI T. K_. NATARAJAN Central Road Researcti Institute (CSIR), New D e l i i i

RESEARCH. OFFICER Buildings & Roads Research Laboratory, Public
Works Department, Government of Punjab
MAJ K. M. S. SAHASI Engineer-in-Chief's Branch, Army Headquarters
SHRI P. PUTHBIGAMANI (.Alternate
SECRETARY Central Board of Irrigation & Power, New Delhi
DEPUTY SECRETARY (Alternate)
DR SHAMSHER PRAKASH University of Roorkec, Roorkee
SHRI. H, D. SHARMA Irrigation Research Institute, Roorkee
SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER (PLAN- Concrete & S o i l Research Laboratory, Public Works
NINO & DESIGN CIRCLE ) Department, Government ofTamil Nadu
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER ( INCHAROE
SOIL. MECHANICS & RESEARCH

DIVISION ) ( Alternate )
SHRI C- G- SWAIHNATHAN Institution of Engineers (India), Calcutta
SHRI H. C. VERMA All India instrument Manufacturers & Dealers
Association, Bombay
SHRI V. K. VASUDEVAN (Alternate)
SHRI H. G. VERMA Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh
SHRI D. C. CHATURVEDI (Alternate)

SHRI D. AJITHA SIMHA, Director General, B IS. ( Ex-offtTiiu Member )

Director (Civ Engg)
Secretary
SHRI G. RAMAN

Deputy Director ( Civ Engg ), BJS

Soil Testing Procedures and Equipment Subcommittee, BDG 23 :3

Convener

PROF ALAM SINGH University ofJodhpur, Jodhpur

Members
Beas Dams Project, Talwara Township
SHRI N. K. BERRY

SHRI N. K. AHUJA {Alternat e )

Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), New Delhi
DR R . K . BHA-NDIMs
Roads Wing ( Ministry o f Shipping & Transport)
SHRI T. N. BHARGAWA

SHRI A. S. BISHNOI (Alternate)

Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
DR A. K. CHATTERJEE
Pradesh
DR B. L. DHAWAN (Alternate)
SHRI R.. L.. D E W A N Irrigation Research Institute, Khagaul, Patna
DIRECTOR (CS & MRS ) Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (CS & MRS )

( Alternate)
< Continued on page 21)

2
 IS : 2720 (Part XXVIII )- 1974

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART XXVIII DETERMINATION OF DRY DENSITY
OF SOILS IN-PLACE, BY THE SAND
REPLACEMENT METHOD

(First Revision )

0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard (Part XXVIII) (First Revision ) was adopted
b y the Indian Standards Institution o n 21 February 1974, after the draft
finalized b y the Soil Engineering Sectional Committee had been approved
b y the Civil Engineering Division Council.

0 .2 With a view to establish

uniform procedures fo r t h e determination of
different characteristics of so ils and a l s o for facilitating comparative studies
of t h e results, the Indian Standards Institution is bringing o u t t h i s Indian
Standard methods of t e s t f o r soils (IS :2720) which wi l l b e published in
parts. This part [IS ;_2720 (Part XXVIII) ] deals Wit h t h e determination
of d r y density of so il, in-place, b y t h e sand replacement method. The
in-place density of natural soil is needed f o r the determination of bearing
capacity of soils, f o r the purpose of stability analysis of natural s l o p e s , fo r
the determination of pressures o n underlying strata f o r calculation of settle
ment, etc. in compacted soils t h e in-place density is needed to check the
amount of compaction that the soil has undergone fo r comparison with
design data. The correct estimation of the in-place density of both
natural and compacted soils istherefore of importance.

0.2.1 This standard was originally published in 1966. I n t h i s revision

t h e s i e v e size fo r defining fine-grained soils has been changed to 2 mm. An
appendix has been added f o r t h e determination of water content and dry
density of medium- and coarse-grained soils containing appreciable gravel
fraction.

0 .3 This standard is divided into two sections. 1 prescribes t h e

Section
method suitable f o r fine- and medium-grained soils using t h e small sand
pouring cylinder; Section 2 la ys down t h e method which u se s t h e large
sand pouring cylinder and is suitable f o r fine-, medium- and coarse-grained
soils containing stones Which make the t e s t of Section 1 difficult to
perform.

