Site investigation · Laboratory: compaction & field density

Density index (max/min dry density) calculator

Density index of a sand from its maximum and minimum index densities and the field dry density.

Standard: AS 1289.5.5.1 · AS 1289.5.6.1 · ASTM D4253/D4254

Inputs in the worked example

The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.

Result	Value	Unit
Density index ρmax(ρ − ρmin)/(ρ(ρmax − ρmin))	68.24	%
e max	0.828
e min	0.489
Field void ratio	0.596
Density description	dense

Diagram for the worked example

Density index ρmax(ρ − ρmin)/(ρ(ρmax − ρmin)) = 100*1.78*(1.66-1.45)/(1.66*(1.78-1.45)) = 68.237 %
e max = 2.65/1.45-1 = 0.82759
e min = 2.65/1.78-1 = 0.48876
Field void ratio = 2.65/1.66-1 = 0.59639
Density description = IF(68.237<15,"very loose",IF(68.237<35,"loose",IF(68.237<65,"medium dense",IF(68.237<85,"dense","very dense")))) = dense

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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.