Method to determine the density and unit weight of the soil in

its place by the sand cone method - year 2000

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1556, the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of the last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the
year of new last approval. A superscript (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or new
approval.

scope

1.1 This testing method is used to determine the density and unit weight of the
soils in the place using the sand cone.
1.2 This testing method is applicable to soils without appreciable amounts of rock or
thick materials of more than 1 1/2" (38 mm) in diameter.
1.3 This testing method can also be used for the determination of density in the
place and the weight of the unit in situ unaltered in the soils, as long as the natural voids or
pores in the ground are small enough to prevent the sand used in the
test fill in the gaps. The soil or other test material must have sufficient cohesion or
attraction particle to keep the sides stable in a small hole or excavation, and
be sufficiently firm to withstand the minor pressures exerted during excavation
from the hole and place the devices in it, without deformation or peeling.
1.4 This test method is not suitable for organic materials, saturated materials, or soils.
highly plastic that deform during compression in the test hole excavation.
This method may not be suitable for soils that contain granular materials that
it will not remain stable on the sides of the test hole, the soils that contain
appreciable amounts of coarse material greater than 1/2" (38 mm), and granular soils with
empty highs.
1.5 When the materials include significant quantities of larger particles
of 11/2” (38 mm), or when the test volume hole is larger than 0.1 m3 (2,830 cm3)
are mandatory, Method D 4914 or D 5030 are applicable.
It is a common practice in the engineering profession to use pounds at the same time.
to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and a unit of force (lbf). This assumes,
implicitly combine two separately unit systems, that is, the absolute system
and gravitational of the system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two sets
different units inch-pound within a single standard.
This testing method has been written using the gravity system of units when it
it deals with the inch-pound system. In this system, the pound (lb) represents a unit of
force (Weight). However, the use of balances or scales for recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the
density recording in lbm/ft3 should not be considered as the nonconformity of this
testing method.
1.7 This standard does not intend to cover all security issues, if any, associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish the practices
relevant to safety and health and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
before use.

2. Reference documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:

D 653 Soil Terminology, Rock, and Fluid Content
D 698 Test method for laboratory compaction characteristics of Soil Standard
Effort (12,400 ft.lbf/ft3 (600 kN · m/m3)) 2
D 1557 Test method for laboratory compaction characteristics of Modified Soil
Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3)) 2
D 2216 Test method for the laboratory determination of water (Moisture) Content of Soil
rock2
D 3584 Practice of presentations and reports on soil and Rock Engineering Indexing Purposes3
D 3740 Practice of Minimum Requirements for Agencies Committed to Experimentation and/or
Soil and rock inspection as used in design and construction engineering
D 4253 Test methods for maximum density index and unit weight of soils using a
vibratory Table2
D 4254 Test method for density Minimum Index and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of relative
density2
D 4643 Test method for the determination of water (moisture) content of soil by oven drying
microwave method2
D 4718 Practice of weight correction of the unit and water The content of soils that contain gran
size Particles2
D 4753 Specification for the evaluation, selection, and specification of scales and balances for use in testing
of soil, Rock, and related construction Materials2
D 4914 Testing methods for the density of soils and rocks in place by the substitution method
sand in a Pit2 test
D 4944 Test method for the determination of Soil Water Content (Moisture) by the
calcium carbide gas pressure tester Method4
D 4959 Test method for the determination of water (moisture) content in soil by heating
direct method 4
D 5030 Test method for the density of soils and rocks in place by the water method
a Pit4 test

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions - All definitions conform to the terminology D 653.

3.2 Definitions of the specific terms of this standard:
3.2.1 compacted elevator - a layer of compacted soil.

4. Summary of test method

A test hole is an excavated part of the land to be tested and all the material
The hole is stored in a container. The hole is filled with free-flowing sand from a
known load, and the volume is determined. The wet density of the soil at the location is
determines by dividing the wet mass of the extracted material by the volume of the hole. The
water content of the hole material and the dry weight of the material is determined
and in dry place and the density is calculated using the wet mass of the soil, the content of
water, and the volume of the hole.