3
IS : 2720 (Part XXVIII) - 1974

0 .3.1
For the purpose of tests described in this standard soils shall be
grouped as shown b e l o w:

Fine-grained soils Soils containing no t less t h a n 90

percent passing a 2"0-mm IS
Sieve (see IS :460-1962* )

Medium-grained soils Soils containing no t less than 90

percent p a s s i n g a 20-mm IS
Sieve ( s e e IS : 460-1962* )

Coarse-grained soils Soils containing no t less t h a n 90

percent passing a 40-mm IS
Sieve (see IS : 460-1962* )

0.4 Theother standards so f a r published relating to the determination of

density o f soil in-place ar e as f o l l o ws :

IS: 2 7 2 0(Part XXTX)-I966 Methods of test for soils: P a r t XXIX

Determination of d r y density o f soils in-place by the co r e cutter
method

IS :2720 (Part XXXIII ) -1 9 7 1 Methods of test for soils: P a r t

XXXIII Determination of density in-place by the ring and
water replacement method

IS :2720 (Part XXXIV)- 1 972 Methods of test fo r soils: Part

XXXIV Determination of d e n s i t y of soil i n - p l a c e b y the rubber-
baloon method

0 .5 In the formulation o f this standard d u e weightage has b e e n g i v e n to

international co-ordination among the standards and practices prevailing
in different countries in addition to relating it to the practices in thefield
in this country. This has been m e t b y basing the standard on the follow
ing publications:

BS 1377:1961 Methods of t e s t i n g soils for civil engineering purposes.

B r itish Standards Institution.

INDIA.. MINISTRY OF IRRIGATION AND POWER. CBIP Publication No.

42. Standards for t e s t i n g soils. 1963. Central B o a r d ofTrrigation
and Power, New D e l h i .

0.6 In reporting the r e s u lt o f a test or a n a l y s i s made in accordance wi t h

this standard, if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded
o ff, it shall be done in accordance wi t h IS :2 -1 9 6 0 f.

specification for test sieves ( revised ).

I Rules for rounding off numerical value3 ( revised ).

4
 IS: 2720 (Part XXVIII) - 1974

SECTION I METHOD SUITABLE FOR FINE- AND MEDIUM-

GRAINED SOILS : SMALL POURING CYLINDER METHOD

1. SCOPE

1.1 This method covers

determination,thein-place, of the d ry density
3 J"
(in g/cm or kg/m ) of natural or compacted f i n e - and medium-grained
soils for which a sma ll sand-pouring cylinder is u s e d . The method is
applicable to layers not exceeding 150 mm in t h i c k n e s s (j Note ).

NOTE With granular materials having l i t t l e o r no cohesion, particularly when they

are w e t , there is a danger o f e r r o r s in th e measurement o f d r y density by this method.
These e r r o r s a re caused by t h e slumping of t h e s i d e s of t h e excavated density hole and
always r e s u l t in an over-estimation of t h e density.

2. APPARATUS

2.1 Small Sand-Pouring Cylinder similar in e ss en t ia l d e ta i l s to that

shown in Fig . 1.

2.2 Tools for Excavating Holes suitable tools, su ch as a scraper tool

similar to th at shown in Fig. 2 to make a level surface; b e n t s p o o n , dibber
shown in Fig. 3.

2.3 Cylindrical Calibrating Container w i t h an internal diameter of

100 mm a n d an internal depth o f 150 mm (see Note 1 under 4.2.2 ) o f the
t y p e illustrated in Fig. 4 fit te d w i t h a f l a n g e approximately 50 mm wide
and about 5 mm t h i c k surrounding the o p e n e n d . The volume of the
container s h o u l d be g i v e n to an accuracy o f 0*25 percent.

2.4 Balance accurate to 1 g.

2.5 Plane Surface: Glass or Perspex Plate or Other Plane Surface

about 450 mm square an d 9 mm th ick or l a rg e r.

2.6 Metal Containers to c o l le c t excavated soil. A convenient size

is one about 150 mm diameter a n d 200 mm deep w i t h a removable
c o v er.

2.7 Cylindrical Steel Core-Cutter of steel, 127-4 0*1 mm long

and 100 mm 01 mm internal diameter w i t h a wall t h i c k n e s s o f 3 mm
bevelled at one end. One suitable t yp e is illustrated in Fig. 5. The cutter
shall be k e p t adequately greased.

2.8 Metal Tray with Hole 300 mm s q u a re and 40 mm deep with a

100 mm h o le in the centre.

5
IS: 2720 (Part XXVIII) -1 9 7 4

riie hiiHclle inay be rcquiri'd for larie pourin; cylinder OHly.

