Site investigation · Laboratory: compaction & field density
Field density: sand replacement calculator
Hole volume from calibrated sand, then bulk density, dry density and relative compaction.
Standard: AS 1289.5.3.1 · ASTM D1556
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sand mass before pouring | 6250 | g |
| Sand mass after pouring | 2410 | g |
| Sand filling the cone | 1105 | g |
| Calibrated sand bulk density | 1.43 | t/m³ |
| Wet soil from the hole | 4020 | g |
| Moisture content | 11.5 | % |
| Laboratory MDD | 2.02 | t/m³ |
| Specified minimum RC | 98 | % |
Worked example — results
| Result | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Sand in hole | 2,735 | g |
| Hole volume | 1,913 | cm³ |
| Bulk density | 2.10 | t/m³ |
| Dry density | 1.89 | t/m³ |
| Relative compaction | 93.32 | % |
- ✗ Relative compaction ≥ specified
- ✓ Hole volume ≥ 1000 cm³ (typical minimum)
Method, formulas and assumptions
- Sand in hole = 6250-2410-1105 = 2735 g
- Hole volume = 2735/1.43 = 1912.6 cm³
- Bulk density = 4020/1912.6 = 2.1019 t/m³
- Dry density = 2.1019/(1+11.5/100) = 1.8851 t/m³
- Relative compaction = 100*1.8851/2.02 = 93.321 %
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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.