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IS 13468:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for apparatus for determination of dry density of soil by core cutter method-. This standard specifies the material, dimensional, and constructional requirements for the apparatus used to determine the in-situ dry density of fine-grained soils by the core cutter method. It covers the specifications for the core cutter, dolly, and rammer.
Apparatus for determination of dry density of soil by core cutter method-
! This standard only specifies the apparatus; the actual test procedure is detailed in IS 2720 (Part 29).
! Ensure the cutting edge of the core cutter is kept sharp and free from dents to obtain an undisturbed sample.
! The internal volume of each cutter must be precisely calculated before use, as the nominal dimensions have tolerances. This volume is critical for accurate density calculations.
BS 1377-9:1990BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Part 9: In-situ tests
Clause 2.3 specifically details the apparatus and method for determining in-situ density using a core cutter.
ASTM D2937-18ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
Defines the 'drive-cylinder' method, which is functionally identical to the core cutter method.
ISO 17892-2:2014ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
MediumCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 2: Determination of bulk density
Covers determination of bulk density using various methods, including a 'cutting ring' which is analogous to a core cutter.
Key Differences
≠IS 13468 is highly prescriptive, specifying exact dimensions (100mm dia, 130mm height) and a rammer weight (9.0 kg). ASTM D2937 is more performance-based, focusing on criteria like the 'Area Ratio' of the cutter being below 15% and allowing a range of cylinder sizes.
≠IS 13468 specifies a target internal volume of 1000 cm³. BS 1377-9 and ASTM D2937 do not specify a target volume but rather provide dimensional guidelines from which volume is calculated.
≠The Indian standard specifies a steel rammer of a fixed 9.0 kg mass. International standards like ASTM D2937 are less specific, suggesting a 'sliding weight hammer' or 'jack' without mandating a specific weight, leaving it to operator judgement based on soil conditions.
≠While IS 13468 specifies a bevelled cutting edge, BS 1377-9 provides a more detailed specification, suggesting a machined angle of about 20° for the cutting edge.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the identical principle: driving a cylinder of known volume into the soil, extracting an undisturbed sample, and determining its mass to calculate density.
≈The basic set of apparatus is consistent across all standards, comprising a cylindrical steel cutter with a sharpened edge, a driving cap (dolly), and a hammer/rammer mechanism.
≈All standards recognize the method is most suitable for fine-grained, cohesive soils and is inappropriate for very hard, dense, or gravelly soils where sample disturbance or damage to the cutter is likely.
≈The fundamental calculation for bulk density (Mass of soil / Internal volume of cutter) and the subsequent calculation of dry density using moisture content are identical in all standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Core Cutter Internal Diameter
100 ± 0.2 mm
105 ± 1 mm (standard size)
BS 1377-9:1990
Core Cutter Height
130 ± 0.5 mm
130 ± 1 mm (standard size)
BS 1377-9:1990
Core Cutter Internal Volume
1000 ± 10 cm³
Not specified as a target; calculated from dimensions (approx. 1125 cm³ for standard cutter)
BS 1377-9:1990
Wall Thickness
3 mm
Approx. 3.2 mm (for 105 mm dia cutter)
BS 1377-9:1990
Area Ratio (performance metric)
Not specified (calculates to ~12.4%)
Shall not exceed 15%
ASTM D2937-18
Rammer Mass
9.0 kg
Not specified; method states 'driven by blows of a rammer'
BS 1377-9:1990
Dolly (Rammer Cap) design
Fits on top of cutter with a 25 mm recess.
A steel dolly of about 25 mm thickness.
BS 1377-9:1990
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
What is the standard internal volume of the core cutter?+
The nominal volume is approximately 1021 cm³ (based on 100mm dia x 130mm height), but it must be measured accurately for each individual cutter before testing.
What is the specified mass of the rammer?+
The rammer should have a mass of 9.0 ± 0.1 kg as per Clause 5.
What are the key dimensions of the core cutter itself?+
It should have an internal diameter of 100 ± 0.2 mm and a height of 130 ± 0.5 mm (Clause 3).
What is the purpose of the dolly?+
The dolly is a 25 mm high collar placed on top of the cutter to prevent damage to the cutter's top edge when it is being hammered into the ground.