Q Capacity in
Pouring Cylinder Size A B C 1 D E j F
\ Litres
>

Small (for fine- and 380 85 200 j 75 13 1 115 115 1 %

medium-grained soils) I 0-1 j

Large (for fine-, medium- 610 175 350 1 25 1 215 215 1 16*5
and coarse-grained soils) 1 0-1 I I

NOTE 1 This design lias been found satisfactory, but alternative designs may be

employed, provided that the essential requirements are fulfilled.

NOTE 2 Essential dimensions are underlined.
NOTE 3 Tolerance on essential dimensions 1 mm.

All dimensions in millimetres.

Flo. 1 SAND-POURING CYLINDER FOR THE DETERMINATION OF DENSITY

6
 IS 12720 (Part x x v m ) -1974

(D woooei
HANDL

tnf

- .
t
ll M
.11
*-40 0-

NOTE This design has been found satisfactory, but alternative designs may be
employed.

A ll dimensions in millimetres.

Fio. 2 SCRAPER FOR LEVELLING SURFACE OF SOIL

y-F'*rflW 0-HCK

RUBBER BUNG CONDUIT 2 0 mm 10

-V-
WLLWT FW DIPF \
".250 150

END
lOPENED

NOTE This design has been found satisfactory, but alternative design? may be

employed.

All dimensions i n millimetres.

Fio. 3 DIBBER FOR DIOOINO DENSITY HOLES

18 2720 ( Part XXVffl) -1974

NOTE 1 This design h a s been found satisfactory, but alternative designs may
employed, provided that the; essential requirements are fulfilled.
NOTE 2 Essential dimensions are underlined.

NQTB _ 3 Tolerance on essential dimensions =*=0*1 mm.

All dimensions in millimetres.

FIG. 4 CALIBRATING CONTAINER FOR USE WITH SMALL POURING

CYLINDER

8
 IS J 2720 ( Part XXVin ) - 1974

_[ |V CORNER
108 0 -1 ROUNDED O FF

SO-*
DOILEY

All dimensions in miliimctrcs.

been found satisfactory, but

alternative designs may be
empioyedy- provided that t i ie
essential requirements
fulfilled. *

NOTE 2K Essential dimeri-
men-
> i o ns are underlined.

cntial dime'nsions 0*1 mm,

D-E TERMINATION
15 2720 (Part XXVIII) - 1974

3. MATERIAL ( SAND )

3.1 Clean, uniformly graded natural s a n d passing the rOO-mm IS S i eve

a n d retained on the 600-micron IS S i eve shall be u s ed . It shall be f r e e
from organic matter, a n d shall have been o ven d r i e d an d s t o r ed for a
suitable period to al l o w its water content to r e a c h equilibrium w i t h at mo s
pheric humidity (see Note ).

NOTE Generally a storage period, after oven drying, of about i days is sufficient
for the water content of the sand t o reach equilibrium with the atmospheric humidity.
The sand should not b e stored in air-tight containers and should be thoroughly mixed
before use. If sand is salvaged from holes in compacted soils after carrying out the test,
it is advisable to sieve, dry and store this sand again before it is used in further sand

replacement tests.

4. PROCEDURE

4.1 Calibration of Apparatus

4.1.1 The method gi v en in 4.1.1.1 to 4.1.1.4 shall be followed f o r the

determination o f the weight of s a n d in the c o n e of t h e pouring cylinder.
4.1.1.1 pouring cylinder shall be f i l l e d so t h a t the level of the
The
sand in t h e
cylinder is within about 10 mm o f the top. Its t o t al i n i t i al
weight ( Wx ) shall be found a n d shall be maintained constant throughout
t h e tests f o r which the calibration is u s e d . A volume of s an d equivalent
to t h a t of the excavated h o l e in the soil ( or e q u a l to that o f the c a l i b r a t
ing container) (see Note 1 under 4.2.2) shall be allowed to r u n ou t o f
t h e cylinder under gravity. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall
then be cl o s ed an d the cylinder placed on a plane surface, such as a glass
plate.
4.1.1.2 The
shutter o n the pouring cylinder shall be opened a n d s a n d
allowed to r u n o u t . When no further movement of s a n d t a kes place in the
cylinder the shutter shall be cl o sed an d the cylinder removed carefully.
4.1.1.3 The s a n d that h a s filled t h e c o n e of the pouring cylinder ( t h a t
i s , ' t h e s a n d t h a t is left on the plane surface ) shall be c o l l e c t e d and weighed
to t h e nearest gram.
4.1.1.4 These measurements shall be repeated at least three t i m es an d
t h e mean weight ( W2) taken.

