METHOD BS 1377: 1990 - British Standard Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering

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STATEMENT purposes
Part 9: In-situ tests, 2.1 Sand Replacement method suitable for fine- and medium-
1.0 9/2.1
grained soils (small pouring cylinder method)

1.0 Method Statement 9/2.1

This is the most widely used method for determining the in-situ density of earthworks layers by direct
measurements of mass and volume. The Method 2.1 is applicable for natural or compacted fine to
medium grained soil layers up to 150mm thick.

1.1 Site Equipment

1.1.1 100mm Sand Pouring Cylinder
1.1.2 Scraper, used to level off ground before test
1.1.3 300mm square x 40mm deep with 100mm central hole Metal Tray
1.1.4 Density Chisel, with hardened tip
1.1.5 Hammer
1.1.6 Density Spoon, for removing soil from hole
1.1.7 Replacement sand, passing 600 m sieve and retaining on 63 m sieve.
1.1.8 Balance, capacity 12kg x 1 gm accuracy
1.1.9 Speedy moisture tester type D2, 0% to 20%, 0.2% division for quick in-situ moisture determination.

1.2 Laboratory Equipment

1.2.1 100mm x 150mm deep with 200mm rim Calibrating Container
1.2.2 Glass Plate, 10mm thick x 500mm square
1.2.3 Balance, capacity 12kg x 1 gm accuracy
1.2.4 Balance, 300gm x 0.01gm accuracy for laboratory moisture determination
1.2.5 Convection Drying Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 105C - 110C

1.3 Procedural Steps Field Density

1.3.1 Level surface of test area with Scraper
1.3.2 Place Metal Tray with hole in centre on the leveled surface
1.3.3 Excavate circular hole, using hole in Metal Tray as a template, to 150mm depthensuring that the
1.3.4 Ensure that the hole is trimmed smooth with all loose material removed
1.3.5 Transfer removed soil from the Metal Tray to a polythene bag for weighing and moisture determination
1.3.6 Move away Metal Tray and place Pouring Cylinder with known weight of sand over the hole
1.3.7 Open tap for sand to flow until it fills both hole and cone at bottom of the pouring cylinder
1.3.8 Transfer the remaining sand in the cylinder to a polythene bag for weighing

1.4 Calculations, expression of results and test report

1.4.1 Presentation of results is in accordance to BS1377: Part 9: 1990, Method 2.1.6 and 2.1.7

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