RELATIVE DENSITY TEST

[ As per IS: 2720 (Part 14) - 1983 ]

Relative density relates the dry density of cohesion-less soil to the maximum and minimum densities. The degree of compaction of cohesion-less soil can be stated in terms of Relative density. The test is used to determine the Relative density of cohesion less free draining soils containing upto 5 % present by weight of the soil particles passing a 75 micron IS-sieve. It is also known as Density Index.

Relative Density 0 - 15 15 - 35 35 - 65 65 - 85 85 - 100

Consistency Term Very loose Loose Medium Dense Dense Very Dense

APPARATUS 1. Vibratory table : a steel table with cushioned steel vibrating deck about 75 x 75 cm. The vibrator shall have frequency of 3600 vibrations per minute. Mould : Two cylindrical metal unit mass mould of 3000 cc and 15000 cc capacity. Two guide sleeves. Surcharges masses : as per IS: 10837-1984 Dial gauge : 50 mm travel with 0.025 mm graduation ( IS: 2092-1962) Calibration bar : for computing the initial dial gauge reading calculating the volume of specimen. Mixing pans : suitable size are 65 x 90 x 10 cm. Weighing scale : portable platform weighing scale, 100 kg capacity. Pouring devices : consisting of funnels 12 mm and 25 mm dia. and 15 cm long with cylindrical spouts. Metal straight edge : about 40 cm long

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

10.

PREPARATION OF SAMPLE A representative sample of soil should be taken. The mass of soil sample to be taken depends upon the maximum size particle in the soil.

Maximum size of soil particles in microns 75 37.5 19 9.5 4.75

Mass of soil sample required in kg 45 12 12 12 12

kg Size of mould in cm3 15000 3000 3000 3000 3000

The soil sample should be dried in oven at temperature of 105 to 110 C. The soil sample should be pulverized without breaking the individual soil particles and through required sieve. PROCEDURE A) 1. 2. DETERMINATION OF MAXIMUM DENSITY The maximum density may determined by either dry or wet method. Assemble the guide sleeve on the top of the mould and tighten the clamp assemblies so that the inner surface of the walls of the mould and sleeve are in the line. 3. Tighten the lock nuts with two set screws. Loosen the third clamp, remove the guide sleeve, weight the Empty mould and record its weight. 4. Fill the mould with thoroughly mixed oven dry soil by the procedure explained for minimum test. Attach the guide sleeve to the mould and place surcharge base plate on soil surface. 5. 6. 7. Surcharge weight should then be lowered on the base plate. Fix the mould to the vibrator deck and loaded soil sample should be vibrated for 8 minutes. Remove the surcharge weight and the guide sleeve. Obtain dial gauge readings on two opposite side of the mould and record their average. 8. B) 1. 2. 3. Weigh the mould with soil and record these weight. DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM DENSITY Select pouring device and mould according to the maximum size of the particles. Weigh the mould and record its weight. Oven dry soil should be used. Soil containing particles smaller than 9.5 mm should placed as loosely as possible in the mould by pouring the soil through spout in a steady stream. 4. The height of free fall of soil is always 25 mm. The mould should be filled approximately 25 mm above the top and leveled with top by making one continuous pass with steel straight edge. 5. The mould and soil should be weighed and mass recorded.