DETERMINATION OF FIELD DRY DENSITY BY CORE CUTTER METHOD
Aim: To determine the field density or dry unit weight of soil by Core cutter method.
Specifications:
This test is done to determine the in-situ dry density of soil by core cutter method
as per IS-2720-Part-29 (1975).
Equipments Required:
1) Cylindrical core cutter, 100mm internal diameter and 130mm long.
2) Steel dolley, 25mm high and 100mm internal diameter.
3) Steel rammer mass 9kg, overall length with the foot and staff about 900mm.
4) Balance, with an accuracy of 1g.
5) Palette knife, Straight edge, steel rule etc.
6) Square metal tray – 300mm x 300mm x 40mm.
7) Trowel.
Theory:
Field unit weight is defined as weight per unit volume of soil mass in the field at insitu
conditions. In the spot, drive the core cutter using the dolly over the core cutter. Stop ramming
when the dolly is just proud of the surface. Dig out the cutter containing the soil out of the
ground and trim off any solid extruding from its ends, so that the cutter contains a volume of soil
equal to its internal volume which is determined from the dimensions of the cutter. The weight of
the contained soil is found and its moisture content determined.
Equations are;
d = t/(1+w) gm/cm³
OR d = t/(1+w) kN/m³
Where, d = dry density in g/cm3,
d = dry unit weight in g/cm3,
t = field moist density in g/cm3,
t =field moist unit weight in g/cm3,
w =water content %/100,
w = unit weight of water = 9.81 kN/m³
Procedure:
a) Measure the height and internal diameter of the core cutter to the nearest 0.25
mm.
b) Calculate the internal volume of the core-cutter Vc in cm³.
c) Determine the weight of the clean cutter accurate to 1 g (W1 in g).
d) Select the area in the field where the density is required to be found out.
Clean and level the ground where the density is to be determined.
e) Place the dolley over the top of the core cutter and press the core cutter into the
soil mass using the rammer. Stop the pressing when about 15mm of the dolley
protrudes above the soil surface.
f) Remove the soil surrounding the core cutter by digging using spade, up to the
bottom level of the cutter. Lift up the cutter and remove the dolley and trim both
sides of the cutter with knife and straight edge.
g) Clean the outside surface of the cutter and determine mass of the cutter with the
soil (W2 in g).
h) Remove the soil core from the cutter and take the representative sample in the
water content containers to determine the moisture content
i) The field test may be repeated at other places if required.
j) The water content of sample collected is determined in the laboratory as per
( IS 2720 (part II)-1973) (Determination of water content of soil solids by Oven Drying
Method).
k) Use the above equation, given the theory section, for determining unit weight of sweightd.
Observations:
Length of core cutter l=-----------------cm
Diameter of core cutter d=--------------cm
Volume of core cutter=Vc=------------cm
Table:
Table 5: Weights of core cutter
Test nos.
[Link]. Particulars 1 2 (Yd2) 3 (Yd3)
(Yd1)
1 Weight of empty cutter (W1),
gms
2 Weight of cutter + wet soil (W2),
gms
3 Volume of core cutter (Vc) cm³
4 Weight ass of empty container
(W3), gms
5 Weight of container + wet soil
(W4), gms
6 Weight of container + dry soil
(W5), gms
7 Water content
(w)=(W4-W5)/(W5-W3)
8 Field unit weight Y (kN/m³) =
(W2-W1)/Vc
9 Dry unit weight Yd (kN/m³) = Y
/(1+w)
Specimen calculations:
Avg Yd =( Yd1+ Yd2+ Yd3)/3
Result:
Average field dry unit weight = --------------
Conclusion:
The value of dry unit weight of the soil is ____. The type of soil is ____.
Precautions:
1. Core cutter method of determining the field density of soil is only suitable for fine grained soil
(Silts and clay). That is, core cutter should not be used for gravels, boulders or any hard surface.
This is because collection of undisturbed soil sample from a coarse grained soil is difficult and
hence the field properties, including unit weight, cannot be maintained in a core sample.
2. Core cutter should be driven into the ground till the steel dolly penetrates into the ground half
way only so as to avoid compaction of the soil in the core.
3. Before lifting the core cutter, soil around the cutter should be removed to minimize the
disturbances.
4. While lifting the cutter, no soil should drop down.