Site investigation · Laboratory: compaction & field density
Field density: core cutter calculator
Bulk and dry density from a driven core cutter, with relative compaction against the laboratory MDD.
Standard: AS 1289.5.1.1 (cutter method) · BS 1377-9
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Inputs in the worked example
The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.
| Input | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Mass cutter + soil | 3330 | g |
| Mass of empty cutter | 1240 | g |
| Cutter internal diameter | 100 | mm |
| Cutter height | 130 | mm |
| Moisture content | 14.2 | % |
| Laboratory MDD | 1.86 | t/m³ |
| Specified minimum RC | 95 | % |
Worked example — results
| Result | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Cutter volume | 1,021 | cm³ |
| Bulk density ρ | 2.05 | t/m³ |
| Dry density ρd = ρ/(1+w) | 1.79 | t/m³ |
| Relative compaction | 96.37 | % |
- ✓ Relative compaction ≥ specified
Method, formulas and assumptions
- Cutter volume = PI()*(100/10)^2/4*130/10 = 1021 cm³
- Bulk density ρ = (3330-1240)/1021 = 2.047 t/m³
- Dry density ρd = ρ/(1+w) = 2.047/(1+14.2/100) = 1.7924 t/m³
- Relative compaction = 100*1.7924/1.86 = 96.368 %
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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.