4.1.2 The method described in 4.1.2.1 to 4.1.2.3 shall be followed for

t h e determination o f the b u l k density o f the s an d ( Y)

4.1.2.1 The internalV) in ml of the calibrating container

volume (
sh all be determined from the weight of water contained in the container
whe'n f i l l e d to the brim (see Note 1 under 4.2.2 ). The volume may also
be calculated from the measured internal demensions of the container.

10
 IS s 2720 ( Part XXVIII ) - 1974

4.1.2.2 The pouring c yl i n d e r shall be p laced , c o n c e n t r i c a l l y on the top

of the calibrating container a f t e r b e ing filled to the c o n s t a n t weig h t { W, )
as in 4 . 1 . 1 . 1 . T h e s h u t t e r on the p o u r i n g cylin d er shall be closed d u r i n g
this operation. T h e sh u t te r shall be o p e n e d and sand allowed to run out.
W h en no further movement o f sand takes place in the c yl i n d e r the s h u t t er
shall be closed. T h e pouring c yl i n d e r shall be r e mo v e d and w e i g h e d to
the n earest g r a m.

4.1.2.3 T h e s e measurements shall be r e p e a t e d at least three times and

the mea n w e i g h t {JVa ) ta ke n (seeNote).

NOTE Since variations

in atmospheric humidity affect t h e water content of t h e sand,
and hence its bulk density,
the calibration should be made (or at least checked) during
each day's work. To overcome t h e effects of slight variations in grading and particle
shape between batches of sand, each batch should b e sampled and calibrated.

4.2 Measurement of Soil Density T h e fo llo w in g method shall be

fo llo wed for the measurement o f soil density.

4.2.1 A flat area, approximately 450 mm sq uare, of the soil to be tested

shall be exposed and trimmed d o wn to a level s u r fa cc preferably with the
aid of the scrap e r tool.

4.2.2 T h e me ta l tray with a c e n tral hole shall be laid on the prepared

su rface of the soil with the hole over the p o rtio n of the soil to be tested.
The hole in the soil shall then be e x c a v a t e d using the hole in the tray as a
p a t t e r n , to the d e p th of the layer to be tested up to a maximum of 150 mm
( 's e e N o t e 1 ). T h e e x c a v a t e d soil shall be carefully collected, leavin g no
loose ma t e r i a l in the hole and w e i g h e d to the nearest g ram ( ). The
metal tray shall be removed be fo re the pouring c yl i n d er isplaced in position
over the excavated hole.

The f o l lo w in g a l t e r n a t i v e m e t h o d shall be used for fine-grained cohe-

sionlcss soils;

T h e steel core c u t te r shall be pressed evenly and c a r e f u l l y into the

soil until its top edge is flush with the levelled surface. Soil to a depth of
ICO mm (see N o t e 1 ) with in the core cu tter shall then be e x c a v a t e d by
mean s of su i t a b le tools. The e x c a v a t e d soil shall be c a re fu l l y collected
and we i g h e d to the ne a re st g ra m ( W). T h e core cu tter shall remain
in position d u r i n g the remainder of the testing p r o c e d u r e .

NOTE 1 If f o r any reason it is necessary to excavate t h e holes to depths other than

150 mm, t h e calibrating container should be replaced b y o n e , t h e depth of which is t h e
same as t h e hole excavated or its effective depth should be reduced t o that of t h e hole
excavated.

NOTE 2 Care shall be taken in excavating t h e hole to see that the hole is n o t
enlarged bylevering t h e dibber against t h e s i d e of t h e hole, as t h is wi ll r e s u l t in lower
densities being recorded.

11
IS: 2720 ( Part XXVIII ) - 1974

4.2.3 The water content ( W ) o f the excavated soil shall be determined

by themethod s p e c i f i e d in IS: 2 7 2 0 (Part II)-1973*. Alternatively the
whole o f the excavated soil may be d r i e d and weighed ( W&).

4.2.4 The pouring cylinder filled to the constant weight ( 1V/J as

in 4 . 1 .1 shallbe so placed t h a t the b ase o f the cylinder c o v e r s the ho l e
concentrically. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall be clo sed during this
operation. The shutter shall t h e n be o p e n e d and s a n d allowed to r u n out
into the h o l e . The pouring cylinder a n d the surrounding area shall no t be
vibrated during this p e r i o d . When no further movement of s a n d takes
p l a c e t h e shutter shall be clo sed . The cylinder shall be removed and
weighed to the n e a r e s t gram ( ) (see Note ).
NOTE It is necessary to make a number of repeated determination? ( at l e as t three)
and to average t h e results, s i n c e the dry density of t h e soil varies appreciably from paint
t o point. The number of determination* should be s u c h that an additional o n: would
make n o significant difference to t he average.

