Q. Sand cone test – suitable for all soils?
Sand cone (replacement) test is generally carried out to determine the in-situ and compacted density of soils. This testing method isn't suitable for granular soils with high void ratio since they comprises large voids and openings that provide an access for sand to enter these holes during the test. Furthermore soils under testing must have sufficient cohesion so as to sustain the stability of the sides of excavation at the time of the excavation step in sand cone (replacement) test. Additionally organic or highly plastic soils are also considered not suitable for this test since they tend to deform readily at the time of the excavation of holes and they can be too soft to resist stress arising from excavation and from placing the apparatus on the soils.