5. Meaning and Use

5.1 This test method is used to determine the density of compacted soils.
placed during the construction of embankments, road fill, and structural fill.
mince is used as a base for the acceptance of compacted soils at a density
specified the percentage of a maximum density determined by a test method, such as
Test Methods D 698 or D 1557.
5.2 This testing method can be used to determine the density of the place.
natural deposits of soil, aggregates, soil mixtures, or other similar material.
5.3 The use of this testing method is generally limited to soils in a
unsaturated condition. This method is not recommended for soils that are soft nor
crumbly (they crumble easily) or in humid conditions of this type that seeps in
water in the hand dug hole. The accuracy of the test may be affected by the
soils that deform easily or that may undergo a change in volume during excavation

vibration hole, or standing or walking near the hole during the test (see Note 1).
NOTE 1 - When tested under soft conditions or in soils near saturation,
volume changes can occur in the excavated hole as a result of the
surface
load, the staff performing the test, and similar. This can sometimes be avoided with the
use of a platform that is compatible with a certain distance from the hole. As not
it is always possible to detect when a change in volume has taken place, results of the
tests must always be compared with the theoretical saturation density, or the air of
zero gaps in the dry density line against the water plot content. Any
in situ density test on compacted soils that calculates more than 95% saturation
it will be considered suspicious and probably a mistake made, or the volume of the hole has
changed during the test.
NOTE 2 - Despite the accuracy statements and the bias outlined in this method of
The accuracy of this testing method depends on the competence of the personnel who
carries out, and the suitability of the equipment and installations used. The agencies that comply with the
Criteria for good practices D 3740 are considered capable, competent, and objective tests.
Users of this testing method are warned that compliance with Practice D 3740 is not
it guarantees a reliable test by itself. Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice
D 3740 provides a means to evaluate some of those factors.
6. Device

6.1 Sand cone density apparatus, which consists of the following:

6.1.1 A jar or container of seizable sand that has a capacity volume greater than
to the required to fill the test hole and devices during the test.

6.1.2 A removable device consisting of a valve cylinder with a hole

approximately ½” (13 mm) in diameter, connected to a funnel (cone) and the container of
metal on one end, and a large metal funnel (like a sand cone) on the other
extreme. The valve will have stops to prevent it from being fully opened and
completely closed positions. The device will be made of sufficiently rigid metal
to avoid volume distortion changes in the cone. The walls of the cone will form a
an angle of approximately 60° with the base to allow for uniform filling with sand.

6.1.3 A metal plate or a template with a recess with a border to receive the large funnel
(cone) of the device described in 6.1.2. The base plate can be round or
squares and will be a minimum of 3 inches (75 mm) larger than the funnel (sand-cone).
the plate will be flat at the bottom and has sufficient stiffness. The plate with
raised edges, approximately 3/8" to ½" in height (10 to 13 mm) can be
used.

6.1.4 The weight of the sand needed to fill the apparatus and base plate will be determined by
agreement with the instructions in annex A1 before use.

6.1.5 The details for the device shown in figure 1 represent the dimensions
acceptable minimums for the test:
 FIG. 1 Apparatus Density

Soils with a maximum particle size of approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm) and the
test volumes hole of approximately 0.1 m3 (2,830 cm3). When the material
that is being tested contains a small amount of large particles and
the largest particles are isolated, the test must be moved to a location
new. Expand devices and test volumes holes are needed when the particles
larger than 11/2” inch (38 mm) are common.
The device described here represents a design that has proven satisfactory. Devices more
large ones, or other types of designs of similar proportions can always be used and
when determining the base of the sand volume, the test is observed. the volume of
a hole larger than 0.1 m3 (5,660 cm3) requires test method D 4914 to be
used.

6.2 Arena - the sand must be clean, dry, and uniform, not cemented, and freely flowing.
Any gradation can be used that has a uniformity coefficient (Cu =
D60/D10) less than 2.0, maximum size of the smallest particles of 2.0 mm (No. 10
sieve), and less than 3% by weight passes 250 microns (No. 60 sieve). Uniformly sand
Graduates are necessary to avoid segregation during handling and storage.
and use. Free of sand and fine sand particles and has the obligation to avoid significant
changes in apparent density with normal daily changes in the atmosphere
moisture. Composed of durable sand, natural subrounded, or rounded particles
It is desirable. Crushed sand or sand with angular particles cannot be freely flowing.
condition that can cause an inaccurate result in density determinations (see Note 3).
In the selection of a sand for a potential source determination, and a grading of the
apparent density in accordance with the procedure established in Annex A2 must
be done in each container or sandbag. To be an acceptable sand, the majority
The variation in density among all the measurements must not exceed 1% of the mean.
Before using sand in the density determinations, it is dried, then it is allowed to reach
to an air drying state in the general location where it will be used
(See Note 4). The sand will not be reused without the removal of any contaminants.
from the ground, the control of grading, drying and re-determines the maximum density (see note 5). A
The density bulk tests of the sand will be done at intervals not exceeding 14 days.
always after any significant change in atmospheric humidity,
before reusing, and before the use of a new batch previously approved by the
supplier (see Note 6).

