Description:
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. 
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present subject matter generally relates to density measurement apparatuses, more particularly relates to a test apparatus and method for determining a maximum density of a geological material.
BACKGROUND
Generally, density of a geological material is an imperative property which influences a behaviour and suitability of the geological material for different applications. The behavior of the geological material depends upon the characteristics, arrangement, and interaction of the geological material particles with the surrounding environment. Further, maximum density of the geological material represents a standard for determining various engineering properties such as strength permeability, bearing capacity, and the like. The density of the geological material is determined by various existing methods recommended by different standard agencies worldwide. The existing methods include, such as, filling a large amount of sample of the geological material in a mould and vibrating the mould for predefined time under predefined surcharge weight, soaking the sample of the geological material in warm water and vibrating the mould for predefined time, dividing the sample into predetermined portions and subjecting these portions to the predefined strikes or impacts with a wooden hammer, layering the sample of the geological material in a cylinder and striking the cylinder for predefined time with the help of screwdriver handle, horizontally and vertically vibrating the cylinder or mould of the geological material, concurrently striking or impacting the mould of sample of the geological material while continuous rotations, and the like.
Most of the available conventional methods for determining the maximum density of the geological material encounter various limitations, such as requirement of a large quantity of sample of the geological material and eventually large size of mould for the sample, large surcharge weight to achieve compaction of the geological material sample. Moreover, these methods are limited to soil with fines particle size less than 75µm, narrow range of percentage of fines (up to 15%) content by dry mass. Damage occurred to the geological material due to pressure exerted by the overlying surcharge weight when the mould or cylinder is subjected to vibration makes the sample of the geological material unsuitable for further testing, or manual assistance in striking and vibrating the mould of the sample, and the like. Further, the conventional methods for determining the maximum density of the geological material are time consuming and energy consuming. One of another conventional method for determining the maximum density of the geological material is limited to fines particle content up to 10% finest. Further, limiting to the particle size of 75µm, small particle size limits its performance on soils crushed and compacted by the vibrating hammer.
One of another conventional method for determining the maximum density of the geological material is applicable to soils with fines particle size less than 5%. Hence, the energy applied may not be equal to the output result derived, and it is a long time-consuming testing method.
One of another available conventional method for determining the maximum density of the geological material requires filling a mould of 3000cc capacity and allowed to vibrate for a duration of 8 minutes under a surcharge weight of 25kg. This leads to limiting this method to only cohesionless soils and this method of testing requires a large 12 kg sample for a single trial testing.
One of another available conventional methods for determining the maximum density of the geological material wherein 822g of sand sample is filled into 2000 mL measuring cylinder in different layers and each layer is tapped 8 times with the help of a screwdriver handle operated manually. This method limits its application to medium and fine-grained sands. Furthermore, every time similar energy for vibration is not possible and tapping force may varies from person to person. One of another conventional available method for determining the maximum density of the geological material in which sand sample is filled into a 3-inch diameter mould and subjected to horizontal tapping force for a time until no further settlement of soil sample is allowed. This method is also confined to only cohesionless soils of particle size ranges 4.75 mm to 75 µm in size and this test consumes a longer time in settlement of particles in mould. One of another conventional available method for determining the maximum density of the geological material in which a mould of diameter 100 mm and depth of 127 mm is filled with the sand sample and the entire sample is subjected to vertical vibration for 10 minutes without any surcharge plate. This testing method also limits its applicability to sandy soils of particle size ranges from 4.75 mm to 75 µm. One of another available conventional method for determining the maximum density of the geological material requires filling poorly graded sand in a mould of 90cc capacity in five lifts and after each lift, a 50 g surcharge weight is placed at the midpoint of the mould. Further, 40 tapping is being performed with the help of a wooden dowel while rotating the mould continuously. This complex testing limits its application for poorly graded fine to medium sand particles of a size that ranges between 2.00 mm to 75 µm only.
Yet another conventional method discloses capacity of mould of particle size scaled down from 113cc to 31cc. Further, this method also adds limits on particle size of range from 4.75 mm to 75 µm.
