Development and Calibration of an Irregular Hole Bulk Density Sampler

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Existing methods for measuring soil density and rock fragment content are often imprecise or difficult to use on steep slopes and in skeletal soils. A portable device was developed for measuring these physical properties using an irregular hole technique. The method employs a direct volume measurement using lightweight 3‐ to 6‐mm diameter epoxy spheres. A sample volume of 1.5 × 10−2 m3 can be measured and rock fragments up to 85 mm in diameter can be sampled. The combination of direct volume measurement and surface calibration before measurement allows determination of sample volume to 1% accuracy. Measurements made with the new device compare well with sand cone and core sample measurements under conditions considered favorable for all methods. The device is particularly useful on steep slopes and where rock fragment contents greater than 15% limit the standard methods.
Keywords
Funding Information
  • Oregon State University
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • U.S. Bureau of Land Management

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: