CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Proper soil compaction is essential for any type of construction projects. This is a

process in which the soil consisting of air and water particles is reduced to some extent by

applying weight. This process involves removing air from the soil particles without any

significant change in the amount of water consisted in the soil. It is very important because it

provides the necessary flat base which provides the crucial support for the buildings, various

construction foundations, roads, pavements and any other construction structures. The

process of compaction gives the soil higher resistance and greater stability. It is an important

and significant process for any construction project and requires special attention and quality

compaction equipment to achieve satisfactory results (Green, 2013). Compaction is very

useful for preparing the sub-base grade and other layers of pavement and is done in the

construction of embankment for increasing the stability as well as for decreasing the

settlement (Dailycivils,2017).

Soil compaction test can be performed either through, Nuclear Density Apparatus,

Balloon Densometer and Sand Cone. According to Durham Geo-Enterprises Incorporation,

Sand Cone Apparatus is used to determine the in-place density of any soil that can be

excavated to a stable condition with hand tools. It is an alternative to using a nuclear density

gauge. Similar results can be obtained without the need for radioactive material, easy to

compromise samples during testing and is relatively inexpensive compared to other

apparatus. Compared to Balloon Densometer, the testinvolves fewer steps than the sand cone

test, it is slightly more expensive and the risk of error is increased because of the possibility

that the rubber membrane might tear during testing.

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 Sand Cone Test is an inexpensive method of Soil Compaction Testing and is fairly

accurate if conducted correctly. The most important variable to consider is that the sand is

consistently dry throughout the testing. Any change in moisture content will skew the results.

A small hole is dug in the compacted soil. This soil is removed and weighed, then dried and

weighed again to determine the moisture content. The hole's specific volume is measured by

filling it with a pre-calculated amount of dry sand from a jar and cone device. The dry weight

of the soil removed is divided by the volume of dry sand needed to fill the hole, which gives

us the density of the compacted soil in pounds per cubic feet (Applied Research Associates

Incorporation, 2016)

In the part of students especially in Southern Leyte State University, it is important to

know basic methods on preparation for such related jobs including the field in

geotechnicalengineering, but instruments needed are not available and it requires enough

money to avail from other places instead of availing such device that will be expensive,

alternative solutions need to be introduced to solve the problem of obtaining the standard

apparatus. Improvised devices are common nowadays to perform the functions of standard

devices and could still provide accurate data. It is in this context that this research is based,

hence this study.

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OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study generally aims to develop an improvised sand cone.

Specific Objectives:

1. To design and fabricate an improvised sand cone using locally found

materials.

2. To evaluate the developed improvised sand cone in terms of

2.1 Accuracy

2.2 Effectiveness

3. To conduct cost analysis

4. To determine the significant difference of the standard one from the

improvised apparatus.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The developed improvised sand cone can be an alternative to the standard sand cone

in obtaining data in an economical way assuring efficiency and accuracy. It is beneficial to

the students in Southern Leyte State University when pertaining to laboratory activities that

require knowledge related in geotechnical engineering field. Moreover, it will also be an

advantage to the college department in terms of financial constraints and they can also make

use of such improvised device.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study focused on the development and calibration of an improvised sand cone.

The respondents were from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that

includes material engineer and assistant laboratory engineers, and CE students.

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RESEARCH WORKFLOW

Designing of Sand Cone

Apparatus

Fabrication of Model of
the Apparatus

Evaluation of device from

the Standard One

Figure1. Work flow of the Study

The design of the Sand Cone Apparatus uses only locally found materials that can

ensure the sufficiency and effectiveness of the foregoing apparatus. The apparatus consists of

a recyclable glass jar with a fabricated funnel attached to the neck of the jar. A fully

functional valve made up of a non-corrosive metal and is welded to a metal cone that has an

upper diameter of 1 inch and a lower diameter of 5 inch and 6.5inch tall. And a metal plate

with a dimension of 12x12 inches.

The fabricated apparatus is then tested by the researchers through a bunch of field

density test and then the results should be gathered. Another field density test is then be

prepared using the standard sand Cone Apparatus. The percentage difference is thoroughly

computed to be used basis for the fabricated apparatus to be independently functional.

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms were conceptually and operationally defined for better

understanding of this study.

 Compaction - is the application of mechanical energy to a soil so as to rearrange its

particles and reduce the void ratio. It is applied to improve the properties of an

existing soil or in the process of placing fill such as in the construction of

embankments, road bases, runways, earth dams, and reinforced earth walls.

 Sand Cone Apparatus - is used to determine the in-place density of any soil that can

be excavated to a stable condition with hand tools. This method is generally limited to

materials with a maximum particle size of 2 in (5.1 cm).

 Radioactive Material - a substance that contains unstable-radioactive atoms that give

off radiations they decay.

 Moisture Content - is an indicator of the amount of the water present in soil. It is the

ratio of the mass of water in a sample to the mass of solids.

 Density - the degree of compactness of a substance.

 Apparatus - the technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or

purpose.

 Corrosive - a substance having the capability or tendency to cause slow distraction by

chemical action.

 Fabrication - the action or process of manufacturing or inventing.

 Valve - a device that controls the flow of air and liquid from one place to another.

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 Funnel - a tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for

guiding liquid or powder into small opening.

 Geotechnical Engineering - is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the

engineering behavior of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil mechanics and

rock materials to investigate subsurface conditions and materials; evaluate the

stability of natural slopes and manmade deposits; design earthworks and structure

foundation and monitor site condition and foundation construction.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

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. More

than 180 Nuclear Density, Sand Cone, and laboratory compaction tests were compared. 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. (Kaderabek and Ferris,

1979)

A sand-cone method is commonly used to determine the density of compacted soils.

The density of the compacted soil calculated from the sand-cone method could be correct,

provided the calibration container has approximately the same size or volume and allows the

sand to fall to approximately the same height as a test hole in the field. However, in most

cases, the size or shape of the test hole is not exactly the same as that of the calibration

container. This can result in a difference in the settlement or deposition of sand particles

between the laboratory calibration and the field testing, which may cause an erroneous

determination of the in-situ density. The sand-filling process is simulated in the laboratory

and its effect on the determination of density is investigated. Artificially made holes with

different depths and bottom shapes are prepared to simulate various shapes of the test hole in

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the field. Sands with different particle size distributions are used in the testing to examine

how sand grain size influences the determination of density in the field. (Park,2010)

The soil compaction device measurements were correlated to the density and moisture

measurements of the Nuclear Density Gauge and the Sand Cone tests (the Sand Cone was used

only as a control to verify the Nuclear Density Gauge readings). Measurements were performed

in full-scale 3-foot by 3-foot bell holes, 2-foot wide trenches, and 18-inch diameter keyholes. The

test sections varied in depth from 14 to 36 inches. Fifteen sets of tests were performed in these

sections in order to evaluate the devices with various backfill types, lift heights, compactor types,

soil relative compactions, and moisture contents. The results were utilized to establish the criteria

for selecting the most applicable devices for use in compaction control of trenches and bell holes.

(Vetter, 2005)

Making an improvise sand cone apparatus using 4-liters empty Wilkins bottle and a

plastic cone with an upper diameter equal to the cap diameter of the empty Wilkins bottles and a

lower diameter of 4 inches. The cone is glued to the cap and connected to the empty Wilkins

bottles. The used sand is passing sieve number 100. The base plate is composing of used

plywood. Three undertaking trials are made. (Baculi, et al., 2017)

An improvised sand cone device that is made up of plastic bottles, a 1.5-L of empty coca

cola bottle is used as the sand jar and a funnel, Marine board as a base plate. A plastic valve, that

is available in the market. The fabrication process consists connecting the valve, sand jar and the

plastic bottle as cone. (Amante. et al., 2017)

The improvised sand cone apparatus consists of a recyclable empty gallon. The valve and

the funnel that is being used is brought from the market. The valve is then glued to the empty

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gallon an in the funnel. The fabricated improvise apparatus does need any base plate. (Malabago,

et al., 2017)

The Nuclear Density measurements were compared to sand-cone measurements in the

field for base-course soils placed for asphalt pavement. A relationship between data obtained

by the two methods was determined and concluded that although the differences for dry

density are smaller than for wet density, differences between the two techniques of measuring

density are not significant for acceptance purposes. However, it was also noted that the

differences in moisture content were significant, causing him to consider the nuclear gauge

unreliable for determinations of soil moisture.(Abaza, 2006)

Sand-cone, nuclear, and drive-cylinder methods were compared on soils compacted to

a known water content and dry density under controlled laboratory conditions. The widest

range of variability in moisture content was experienced from nuclear density measurements

and the least variability with the sand-cone method. For example, the average standard

deviation for the nuclear method was 0.77, while all other methods had an average standard

deviation of 0.30. (Noorany, et al., 2000)

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 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH LOCALE

This research was be conducted inside the vicinity of Zone 1, Sogod, Southerrn Leyte,

900 meters from SLSU-Main Campus Sogod, Southern Leyte, 60.5 kilometers from DPWH

of Maasin City, and 122 kilometers from DPWH of Tacloban City.