NOTE 3 - Some manufactured items (crushed), such as sandblasting sands

they have been successfully used with good reproducibility. The reproducibility of results from
Tests with angular sand must be checked in controlled laboratory situations of
tests before selecting an angular gravel for use.
NOTE 4-Many have found it beneficial to store sand in containers
moisture resistant. The sands must be stored in protected dry areas
from the elements. The use of a lit bulb or another heat source, or next to
storage containers have also been found to be beneficial in the
areas of high humidity.
NOTE 5 - As a general rule, sand tests after recovery are not
desirable.
NOTE 6 - Most sands tend to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere. A very small amount of the absorbed moisture can make a change
substantial in volume density. In areas of high humidity, or when the changes of
humidity frequently, the highest possible density that needs to be determined with more
frequency that the maximum indicated interval of 14 days. The need for more controls
frequent can be determined by comparing the results of different
tests of apparent density in the same sand conducted under the same conditions
for use over a period of time.

6.3 Balances or Scales of the meeting - Specification D 4753, with readability 5.0 g, or better, for
determine the mass of sand and excavated soils. A scale or balance with a minimum
a capacity of 20 kg and a readability of 5.0 g is suitable for determining the mass of the sand and
the excavated land the apparatus with the dimensions indicated in figure 1 is used.
6.4 Drying equipment Equipment corresponding to the method used to determine the
water content as specified in the tests of Methods D 2216, D 4643, D 4959
o D 4944.
6.5 Diverse tools - small selection, chisel, small trowel, screwdriver, or spoons for
dig test wells, long nails or screws to secure the base plate; buckets with lids,
a plastic coating, fabric bags, or other appropriate containers to retain the
sample density, sample moisture, and sand density, respectively;
portable small brush, calculator, or forms test, etc

7. Procedure

Select a location of 7.1 - elevation that is representative of the area to be analyzed and determined.
the density of the soil in the place as follows:

7.1.1 Inspect the cone apparatus for any damage, the free rotation of the valve, and that it
properly adjust to the motherboard. Fill the cone container with conditioned sand
for the greatest density obtained in accordance with Annex A2, and determine
the total mass.
7.1.2 Prepare the surface of the location to be tested so that it is flat.
leveled. The base plate can be used as a tool to reach the surface at
a smooth horizontal plane.
7.1.3 the motherboard on the flat surface, making sure there is contact with the surface
from the ground around the edge of the flange or hole. Mark the outline of the plate
base to check for movement during the trial, and if necessary, secure the plate
against the movement with nails in the ground adjacent to the edge of the plate, or by other means,
without disturbing the ground to be tested.
7.1.4 In the soils where leveling is not correct, or there are empty spaces on the surface, the
The horizontal volume limited by the funnel, plate, and the ground surface must be
determined by a preliminary test. Fill the space with sand from the device, determine the

sand that is used to fill the space, refill the device, and
determine a new initial mass of the devices and the sand before proceeding to the test.
After this measure has been completed,
carefully brush the sand from the prepared surface (see Note 7).

NOTE 7 - the second calibrated device can be taken to the field when this condition is
prevents (instead of the recharge and the taking of a second determination). The procedure
described in 7.1.4 can be used for each test when the best possible accuracy is required
desire, however, is not usually necessary for most production of tests, in
In the case of a relatively smooth surface, it can be obtained.
The test hole volume will depend on the anticipated maximum particle size.
on the ground to be tested. Test hole volumes must be as large as possible
possible to minimize errors and cannot be lower than the indicated volumes
In Table 1, the depth of the hole sample must be selected and provided.
by a representative.
For construction control, the depth of the hole should be approximately equal to the thickness of
one, layers of compaction (s). The procedure for the calibration of the sand must reflect
this depth of the hole. See Annex A2.