Consequently, there is a need for an improved and reliable test apparatus and method for determining a maximum density of a geological material, to address the aforementioned issues.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simple manner which is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor to determine the scope of the disclosure.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a test apparatus for determining a maximum density of a geological material. The test apparatus includes a base structure including a planar support surface and tightly coupled to a table, a top structure disposed on the base structure, a plurality of pillars coupled between the top structure and the base structure and configured to support the top structure. The plurality of pillars includes one or more spring disposed within the plurality of pillars for vibration isolation. Further, the test apparatus includes a vibration generation assembly mounted under the top structure via a motor plate. Further, the vibration generation assembly includes, a drive motor, and a control unit communicatively coupled to the drive motor. Further, the control unit is configured to generate a pre-determined vibration frequency for a pre-defined time, based on the rotation of the drive motor for optimal compaction of a geological material. Further, the test apparatus includes a small-scale cylindrical mould including a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould is coupled to the top structure, and the proximal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould is configured to receive the geological material. The geological material includes, but not limited to, one of a heterogenous mixture and a homogeneous mixture. Further, the test apparatus includes one or more cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate to be placed on the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould. Further, the test apparatus includes one or more guide sleeve. Further, the guide sleeve is configured to guide the one or more cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate to be placed centrally over the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould. Further, the test apparatus includes a digital vernier calliper configured to measure the height of the geological material occupied inside the cylindrical mould from which the maximum density of the geological material is computed, upon generating the pre-determined vibration frequency based on rotation of the drive motor for optimal compaction of the geological material. Furthermore, the test apparatus include a output panel configured to display the measured maximum density of the geological material.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for determining maximum density of a geological material using the test apparatus. The method includes, receiving a small-scale cylindrical mould on a top structure of the test apparatus, the mould having a proximal end for receiving the geological material and a distal end coupled to the top structure. Further, the method includes receiving the geological material into the small-scale cylindrical mould. The geological material includes either a heterogeneous mixture or a homogeneous mixture. Further, the method includes, positioning one or more cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate centrally over the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould using at least one guide sleeve. Further, the method includes activating a vibration generation assembly mounted under the top structure via a motor plate. The assembly includes a drive motor, and a control unit communicatively coupled to the drive motor. Further, the control unit is configured to generate a predetermined vibration frequency for a predefined time based on rotation of the drive motor to achieve optimal compaction of the geological material. Further, the method includes measuring a maximum density of the compacted geological material using a digital vernier calliper. Furthermore, the method includes displaying the measured maximum density of the geological material on the output panel of the test apparatus.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of a test apparatus for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram representation of a test apparatus without a mould for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2B illustrates a side view and a top view representation of an exemplary schematic diagram of a cylindrical mould for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram representation of a test apparatus for determining the maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram representation of a method for a test apparatus for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
The terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, additional sub-modules. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a test apparatus for determining a maximum density of a geological material. The test apparatus includes a base structure including a planar support surface and tightly coupled to a table, a top structure disposed on the base structure, a plurality of pillars coupled between the top structure and the base structure and configured to support the top structure. The plurality of pillars includes one or more spring disposed within the plurality of pillars for vibration isolation. Further, the test apparatus includes a vibration generation assembly mounted under the top structure via a motor plate. Further, the vibration generation assembly includes, a drive motor, and a control unit communicatively coupled to the drive motor. Further, the control unit is configured to generate a pre-determined vibration frequency for a pre-defined time, based on rotation of the drive motor for optimal compaction of a geological material. Further, the test apparatus includes a small-scale cylindrical mould including a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould is coupled to the top structure, and the proximal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould is configured to receive the geological material. The geological material includes, but not limited to, one of a heterogenous mixture and a homogeneous mixture. Further, the test apparatus includes one or more cylindrical surcharge base plate to be placed on the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould. Further, the test apparatus includes one or more cylindrical surcharge mass to be placed on the cylindrical surcharge base plate. Further, the test apparatus includes one or more guide sleeve. Further, the guide sleeve is configured to guide the one or more cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate to be placed centrally over the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould. Further, the test apparatus includes a digital vernier calliper configured to measure the height of the geological material occupied in the small scale cylindrical mould, thereby computing a maximum density of the geological material, upon generating the pre-determined vibration frequency based on rotation of the drive motor for optimal compaction of the geological material. Furthermore, the test apparatus includes an output panel configured to display the vibration frequency and the measured maximum density of the geological material.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments, and these embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system and/or method.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of a test apparatus 100 (also hereafter referred as test apparatus 100) for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The test apparatus 100 may include a base structure 102 including a planar support surface and tightly coupled to a table (not shown). Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a top structure 104 assembled on the base structure 102. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a plurality of pillars 106 coupled between the top structure 104 and the base structure 102 and configured to support the top structure 104. The plurality of pillar 106 may include, but not be limited to, at least one spring (not shown) disposed within the plurality of pillar 106 for vibration isolation. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a vibration generation assembly 108 mounted under the top structure 104 via a motor plate (not shown). Further, the vibration generation assembly 108 may include, but not limited to, a drive motor 110, and a control unit 112 communicatively coupled to the drive motor 110. Further, the control unit 112 may be configured to generate a pre-determined vibration frequency for a pre-defined time, based on the rotation of the drive motor 110 for optimal compaction of a geological material (not shown). Further, the drive motor 110 may include, but is not limited to, AC motors, DC motors, hybrid motors, linear motors, universal motors, and the like.
Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may include a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be coupled to the top structure 104, and the proximal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured to receive the geological material (not shown). The geological material (not shown) may include, but not limited to, at least one of a heterogenous mixture and a homogeneous mixture. Further, the geological material (not shown) may include, but not limited to sand, silt, clay, any other geological material whose density is to be measured, and the like. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include, but not limited to, at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical base plate 116 to be placed on the geological material (not shown) in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include, but not limited to, at least one guide sleeve 118. Further, the guide sleeve 118 may be configured to guide the at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 to be placed centrally over the geological material (not shown) in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a digital vernier calliper 120. In an embodiment, the digital vernier calliper 120 may include, without limiting to, an external device similar to a ruler. Further, the digital vernier calliper 120 may be configured to measure the height of geological material present inside the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 from which the maximum density of the geological material (not shown) is computed upon generating the pre-determined vibration frequency based on rotation of the drive motor 110 for optimal compaction of the geological material (not shown). In an embodiment, the digital vernier calliper 120 may be placed, for example, but not limited to, inside the cylindrical mould 114, measure till what depth the geological material is occupied inside the cylindrical mould 114. Furthermore, the test apparatus 100 comprises an output panel 121 configured to display the required vibration frequency based on the rotation of the drive motor, and the measured maximum density of the geological material.
FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram representation of test apparatus 100 without a cylindrical mould 114 for determining a maximum density of a geological material (not shown), in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The test apparatus 100 without the cylindrical mould 114 may include, but not limited to, a base structure 102, a top structure 104, a plurality of pillars 106, and a vibration generation assembly 108 (not shown) including drive motor 110 and control unit 112 (not shown), an eccentric pin 122 (not shown), a lever 124, a bearing (not shown), a pivot link 126, a pillar top 128, a motor plate 130, a pivot pin 132, a socket head 134. Further, the base structure 102 may be tightly coupled to a table (not shown). Further, the top structure 104 may be disposed over the base structure 102 using the plurality of pillars 106. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include the eccentric pin 122 (not shown) connected to the drive motor 110. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include the bearing (not shown) supporting the eccentric pin 122 (not shown). Further, the test apparatus 100 may include the lever 124 connected to the eccentric pin 122 (not shown), and a pivot link 126 connecting the lever 124 to the top structure 104. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include the drive motor 110 connectively coupled to a control unit 112(not shown). Further, the combination of the drive motor 110 and the control unit 112 (not shown) may be referred as vibration generation assembly 108 (not shown). Further, the control unit 112 (not shown) may be configured to generate a pre-determined vibration frequency for a pre-defined time, based on rotation of the drive motor 110 for optimal compaction of a geological material. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include an oven (not shown) configured to oven-dry the geological material (not shown) passing through a sieve (not shown). Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a crushing unit (not shown). Further, the crushing unit (not shown) may be configured to break loosely consolidated conglomerates of the dried geological material (not shown), without reducing a natural size of the particles in the dried geological material (not shown).
