The sand cone density test is an accepted and inexpensive method of determining the in-place density of soils. It is effective in soils with particle sizes up to 1.5in (38mm), using test hole volumes of approximately 0.1ft³ (2.8L).
Sand Cone Density Apparatus (6.5in) consists of a metal cylindrical valve with 0.5in (12.7mm) dia. orifice and two cones. The top cone allows the 1gal (3.8L) plastic jar to be threaded onto the valve, and the bottom 60° sand cone is sufficiently rigid to prevent distortion or volume changes in the cone. The cylindrical valve includes stops to prevent rotation past completely open or closed positions. The HM-104 Density Plate and HM-106 Density Sand, described below, are also required to perform the sand cone density test and are purchased separately.
The HM-104 Density Plate is a 12x12in (304.8x304.8mm) aluminum alloy with 0.5in (12.7mm) high edge walls to contain soil sample that is dug using the 6.5in (165.1mm) center hole of the plate as a guide. After the test hole is prepared, the flange of the cone fits the plate opening for filling the hole with special density sand.
HM-106 Density Sand is clean, dry, uniform, uncemented, durable, and free flowing. Few particles pass No.200 (75μm) or are retained on No.10 (2mm) sieves. Bulk density varies by less than 1%. The 50lb (22.7kg) density sand packing bag is heavy and reinforced.
HMA-8 In-Place Density Accessory Kit and MA-26X Aqua-Check for moisture determinations are recommended accessories.
Features
- Jar with up to 1gal capacity
- Valve stop prevents rotating past the open or closed position
Included Items
- Sand Cone Density Apparatus
- Metal cylindrical valve with two cones
- Plastic jar
Accessories
- In-Place Density Accessory Kit with components needed for density testing.
- Plastic Jar is available as a replacement or for additional jars on hand during testing.
- Density Plate is 12x12in (304.8x304.8mm) and fits the bottom 60° sand cone for filling the test hole with density sand.
- Density Test Sand replaces the soil removed from the hole with sand of a known unit weight to determine an accurate volume of the hole.
- Gilson Aqua-Check Moisture Tester is used for moisture determinations.
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