24/07/2019 Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

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Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Metho

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Rubber balloon test method is an in-situ test conducted to determine field density of soils es
soils. Apparatus required, test procedure and calculations of rubber balloon method are exp

Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

Rubber balloon test is a quick method and gives more accurate results compared to other in
method, rubber balloons are used to determine the volume of excavated soil hole.

Rubber balloon test is generally suitable for well-compacted soils. For very soft soils, that de
balloon method is not suitable.

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Apparatus Required
1. Balloon Density Meter

2. Rubber bulb pump

3. Density plate with fasteners

4. Rubber balloons

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24/07/2019 Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

5. Soil augur or trowel

6. Moisture tight container

7. Weight balance

8. Drying Oven

Fig 1: Rubber Balloon Apparatus

A balloon density meter is cylindrical in shape and consists of graduations on its wall. At th
meter a thin membrane (rubber balloon) is attached which will expand when water is pum
control valve and rubber bulb arrangement.

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24/07/2019 Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

Rubber bulb pump also called as pressure and vacuum pump can be used to apply pressure
from rubber balloon.

Fig 2: Rubber Bulb Pump

Rubber Balloon Test Procedure

The test procedure of rubber balloon method to find field density of soil is as follows.

1. Prepare a flat and smooth surface of the soil in the field where density needs to be found.

2. Place the density plate on prepared surface and fix it using fasteners provided. The plate s
conducting a test.

3. Now position the balloon density meter exactly on the hole provided in the density plate.

4. Place the rubber bulb pump in the control valve and pump water into the balloon which i
the density meter.

5. Water is pumped until the water level in the density meter reached its lowest position. No
initial volume (V1).

6. After recording the initial volume, Invert the rubber bulb pump and pump the water back
position.

7. Now remove the density meter and dig a hole using auger or trowel. The hole dug should
diameter and 5 inches deep.

8. The soil excavated from the hole should be collected completely in a moisture tight contai
should be noted and it is also used to determine the water content of the soil.

9. Place the balloon density meter over the excavated hole and pump the water into the ball
pump.

10. When the water level reached its lowest position, note the reading as the final volume (V

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24/07/2019 Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

11. Now pump the water back into its original level using a rubber bulb pump with vacuum
control valve.

Fig 3: Digging Hole in the Field to Find Density

Fig 4: Pumping Water into the Balloon

Observations and Calculations

Weight of the soil excavated = W

Volume of hole excavated V = V1 – V2

Where V1 = initial volume reading of balloon density meter

V2 = Final volume Reading of balloon density meter

Field density or wet density of soil   

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24/07/2019 Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

Water content of excavated soil = w

Dry density of soil,

Result
Field Density of soil is = _________ N/m3.

About Sadanandam Anupoju

(https://theconstructor.org/author/sadanand

Sadananda is a Civil Engineer and is an Author, Editor and Partner of The Constructo

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24/07/2019 Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

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