A sand cone test is used to measure what aspect of soil?

A sand cone test is specifically designed to measure the density of soils. This test involves creating a small hole in the ground, then filling that hole with sand from a calibrated cone device. By knowing the volume of the hole and measuring the amount of sand required to fill it, you can accurately determine the in-situ density of the soil.

This method provides crucial information about how compacted the soil is, which is essential for understanding its load-bearing capacity and how it will behave under various conditions. Achieving the correct density is vital in construction and engineering projects, as it influences stability and strength.

While moisture level, compaction, and permeability are important soil characteristics, the sand cone test does not measure these directly. Instead, it focuses specifically on density, which can then be related to the underlying factors of compaction and overall soil quality.