5. CALCULATIONS

5.1 The weight o f sand (in g, required to fill the calibrating container
shall be calculated from the following formula:

where
=
IVx weight o f pouring cylinder and sand before pouring into
calibrating container in g,

Wy mean weight o f cylinder wi t h r e s i d u a l s a n d a f t e r pouring

into calibrating container and c o n e in g, a nd

Wt = mean weight o f sa nd in c o n e in g.

5.2 The b u l k density of the s a n d ()f# in kg/ shall be calculated from

the formula:

JV
Y, = y X i 000

where

V =* volume o f calibrating container in ml.

5.3 The weight o f s a n d (JV/, 4 required to fill the excavated h o l e shall

be calculated from the following formula:
- -
W, Wx-Wt Wt

'Methods of t e s t f o r oils: Part II Determination of water content (second rtvition).

12
 IS: 2720 ( Part XXVIII) - 1974

where
JV/ = w e i g h t of c y l i n d e r and sand b e f o r e pouring into hole
in g,
Wt = w e i g h t o f c yl i n d e r and sand a f t e r pouring into hole
and cone in g, and
W% = me a n w e i g h t of sand in cone in g.
5.4 T h e bulk density th a t is, the we ig h t o f the wet soil per cub ic metre
shall be calculated fro m the f o l l o w i n g fo r mu l a :
W
Y= Y.g/""'

where
W = w e i g h t of soil excavated in g,
JVf, =* w e i g h t o f sand required to fill the hole in g, and
yt = bulk d e n sity of sand in kg/m.
5.5 The dry d en s it y ya, that is, the w e i g h t o f the dry soil shall be calculat
ed fro m the f o l l o w i n g formula:
100
i' = m r h " ' ' *

or
3
Y M M X Yf
JYJ 'kAm *

where
w = w a t e r c o n t e n t of the soil in p e r c e n t ,
JV = w e i g h t of dry soil f r o m the hole in g, and
W/,' = w e i g h t of sand required to fill the hole in g.

6. REPORTING OF RESULTS

6.1 The f o l l o w i n g va lues shall be r ep o rt ed :

a) Dry d e nsity of soil in kg/m to the n earest wh o le number. The
dry d en sity ma y also be c a l c u l a t e d and reported in g/cm. c o r re c t
to the second place o f d e c i ma l.
b) Water content of the soil in p e r c e n t reported to two s ig n if i can t
figures.

6.2 T h e method used for obtaining the test results shall be stated as the
small pouring c yl i n d e r method. T h e use o f steel core cu tter, ifmade, shall
also be mentioned.

6.3 The results o f the test shall be r e c o r d e d suitab ly. A recommended

pro f o r m a for the rec o rd o f the test results is given in Appendix A.

13
IS: 2720 ( Part XXVILI) - 1974

SECTION 2METHOD SUITABLE FOR FINE-, MEDIUM-

AND COARSE-GRAINED SOILS: LARGE
POURING CYLINDER METHOD

7. SCOPE

7.1 T h i s method c o v e r s the determination, in-place, o f the d ry density

( i n g/cm or kg/m ) of natural or compacted soil containing s t o n e s which
make the test o f S e c t i o n 1 difficult to perform. This is an alternative
method of test to S e c t i o n 1 for f i n e - a n d medium-grained soils a n d should
be u s e d i n s t e a d o f t h a t test for la yers exceeding 150 m m b ut no t exceeding
2 5 0 m m in thickness (see Note under 1.1).

8. APPARATUS

8.1 Large Sand-Pouring Cylinder similar in the essential details to

t h a t shown in Fig. 1.

8.2 Tools for Excavating Holes suitable tools, such as b e n t s p o o n ,

dibber (see Fig. 3), large s c r e w d r i v e r, pointed steel rod about 300 m m lo ng
and 5 to 10 mm dia wi t h a wooden handle.

8.3 Cylindrical Calibrating Container wi t h internal diameter of

200 m m a n d an internal depth o f 250 mm ( seeNote 1 under 4.2.2 ) o f
the t yp e illustrated in Fig. 6 f i t t e d wi t h a f l a n g e 75 m m wi d e a n d about
5 m m t h i c k surrounding the open end. The volume of the container
should be g i v e n to an accuracy of 0*15 percent.

8.4 Balance accurate to 1 g.

8.5 Plane Surface a glass plate or other plane surface about 600 mm
square a n d 10 m m t h i c k or l a r g e r.

8.6 Metal. Containers to c o l l ec t the excavated soil and to t a k e the

supply o f s a n d to fill the pouring cylinder. T h i s may be provided w i t h
a suitable c o v e r.

