Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
(OP)
Does anyone have a methodology for determining the density of non-cohesive sand at a depth up to 50m? There will be groundwater. I am considering either a hollow stem auger or sonic drilling apparatus and drilling to just above the test zone. I would then need to either use a clamshell or sample recovery tool of some type, but I am stumped as to how to get a disturbed or undisturbed sample.





RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
Mike Lambert
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
I usually try a 2.5"id Shelby tube, usually surprised at what can be obtained. If you try the Shelby, I recommend a short (16" to 24")tube, pushed to capacity and check density of entire length and 3 or 4 intermediate samples, if you have the capability.
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
Like I said, I'm not really a fan; but it is the best option that I have seen to collect density samples in sand.
Mike Lambert
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
The light corrosion creates enough friction to hold the sample intact until removal.
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
Stepping tentatively outside of the box: Is the right question being asked by the higher-ups? dBasement mentions hydrogeology, which makes me think this is a permeability question, which makes me think grain-size distribution would be more important than density. I believe the permeability is much more sensitive to small changes in D10 or D15 than it is to density. Dense #10 sand is much more pervious than loose #50 sand.
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole
That's what comes to mind when you say this is related to hydrology.
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
RE: Determining sand density at depth in a borehole