Al Iraqi University -
College Of Eng.
Dep. Civil Eng. Soil
Lab.
Dry Density of Soil
by Core Cutter
Method
2024
محمد محمد حسام
باقر حميد
محمد كرار عادل
مناع
c-- محمد اركان
Introduction Dry Density of Soil by Core Cutter Method
The Core Cutter Method : is a standardized laboratory method used to
evaluate soil density and pressure characteristics on-site.
The primary purpose of this test
- is to determine the dry density of compacted soil within a specific
field volume. This information is essential for assessing the
effectiveness of soil compaction efforts in construction projects, such
as highways and dams. The process involves extracting a cylindrical
sample of soil from the field, measuring its dimensions, and
determining its weight. Subsequently, the dry density of the soil can
be calculated, providing valuable insights into the achieved
compaction degree.
The Standard Penetration Test is widely used, and the IS code symbol for
the Standard Penetration Test is IS 2720-29(1975).
Cylindrical core cutters of 130mm long and 100mm diameter are used for
testing the in-situ compaction of cohesive and clay soils placed as fill. By
using core cutter method, bulk density of soil can be quickly calculated
and by determining the moisture content of the soil the dry density of the
fill can be calculated and hence the voids percentage. A high percentage
of voids indicates poor compaction of soil. A cylindrical core cutter is a
seamless steel tube. For determination of the dry density of the soil, the
cutter is pressed into the soil mass so that it is filled with the soil without
disturbing the core contents. The cutter filled with the soil is lifted up. The
mass of the soil in the cutter is determined.
M
γ V
ρ= =
1+ w 1+ w
The dry density is obtained as Where, M= mass of the wet soil in the
cutter V= internal volume of the cutter w= water content.
Practical applications of the Standard Penetration Test in construction projects include:
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1-Evaluating soil density: The Standard Penetration Test helps in assessing
the density of compacted soil within construction sites, improving soil
quality and ensuring project stability.
2-Designing building foundations: The Standard Penetration Test assists in
determining the pressure characteristics of the soil, aiding in the proper
design of foundations according to project requirements.
3-Evaluating land quality: The Standard Penetration Test can be used to
determine the quality of land and ensure its suitability for intended use,
such as road construction and agricultural lands.
4-Quality control: The results of the Standard Penetration Test can be
used as part of quality control processes to ensure the achievement of
necessary standards in construction projects.
Equipment for Core Cutter Method
-Cylindrical core cutter, 100mm internal diameter and 130mm long
-Steel rammer, mass 9 kg, overall length with the foot and staff about
900mm.
-Steel Dolley, 25mm high and 100 mm internal diameter
-Weighing balance, accuracy 1g.
-Palette knife , Straight edge, steel rule .
Procedure of Core Cutter Method
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-Determine the internal diameter and height of the core cutter to the
nearest 0.25mm
-Determine the mass (M1) of the cutter to the nearest gram.
-Expose a small area of the soil to be tested. Level the surface, about
300mm square in area.
- 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.
- Remove the soil surrounding the core cutter, and take out the core
cutter. Soil would project from the lower end of the cutter.
- Remove the dolley. Trim the tip and bottom surface of the core cutter
carefully using a straight edge.
- Weigh the core cutter filled with the soil to the nearest gram (M2).
- Remove the core of the soil from the cutter. Take a representative
sample for the water content determination.
- Determine the water content.
Data Analysis :
2
A=π D ∗L 3
- Det. Volume of soil sample v= cm
4
Mt
- Cal. ρ of soil= v
cm( )
3
g
∨γt =ρt∗g
ρ
- ρd=
1+ w∨γd =ρd∗g
W=15.2% ,M1=125.2g ,L=7.26cm,D=3.41cm
V=66.28cm3
Pt=1.89 g/cm3 or yt=1.89*62.4=11Ib/ft3
Pd=1.64 g/cm3 or yd=1.64*62.4= 102.3 Ib/ft3
Q1/What is the importance of the Core Cutter Method?
4
- The Standard Penetration Test is of utmost importance in evaluating
soil pressure on-site, providing fundamental data about dry density
and pressure characteristics to ensure the quality and stability of
construction projects.
Q2/What is the main advantage of the Core Cutter Method?
- The main advantage lies in its simplicity, offering a straightforward
approach to calculating the apparent density of cohesive soil with
fine particles free from stones.
Q3/What are the limitations of the Core Cutter Method?
- Limitations include the basic application on cohesive soil with fine
particles, potential challenges in assessing differences between
layers, and sensitivity to operator experience.
Q4/What types of soil are suitable for Core Cutter Method?
- Standard Penetration Tests are suitable for cohesive soil with fine
particles that do not contain stones, such as clay and silt.
Q5/What are the possible sources of error in Core Cutter Method results?
- Potential errors can arise from issues such as insufficient pressure,
inconsistent soil conditions, improper trimming of soil samples, and
variations in operator technique during the Standard Penetration
Test.
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References
1- Hassan, A. A. (2021, October). Evaluation of Soil Compaction Characteristics
at a Construction Site in Al-Khalis City, Northeast of Iraq. In Journal of Physics:
Conference Series (Vol. 2049, No. 1, p. 012005). IOP Publishing.