Table 1 - Minimum test volumes of the hole based on maximum size including particles

7.1.6 Dig the test hole through the center hole in the base plate, carefully.
not to disturb the deformation of the earth in the hole. The sides of the hole must have a
slightly inclined inward and the bottom should be reasonably flat or concave.
The hole must be as free as possible from pockets, overhangs, and strong obstructions.
that affect the accuracy of the test. The soils that are essentially granular
require extreme attention and may require the excavation of a test hole in shape
conical. In every place of the excavated ground, and any loose soil during the excavation, Have
care to avoid the loss of any material. Protect this material from any loss of
humidity until the dough is heavy.
7.1.7 Cleaning the motherboard hole, invert the sand cone apparatus into the seat
from the funnel, in the hole of a rim in the same situation it marked during the
calibration
(See Annex A1). Eliminate or minimize vibrations in the test area due to
personal or team. Open the valve and allow the sand to fill the hole, through the funnel.
and the motherboard. Be careful to avoid shocks or vibrations while using the sand device.
it is in operation. When the sand stops flowing, close the valve.
7.1.8 weigh the mass of the apparatus with the remaining sand, record it, and calculate the mass of the sand
used.
7.1.9 Weigh and record the mass of the wet material that was removed from the test pit.
Determine the mass of the large sizes. Material in the sieve needed, and verify,
taking care to avoid moisture loss. When necessary, corrections
relevant. For large-sized material using Practice D 4718.
7.1.10 Mix the material, and obtain a representative sample for the determination of
moisture content, or use the entire sample.
7.1.11 Determine the moisture content in accordance with Method D 2216, D 4643, D
4944, or D 4959. The correlations of Test Method D 2216 will be carried out when it is
required by other testing methods.
7.2 The moisture content must be sufficient and selected in such a way that
represent all the material obtained from the test. The minimum sample mass of the content
The humidity required to provide the moisture will be precise values at 1.0%.

8. Calculation

8.1 The calculations are for mass in grams and volume in cubic centimeters. Other
units are admissible provided that appropriate conversion factors are used for
maintain the consistency of units throughout the calculation. See 1.6 for more
comments on the use of inch-pound units.
8.2 Calculate the volume of the test hole as follows:
Where:

volume of the test hole, cm3

Weight of the sand used to fill the test hole, the funnel and base plate, g (from 7.1.8)

Weight of the sand used to fill the funnel and the base plate (in annex A1.2.2.6) g.
Apparent density of sand (from A2.3.5) g/cm3

8.3 Calculate the dry weight of material extracted from the test as follows:

Where:

=water content of the material extracted from the test in %, (from 7.1.11),

wet mass of the material with the test hole, g, (from 7.1.9)

dry weight of the material from the test hole, g, or multiply by 0.002205 to convert to pounds

8.4 Calculate the wet and dry density of the tested material as follows:

Where:

=volumen del agujero de prueba cm3, (de 8.2)

wet mass of the material of (7.1.9)

dry weight of the material from the test hole of (8.3)

= wet density of the tested material g/cm3 or wet weight unit, in lb/ft3 where = x 62.43,

= dry density of the tested material, g/cm3 or dry unit weight, in lb/ft3 where = x 62.43

8.5 This method will allow, to express the density at the place as a percentage of the
density of some others, for example, the laboratory density determined according to the
test method D 698, D 1557, D 4253 or D 4254. This relationship can be determined by
dividing the density in the field by the laboratory density and multiplying by 100. The
Calculations for the relative density determination are provided in test method D.
4254. Corrections for large-sized material, if necessary, should be made to
compliance with practice D 4718.