8.7 Metal Trav with Central Hole a m e t a l t r a y 450 mm square

and 50 m m d e e p w i t h a 200 mm dia ho l e in the c e n t r e .

9. MATERIAL (SAND)

9.1 Clean, uniformly graded natural sa nd passing the I'OO-mm IS Sieve and
retained on the 600-micron IS Sieve shall be u sed . It shall be fre e from
organic matter, and shall h a v e b e e n o v e n d r i e d and s t o r ed for a s u i t a b l e
period to a l l o w its water content to reach equilibrium wi t h atmospheric
humidity (seeNote under 3.1).

14
 IS: 2720 ( Part XXVIII) -1 9 7 4

STlFFENWd
u/ca i

NOTE 1This design has been found satisfactory, but alternative design* may be
employed, provided that the essential requirements are fulfilled.
NOTE 2 Essential dimensions are underlined.
NOTE 3 Tolerance on essential dimensions 0'I mm.

Ail dimensions in millimetres.

F i 0. CALIBRATING CONTAINER FOR USE WITH LARGE POURING

CYLINDER AN D IN THE HAND SCOOP METHOD

10, PROCEDURE

10.1 Calibration o f Apparatus

10.1.1 The method described in 10.1.1.1 to 10. 1. 1. 4 shall' hQfollowed for

t h e determination o f t h e weight o f s a n d in the c o n e o f the pouring cylinder.

10.1.1.1 The pouring cylinder s ha ll be fi l l e d w i t h a given in iti al

weight o f s a n d ( W, ) - This weight shall be maintained constant through
out th e tests fo r which the calibration is u s e d (see Note). A volume o f
s a n d equivalent to t h a t o f the excavated h o l e in the soil ( or e q u a l to that

15
IS: 2720 ( Part XXVIII) - 1974

of the calibrating container) shall be al lo we d to run out o f the pouring

c yl i n d e r under g r a v i t y. T h e s h u t t e r on the p o u r i n g c yl i n d e r shall then be
closed and the c y l i n d e r p l a c e d on the p l a n e sur face.
NOTE The total weight of t h e pouring cylinder and sand is large, so that the
method weighing is to weigh the sand in two o r three containers and t ip it
offillingand
info the pouring cylinder before using. Care shall be taken to see that the same
constant initial weight as is used in calibrating t h e apparatus is used for each density
measurement. Sufficient sand should be used to leave about 4 to 5 k g of sand in the
pouring cylinder after t h e t e s t iscompleted.

10 .1 .1 .2 The shutter pouring c y l i n d e r shall be o p e n e d and

on the
sand a llo wed to r un out. When no further movement o f sand takes p lace in
the c y l i n d e r the s h u t t e r shall be closed and the c y l i n d e r r e m o v e d c a r e f u l l y.
10.1.1.3 T he sand th at has fi lled the cone o f the p o u r i n g c yl i n d e r
shall be co llected and we i g h e d to the n e a r e s t 0' 1 p e r c e n t o f its total we i g h t .
10.1.1.4 These measurements shall be r e p e a t e d at least three times
and mean w e i g h t ( W, ) t a k e n .
10.1.2 T h e m e t h o d d e s c r i b e d in 10.1.2.1 to 10.1.2.3 shall be fo llo wed
for the determination o f the b ulk d e ns it y o f the sand ( y )
10.1.2.1 The ( V) in ml o f the c a l i b r a t i n g
internal volume container
shall be determined by the we i g h t o f wa t e r c o n t a i n e d in the container
when filled to the b r i m ( s e e N o t e under 10.2.2 ).
10 .1 .2 .2 T hecalibrating container s ho uld stand on a large tray
d u r i n g the procedure to collect the sand o v e r f l o wi n g f r o m the cone wh e n the
c y l i n d e r is removed. T h e pouring c yl i n d e r shall be p l a c e d c o n c e n t r i c a l l y
on the top o f the calibrating c o n t a i n e r and filled with the c o n s t a n t we i g h t
of sand ( Wx ) as in 1 0.1.1.1, T he s h u t t e r on the pouring c y l i n d e r shall be
closed d u r i n g this o p e r a t i o n . The s h u t t e r shall be o p e n e d and the sand
a l l o we d to ru n out. When no further movement o f the sand takes p lace
in the c y l i n d e r the s h u t t e r shall be closed. The pouring c y l i n d e r shall be
r e m o v e d and the sand remaining in it we i g h e d to the n e a r e s t 0 1 p e r c e n t
o f its initial we i g h t .

