Discussion

Theory
Field Density testing using Sand Replacement method is the industry standard in field density soil testing. This test
is used to determine the field wet density, field moisture content and Field Dry Density of any given soil.
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Observation
During the experiment, the field chosen was tested using sand replacement method. By digging a cylindrical hole in
the field, we were able to get field samples for testing. Sand is used in filling up the hole to measure the volume of
the soil sample acquired. The idea is that, by knowing the density and the weight of the sand, it is possible to
compute its volume.
In observing the procedures, one source of error is the no uniformity of the sand used. The sand particles must have
uniform particle sizes to ensure accurate volume calculations. The reason for this is that, when the sand is not
uniform in size, there is also no uniformity in its density and thus creating errors in the experiment.
The amount of soil removed from the hole should be taken without spilling. It affects the result of the experiment to
be inaccurate. This is because the spilled soil should have contributed to the overall weight of the field soil removed.
When the weight of soil sample is not as much as the volume of the hole should supposedly weigh, this causes
major errors in the data.
When pouring the sand into the hole, it should be monitored properly because unexpectedly, sand particles might
clog on the cone disallowing the sand to pour freely. No external forced should be directed in the cone when pouring
the sand because this might cause overflow in the hole.
Application
Field Density Testing (Nuclear or Sand Cone) is performed in the field during construction on soil that is being
placed in a fill and must provide a sufficient level of compaction to support a structure or roadway. This test
compares the Laboratory Compaction Density to the Field Density in order to determine the percent compaction
achieved.
The in-situ density of the soil is required to control the results of field compaction in earth embankments, Road fill
and structural back filling. So, measuring the soil density is essential before building any construction. Three
methods are used to determine the density (unit weight) of a soil in the sight; the sand replacement method, the
balloon method, and the nuclear method.
During the course of a large earthwork project in Georgia, six test fills were constructed to study placement and
compaction procedures. Several density testing techniques used in the quality control testing program were
compared. A laboratory compaction test was performed at each field density test location to eliminate the need to
select the appropriate compaction curve from a family of curves. Two soil types, both sands, were involved in the
test program. The effects of gradation, compaction, mold size, depth of density test, and type of nuclear device were
investigated. Variables in construction procedures included type of equipment, number of passes, lift thickness, and
soil type. Following a statistical evaluation it was concluded that (1) oven moisture contents were consistently lower
than nuclear moistures, (2) nuclear wet densities were always less than sand cone densities, and (3) the sand cone
density test method yielded a 5% higher compaction when compared to the nuclear test method.
Conclusion
At the end of the experiment, it is conclusive that the test can determine density of the upper layer of compacted soil
only and not appropriate to test for material with particle size over 2 inches (50.8 mm).
Quality control of soil compaction in the field is to ensure that properties of soil conform to the specification. In-place
density of soil and water content are commonly used as compaction quality control parameters. Field density test by
sand-cone method is widely used to determine these parameters. Volume of compacted soil is measured indirectly

by replacement of standard sand into the test hole. Soil density then calculated by dividing the weight of soil
removed by volume of the hole.
Advantages of this test includes that it is fast and easy to perform and Parameters obtained from the test can also
be used for other purposes.
Recommendation for the test include consideration for minimum test hole volume and minimum moisture content
samples should depend on maximum particle size of compacted materials. Number of test location depends on the
uniformity of the compaction and other factor. Design engineer should determine number of test location and review
the results. The test should give inplace wet density, dry density and degree of compaction.