Report

9.1 Report at least the following information:

9.1. Location of the test, height, thickness of the layer to be checked, or
other relevant data to locate or identify the test.
9.1.2 volume of the test hole, cm3
9.1.3 Instead of wet density, g/cm3 or lb/ft3.
9.1.4 Instead of dry density g/cm3.
9.1.5 Instead of dry weight unit kN/m3 (3 º 9.807), or lb/ft3 expressed with
an approximate value of 0.1 kN/m3, or 1.0 lb/ft3.
9.1.6 Instead of soil water content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter, and the
method of testing used.
9.1.7 Test of the identity and volume of calibrated devices.
9.1.8 The apparent density of the sand used, g/cm3, or lb/ft3.
9.1.9 visual description of the land or the material denomination
9.1.10 the percentage of large particles and the sieve used, if applicable.
9.1.11 Observations on the test, as applicable.
9.1.12 If the weight of the density in dry place or the unit is expressed as a percentage of another
value, are the following:
9.1.12.1 The laboratory testing method used.
9.1.12.2 The dry comparative density or unit weight value and the water content
used.
9.1.12.3 correction for large-sized materials and the details
applicable.
9.1.12.4 The comparative percentage of materials on site
that the value of comparison.
9.1.13 If the density in the place, unit weight, or the water content
they will be used for their acceptance, include the acceptance criteria
applicable to the test.
10. Precision and bias
10.1 Precision Statement - Due to the nature of the soil or
rocky materials according to the method is not feasible or
too expensive at this time to produce several specimens that have
uniformity of physical properties. Any variation observed in the data
It is equally likely that it is due to variation in the operator model
or laboratory testing variation. Subcommittee D18.08 welcomes
proposals that allow for the development of a valid
precision declaration.
10.2 Blas Declaration - No accepted reference
the value of this testing method, therefore, the bias cannot be determined.
10.3 Although no formal round robin tests have been completed,
it is estimated by Subcommittee D18.08 of available
data that the results of two tests carried out are done correctly
by a qualified worker in the same material at a given time and
location should not differ by more than approximately 2 lb/ft3
(3.2 kg / m 3). Tests conducted by unqualified operators in the
the same material is expected to have substantially higher performance
differences.
11. Keywords
11.1 The following keywords apply to this test
method in accordance with practice D 3584: acceptance tests;
compaction tests, the degree of compaction, density tests; earthfill;
fill embankments, control field density, field tests, in-situ density;
la densidad seca in-situ, en la densidad in situ; densidad relativa; cono de arena;
soil compaction, soil tests, unit weight.

ANNEXES
(Mandatory data)

A1. Calibration of the devices SAND CONE

A1.1 Scope
A1.1.1 This annex describes the procedure for determining the mass of sand
contained in the funnel and the base plate of the cone sand equipment.
A1.1.2 The mass of sand contained in the device and base plate depends on the greater density of
the sand. Consequently, this procedure must be carried out for each
device whenever there are changes in the sand. Calibration procedure A1.2
A1.2.1 The calibration of the device can be performed using either of the two methods:

A1.2.1.1 Method A - determining the mass of sand calibration that can be contained in each
funnel and the motherboard establishes, or
A1.2.1.2 Method B - Determine the volume of sand needed to fill each funnel and set the
motherboard and the application of this constant volume whenever new bulk sand is added
they calculate densities.
A1.2.1.3 As the mass of sand contained in the funnel and the base plate depends on the
apparent density of the sand, if method A is used, it must be repeated every time that the
higher density of sand changes.
A1.2.2 All mass determinations will be made to the nearest gram. Method A1.2.3 A:
Fill the device with dry sand that is conditioned in the same state during use
expected in the tests.
A1.2.3.2 Determine the mass of the devices filled with sand, g.
A1.2.3.3 Place the motherboard on a clean, flat surface. Turn over the container or equipment and the
funnel seat in the central hole with brackets on the base plate. Mark and identify the
device and the motherboard so that the same device and the motherboard can be matched and relocated in the same one
position during tests.
A1.2.3.4 Open the valve fully until the flow of sand stops, ensuring that
that the device, the motherboard, or flat surface does not shake or vibrate before the valve is
closed.
A1.2.3.5 Close the valve sharply, remove the device and determine the mass of the
devices and the remaining sand. Calculate the mass of sand used to fill the funnel and the plate
Base as the difference between the initial and final mass.
A1.2.3.6 Repeat the procedure at least three times. The maximum variation between one and
The average determination will not exceed 1%. Use the average of the three determinations of this.
value in the test calculations.

A1.2.4 Method B (optional):

A1.2.4.1 When a large number of tests and batches of sand are anticipated, it may be advantageous to
determine the volume of each device and the base plate. Barring damage to the device or misalignment
from the motherboards, this volume remains constant, and will eliminate the need to repeat the
method A when the changes in the sand of the apparent density (see Note A1.1). If this
whichever alternative is chosen, the calculations in the field test must be altered to determine the
total volume of the sand in the test field hole and devices. The volume of the device is
then subtract to determine the volume of the test hole.
A1.2.4.2 Determine the mass of sand needed to fill the funnel apparatus and the base plate.
in accordance with A1.2.3, following the steps A1.2.3.1-A1.2.3.6 for each batch of sand.
A1.2.4.3 Calculate the volume of the funnel and the base plate by dividing the highest density of the sand.
(as indicated in Annex A2) for the mass of sand can be found in A1.2.3.6. Carry out a minimum
of three determinations and calculate the average value. The maximum volume variation between a
determination and the average will not exceed 1%. Use the average of the values when performing calculations.
test.
NOTAA1.1-The cone sand apparatus must be frequently inspected for damages that
may affect the volume of the cone. Dings, throughout the year, or other damages that affect the
volume and will require a re-evaluation of the volume (if it is repairable).