MATERIALS

1. Fabricated Funnel

2. Gate valve

3. Glass Jar (3.8 L capacity)

4. Plain G.I Sheet (Gauge no. 16)

PROCEDURE

Design of Improvised Sand Cone

1. Prepare all the materials needed (including the fabricated cone made through welded

galvanized iron sheet with gauge no. 16)

2. Trace the outline of the funnel on the Galvanized Iron sheet to make the hole. Bottom

diameter of the cone is 16.5 cm; therefore, the hole diameter is 16.5 cm.

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 3. Support the base plate by welding another GI Sheet (1 inch width) in each edge.

Galvanized Iron Sheet will serveas the base of the apparatus with dimension of 12x12

inches.

4. Bore a small hole on the used bottle cap and stick the funnel and the gate valve

together using hot glue. (Valve should have stops to prevent rotating past completely

open or closed positions.

EVALUATION

Letter of request was submitted to DPWH (Department of Public Works and

Highways) in Maasin City with regards to using the available Standard Sand Cone that was

further used in performing Field density Test to evaluate results.

The designed and fabricated improvised sand cone evaluated and was used in the

sample testing to obtain data in getting the density of soil. To calibrate and determine the

accuracy of the developed and improvised sand cone the results obtained was compared to

that result which was gathered from the standard sand cone. The standard cone will be used

to evaluate the calibration and accuracy of the developed improvised sand cone. To calibrate

the improvised sand cone, required data were gathered such as for determining the unit

weight of dry sand and the mass of sand to fill the funnel. And in terms of accuracy the

results were further compared to the results of that standard cone used and correction of error

Steps in Performing the Test:

 Fill the jar with standard sand (Ottawa Sand) and determine the weight of the sand

cone apparatus with the jar filled with sand (𝑊1 ).

 Determine the weight of sand to fill the cone (𝑊2 ).

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 Excavate a small hole with a depth of 6 inches in the soil and determine the weight of

the excavated soil (𝑊3 ).

 Determine the water content of the excavated soil (w).

 Fill the hole with the standard sand by inverting the sand cone apparatus over the hole

and opening the valve. When the sand stops running, close the valve and weight the

sand cone apparatus with the remaining sand in the jar (𝑊4 ).

 Determine the unit weight of the soil as follows:

Weight of sand to fill hole: 𝑊𝑠 = 𝑊1 − (𝑊2 + 𝑊4 )

𝑊𝑆
Volume of hole: 𝑉 = (𝛾
𝑑 )𝑂𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑

3 𝑊
Weight of dry soil: 𝑊𝑑 = 1+𝑊

𝑊𝑑
Dry unit weight: 𝛾𝑑 = 𝑉

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION

AUTOCAD LAYOUT DESIGN

Fig2. 2D Sand Cone Design Layout

Fig2. 3D Sand Cone Design Layout

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FABRICATION OF FUNNEL

Fig3. Fabrication of Funnel

Fig4. Fabricated Funnel

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abaza OA. 2006. Assessment of nuclear density measurements in the quality control of
highway construction. Materials Technology Journal 21(4): 225-229 ISI.

Green,A. (2013) .”How Important Is Soil Compaction In The Construction”.

Applied Research Associates, Inc., All Rights Reserved“An Introduction to Soil Compaction
Testing”. (2016)
Daily Civil,(2016).”Field Density Test Of Soil By Sand Cone Method”.
Vetter, D.(2005)P.E., ‘’Correlating soil compaction measuring devices to soil densities and
moisture conditions’’,Gas Technology Institute Des Plaines, Illinois Presenter.
Durham Geo-Enterprises, Inc. (2017) “Sand Cone Apparatus”.

Kaderabek, T. and Ferris, W., "Comparisons of Field Density Test Results," Geotechnical
Testing Journal, Vol. 2, No. 4, (1979), pp. 206-210

Baculi, et. al (2017).”Improvised Sand Cone”.

Noorany, et.al, 2000. Variability in field density tests. In Constructing and controlling
compaction of earth fills. STP 1384.

Park, S.2010 ‘’Evaluation of the sand-cone method for determination of the in-situ density of
soil’’, Volume 60 Issue 9, pp. 701-707

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