Further, the test apparatus 100 may include the empty small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown). Further, the empty small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown) may be configured to receive the geological material (not shown), via a funnel (not shown) with a cylindrical spout (not shown), with a zero free fall height. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include the empty small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown). Further, the empty small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown) may be configured to receive a cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (not shown) on the geological material. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown) may be configured with one cylindrical surcharge base plate and one cylindrical surcharge mass to be placed centrally over the geological material (not shown) in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown). Further, the test apparatus 100 may include the digital vernier calliper (not shown). Further, the digital vernier calliper (not shown) may be configured to determine and record a reduction in height of the geological material (not shown) in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown). Further, the digital vernier calliper (not shown) may be configured to determine the height of geological material occupied inside the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown) after pre-determined vibration frequency for a pre-defined time. Further a weighing balance is used to record a mass of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown) and the geological material (not shown). Further, a maximum density the geological material is calculated by determining a difference in the mass of the empty small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown) from the mass of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 (not shown) with the and geological material (not shown).
FIG. 2B illustrates a side view and top view representation of an exemplary schematic diagram of a small-scale cylindrical mould 114 of a test apparatus 100 for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured to receive a smaller quantity of the geological material (not shown). Further, the structure of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may include a cylindrical shape. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may include a distal end and a proximal end. Further, the distal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be coupled to the top structure 104 and proximal end of the mould 114 may be configured to receive the oven dried geological material (not shown). Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured with metals such as, but not limited to, mild steel, aluminium, and the like. Further, the reduced dimensions of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may facilitate the downscaling of surcharge weight and eventually mitigating the problem of geological material crushing.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram representation of a test apparatus 100 for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The test apparatus 100 may include, but not limited to, a base structure 102, a top structure 104, a plurality of pillars 106, a drive motor 110, a small-scale cylindrical mould 114, a cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116, and a guide sleeve 118. Further, the test apparatus 100 may be configured to determine the maximum density of the geological material (not shown) by reducing the quantity of the sample of the geological material (not shown). Further, the quantity of the geological material (not shown) may be reduced around 35-60 times lesser than the existing methods of determining the maximum density of the geological material (not shown).
Further, the test apparatus 100, may include a vibratory table. Further, the vibratory table may be coupled to a drive motor 110. Further, the driver motor 110 may be configured to operate on AC or DC voltage. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a vibration generation assembly 108 (not shown). Further, the vibration generation assembly 108 (not shown) may be configured to generate frequency of plurality of vibrations per minute, such as for example, but not limited to, 3000 vibrations per minute. Further, the vibration generation assembly 108 (not shown) may be configured to operate on a single-phase power supply. Further, the small-scale vibrating table apparatus 100 may include a small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured by materials such as, but not limited to, mild steel, aluminium, tool steel, high carbon steel, and the like. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured to receive smaller amount of sample of the geological material (not shown). Further, the small-scale vibrating table apparatus 100 may include at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 to be placed on the geological material (not shown) in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 may be designed to fit snugly within the small-scale cylindrical mold 114, for uniform pressure distribution during compaction of the geological material. Further, the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 may be configured by materials such as, but not limited to, mild steel, aluminium, tool steel, high carbon steel, and the like. Further, the test apparatus 100 may include, but is not limited to, one guide sleeve 118. Further, the guide sleeve 118 may be configured to guide one or more cylindrical surcharge mass and surcharge plate 116 to be placed centrally over the geological material (not shown) in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 may be configured to be placed on the cylindrical mold 114 using the guide sleeve 118. Further, the guide sleeve 118 may be configured to to ensure the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 is placed centrally over the geological material. Further, the test apparatus 100 may be configured to receive the geological material (not known) by a funnel with a cylindrical spout.
Further, the test apparatus 100 may include a digital vernier calliper. Further, the digital vernier calliper may be configured to measure a height of geological material present inside the small scale cylindrical mould and a maximum density of the geological material (not shown), upon generating the pre-determined vibration frequency based on rotation of the drive motor 110 for optimal compaction of the geological material (not shown).