1 0 . 1 . 2 . 3 T h e s e measurements shall be r e p e a t e d at least three times,

and the mean we i g h t ( W. ) taken ( see No t e u n d e r 4 . 1 . 2 . 3 ).

10.2 T h e method give n in 10.2.1 to 10.2.4 shall be fo llo wed for the
measurement o f soil d ensity.
10.2.1 A flat ar ea, approximately 60 cm, at the p l a c e at wh i c h the soil
is to be tested shall be exp o sed and trimmed d o wn to a level s ur fac e.
10.2.2 T h e m e t a l tray wi t h a ce n tr a l ho le shall be laid on the prepared
s u r f a c e o f the soil wit h the hole over the p o r t i o n o f the soil to be tested,
T h e hole in the soil shall then be e x c a v a t e d using the hole in the tray as a
p a t t e r n , to the d ep th o f the layer to be tested up to a maximum o f 250 mm

16
 IS: 2720 (Part XXVIII) - 1974

(see Note ). The excavated soil shall be carefully c o l l e c t c d , l e a v i n g no

loose material in the ho le, a n d weighed to the nearest gram ( W). The
metal t r a y shall be removed before the pouring cylinder is placed in
position o v e r the excavated ho le.
NOTE If for any reason it is necessary to excavate holes to depths other than 250 m m
the calibrating container should b e replaced b y one, the depth of which is t h e same as
the hole excavated o r its effective depth reduced to that of the hole excavated.

10.2.3 A representative sample o f the excavated soil shall be placed in an

air-tight container a n d its water contcnt (w) determined b y the method
s p e c i f i e d in IS : 2 7 2 0 ( P a r t II )-1973*.
1 0 .2.4 The
pouring cylinder f i l l e d wi t h the constant weight o f s a n d
( Wjf ) as in 1 0 . 1 . 1 . 1 , shall be placed so t h a t the b ase o f the cylinder co ver s
the hole concentrically. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall be
clo sed during this operation. The shutter shall t h e n be opened a n d s a n d
allowed to r u n out. When no further movement of the s a n d ta ke s p l a c e
the shutter shall be clo scd . The cylinder shall be removed a n d the s a n d
remaining in it weighed to *he nearest 0' 1 percent o f its in itial weight
( W k ) ("see Note under 4.2.4 ).

11. CALCULATIONS

11.1 The calculations shall be d o n e as laid down in 5.

11.2 For medium- a n d coarse-grained soils containing appreciable g r a v e l

fraction ( p l u s 4*75-mm IS Sieve ) the water contcnt a n d d ry density shall
be determined as g i v e n in Appendix B.

12. REPORTING OF RESULTS

12.1 The r e s u l t s shall be reported as s p e c i f i e d in 6 e x c c p t that the method

used for obtaining the test r e s u l t s shall be s t a t e d as large pouring cylinder
method.

12.2 The r e s u l t s of the test shall be recorded s u i t a b l y. A recommended

p r o forma for the record o f test r e s u l t s is g i v e n in Appendix A.

Methods of t e s t fo r s oi ls : Part II Determination of water content ( s e co n d revision ).,

17
IS: 2720 (Part XXVIII) - 1974

APPENDIX A

(Clauses 6.3 and 12.2)

DETERMINATION O F DRY DENSITYO F SOIL, IN-PLACE,
B Y SAND REPLACEMENT

( Small Pouring Cylinder/Large Pouring Cylinder)

A,=l. The test r e s u l t s

fo r the two methods, namely, small pouring cylinder
and larg e pouring cylinder may be tabulated as g i v e n below u s in g the
appropriate symbols a n d words in e a c h case:

Project: Tested by:

Location: Date:

S t a t e whether steel co re cutter was u se d .

Calibration

1. Mean weight of s a n d in cone (of pouring

cylinder) ( IV,), in g

2. Volume o f calibrating container ( V), in ml

3. Weight of sa n d (+ cylinder) before

pouring ( Wy ), in g

4. Mean weight o f sa n d ( + cylinder) after

pouring ( W, ), in g

5. Weight of sa n d to fill calibrating container

( w,. tV, - Ws - W2 ), in g

w "
6. Bulk density o f sa n d y, "jr *00 kg/m

18
 IS: 2720 (Part XXVIH )- 1974

Measurement o f Soil Density

1. Determination No.

2. We i g h t o f wet soil f r o m hole ( ), in g

3. Weight o f sand ( + c y l i n d e r ) b e fo r e pouring

( W, in g

4. We i g h t o f sand ( - f cylinder) a f t e r pouring

5. We i g h t of sand in hole ( /F* - WJ,

in g

fV- ,
6. Bulk d e n si t y y&
T k g/ m *
rr J

7. Water c o n t e n t c o n t a i n e r No.

8. We i g h t o f soil for wa t e r c o n t e n t determi

n a t i o n , in g

9. We i g h t of oven dr ied soil, in g

10. Water c o n t c n t ( w ), percent

KKWfc
11. Dry d ensit y
100+W

APPENDIX B
(Clause 11.2)