A2. CALIBRATION OF SAND DENSITY

A2.1 Scope

A2.1.1 This annex is used to determine the maximum density (Calibration) of the sand.
for use in this testing method.

A2.1.2 The calibration determines an average density of the sand for its use in the calculation of the
volume of the test hole. Required Equipment A2.2

A2.2.1 containers - Choose a container of known volume that has approximately the
same size and allows the sand to fall approximately the same distance as the
hole dug in a field test. The 1/30-ft3 (944 cm3) and 1/13.33-ft3 (2124 cm3)
molds are specified in test methods D 698, or the 0.1-m3 (2830 - cm3) the mold is
The test method D 4253 recommends. On the other hand, the duplicates
real test holes issued can be used.
This is achieved by forming plaster of Paris in the negative test holes.
in a range of trial volumes, and the use of these as molds for the pieces
molded from Portland cement concrete. These must be placed against a surface
flat flat, and after the removal of the negatives, the sealed water and the volume used
in accordance with the procedure established in the test method D 4253 (10.2.2).
A2.2.1.1 Determine the container for a volume of 1% with water according to the
procedures described in the tests of Method D 4253.

A2.2.2 Arena-Cono Devices-Use a sand cone device

of the same size and design that will be used during the field tests.

A2.2.2.1 The flow characteristics through different valve sets have been demonstrated
What causes different bulk density values. Determinations of bulk density are required.
for each device established unless the other assemblies are decided to give the
same results.

A2.2.3 Balance or Balance Scale or a scale with sufficient capacity to determine the
calibration mass container filled with sand. For 0.500 m3 (14,200 cm3) the containers,
a scale with a minimum capacity of 50 pounds (20 kg) that meets the requirements of the
Specification D 4753 for 0.01 pounds (5-g) readability is necessary.

A2.2.4 Metal scribe, about 2 inches (50 cm) wide, at least 1/8 inch (3
mm) in thickness and approximately 1.5 times the diameter of the calibration container in length.

A2.3 Determination of density volume

A2.3.1 Fill the mounted device with sand. The sand is intended for drying and conditioning.
for the same state expected during use.

A2.3.2 Determine and record the mass of the calibration containers when they are empty.
Method A2.3.3 A (preferred):

A2.3.3.1 When the calibration container has the same diameter as the center hole
with the motherboard bracket, invert and center the sand filled with devices and the motherboard in the
container calibration.

A2.3.3.2 Open the valve completely and allow the sand to fill the container. When
the flow of sand stops, near the valve.

A2.3.3.3 Determine the mass of the devices and other sand. Calculate the net mass of sand in the
calibration of containers, subtracting the mass of sand contained in the cone and the base plate (as
it is indicated in annex A1) and record.

A2.3.4 Method B (alternative):

A2.3.4.1 Invert and support the apparatus on the calibration container so that the sand falls
approximately at the same distance and location as in a field test, and open
completely the valve.

A2.3.4.2 Fill the container until it overflows and close the valve. The use of
a minimum number of movements and to be careful not to jar or densify the sand, carefully the strike
from the excess sand to a flat and smooth surface. Any vibration or shaking during the
the determination of volume density will result in the solution and the densification of the sand,
leading to erroneous results.

A2.3.4.3 remove sand from the outside of the calibration container. Determine the mass of the
container and the sand. Record of the net mass of the sand, subtracting the mass of the container
empty.

A2.3.5 Carry out at least three measurements of bulk density and calculate the average. The
maximum variation between any determination of a median of the will not to exceed the
1%. Repeated determinations that do not meet these requirements indicate the density of the sand does not
uniform, and the sand source must be reassessed for its suitability. The average value obtained is
that was used in the test calculations.

A2.4 Calculation

A2.4.1 Calculate the density of the sand as follows:

Where:

Density of sand, g/cm3, (multiplied by 9.807 for kN/m3, or 62.43 for lb/ft3),

Weight of the sand to fill the container g, (From A2.3.4.3), and

volume of the container cm3 (from A2.2.1.1).