DETERMINATION OF WATER CONTENT AND D RY DENSITY

OF MEDIUM- AN D COARSE-GRAINED SOILS CONTAINING
APPRECIABLE GRAVEL FRACTION ( PLUS 4-75-mm IS SIEVE)

B-1. IN-PLACE BULK DENSITY

B-1.1 T he in - p la ce bulk d ensity (yfi) o f the soil shall be determined as

d e s c r i b e d in Section 2.

B-2. PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINATION OF VOLUME AND

WATER CONTENT

B-2.1 A f t e r o b t a i n i n g the wet we i g h t ( fV ) of the total ma t e r i a l re moved

fr o m the hole, the soil shall be s e p a r a t e d into plus 4 75-mm fr a c t i o n

19
IS: 2720 ( Part XXVIII) - 1974

(gravel) a n d minus 4-75 mm fraction by the 4'75-mm IS Sieve. This

should be done rapidly to a v o i d loss of water.
NOTE If this test is for construction control, the fraction passing the 4'75-mm IS
Sieve should be placed in an air-tight container for further tests.

B - 2 . 2 The fraction retained on the 4'75-mm IS S ieve (gravel) shall be

washed on the sieve u s i n g a minimum o f water, blotted d ry w i t h a t o w e l to
a w e t surface-dry condition and weighed ( Wg ).
B - 2 . 3 The volume o f the g r a v e l ( ) in a wet surface-dry condition, shall
t h e n be determined by displacement of water from a siphon-container from
which the over-flow can be measured, or by weighing in air a n d in water.
The s p e c if i c gravity ( Go) of the g r a v e l particles should t h e n be computed.
NOTE For construction control, the volume ofgravel need not be measured every
time a test is made. After several tests have shown that the specific gravity of the

gravel from a particular source is virtually constant, the specific gravity may be assumed
and the volume computed.
B-2.4 The wet g r a v e l ( fVg ) shall be placed in an o v e n a n d the oven-dry
weight a n d water content ( w,t ) shall be determined.
B - 2 . 5 The water content ( w.) in percent o f the soil fraction passing the
4'75-mm IS Sie ve shall also be determined by oven-drying a representative
sample.

B -3. CALCULATIONS

B-3.1 Further calculations should be carried out as fo l lo w s:

a) In-place b u lk dens.ty ys 1 unTe~TXfirottr~

b) Wet weight o f minus 4'75-mm soil = fVg

c) Volume o f minus 4'75-mm soil --Volume o f h o le Vg

(a)
d) Wet d e n s i t y of minus 4'75-mm soil =
(b)
(a)
e) D r y wet.hit of 4'7IJJia), soil s-
/ ./ p / :f wJlOO
(C)
f) D r y density o f minus 4'75-mm soil
- II,
I i I.MI

g) D r y weight of to ta l material
soil =
( -j- gravel) W'g -f (d)
h) Water content (wj) of total _(f\
material, percent = 100
\ )

j) Percentage of gravel in the

= *
material on a d ry weight b asi s ~/jf 100
v /

k) Dry density o f the total imLexiaJ. = _

1 +- W7/100

20
 IS: 2720 ( Part XXVIII) - 1974

{ Continued from page 2 )

Members Representing
SHRI H. K. GUHA Geologists' Syndicate Pvt Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI N. N. B

CUteraati'f
SHRI S. K. GULHATI Indian Institute of Tcclinoiogy, New Delhi
SHRI G. R. S.JAIN Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee
SHRI AMAR SINGH (Alternate)
SHRI 0. P. M ALIIOTRA Buildings & Roads Research Laboratory, Chandigarh
DR I. S. UPPAL {Alternate )
DR V. V. S. RAO United Technical Consultants Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI K. K. GUPTA (Alternate)
MAJ K. M. S. SAIIASI E n g i n e e r - i n - C h i e f s Branch, Army Headquarters
SHRI H. C. VERMA Associated Instrument Manufacturers (India) Pvt
Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI M. N. BALIGA {Alternate)

21
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