EXAMPLE SCENARIO
In an example scenario, a sample of a geological material may be oven dried. Further, the oven dried sample of the geological material may be crushed before filling the sample into a small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured to receive the sample of the geological material using funnel with a cylindrical spout of 13 mm in diameter. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured to level the surface of the received geological material using a steel ruler or steel straight edge. Further, the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 may be configured to be coupled to a vibratory table. Further, a surcharge base plate may be configured to be placed over the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, a cylindrical surcharge mass may be configured to be placed over the surcharge base plate in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, a guide sleeve 118 may be configured to be coupled to the small-scale cylindrical mould 114.
Further, the guide sleeve 118 may be configured to ensure a placement of a cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116. Further, a vibration generation assembly 108 of a test apparatus 100 may be configured to vibrate for 8 minutes with a frequency of 1200 rpm. Further, the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 and the guide sleeve 118 may be configured to be removed from the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. Further, the test apparatus 100 may be determine the reduction in height of the geological material using a vernier calliper. Further, a weighing balance may be configured to measure the mass of the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 and the geological material.
Further, the maximum density may be calculated as:
The maximum density (ρmax)=M/V Equation no (1)
Where M – Mass of Tested geological material (gm), V – Volume of Tested Dry geological material (cm3) occupied in the mold
V=V_m-(A_x H) Equation no (2)
Vm – Volume of the mold (cm3), A – Cross Sectional Area of the mould (cm2), and
H – Difference in height between the top surface of the mold and bottom surface of the cylindrical surcharge base plate placed over the geological material (cm).
Further, Table. 1 below illustrates one sample calculation performed for geological material, for example, white sand, in accordance with the present embodiment.
Table:1 Sample Calculations for Geological material using the current apparatus 100 and method.

Test mold Dimensions Value Notation
Diameter of the Mold (mm) 50 D
Height of the mold (mm) 100 H
Before Vibration Weight of Empty Mold + Base Plate (g) 469.2 W1
Weight of geological material + Mold + Base Plate (g) 732.6 W2
Weight of geological material taken (g) 263.4 W = W1 – W2
During Vibration Time Period for Vibration 8 min T
Frequency at which test is operated 1200 rpm f
After Vibration
Height of geological material that is Compressed after Vibration (cm)
2.35
2.4
2.35
2.4
2.35
2.4
h1 to h6

Final Heights to be Considered (cm)
7.65
7.6
7.65
7.6
7.65
7.6
As the total height of the mold is 10 cm

Final Average height in cm
Volume of the soil occupied in the test mold (in cm3) 7.625
149.716
havg

V

Result Maximum Density of the Soil (g/cc) 263.4/149.716 = 1.76 ρmax
Maximum Density of the geological material (g/cc) 263.4/149.716 = 1.76 ρmax

TABLE. 1
Further, the Table. 2 below illustrates variation of maximum density for different geological soils with varying testing methods.
TABLE.2

S.No. Soil Type Fines Percentage (%) Maximum Density (g/cc)
ASTM D4253-00 JIS A 1224:2009 IS 2720 (Part 14) – 1983 Lade’s Method Inventory Method
Mass of Sample Taken (gm) Value of Max. Density (g/cc) Mass of Sample Taken (gm) Value of Max. Density (g/cc) Mass of Sample Taken (gm) Value of Max. Density (g/cc) Mass of Sample Taken (gm) Value of Max. Density (g/cc) Mass of Sample Taken (gm) Value of Max. Density (g/cc)
1 SP (white sand) 4 11000 1.66 500 1.74 12000 1.66 822 1.58 263.4 1.76
2 SP (M-Sand) 12 11000 1.77 500 1.62 12000 1.77 822 1.71 270.8 1.86
3 SM (S70F30) 30 11000 NA 500 1.80 12000 NA 822 1.63 288.8 1.91

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram representation of a method 400 for a test apparatus 100 for determining a maximum density of a geological material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the following steps may be implemented.
At step 402, the method 400 includes receiving, by a test apparatus 100, a small-scale cylindrical mould 114 on a top structure 104 of the apparatus 100. The mould 114 has a proximal end for receiving the geological material (not shown) and a distal end coupled to the top structure 104. At step 404, the method 400 includes receiving, by a test apparatus 100, the geological material (not shown) into the small-scale cylindrical mould 114. The geological material (not shown) may include, but not limited to, either a heterogeneous mixture or a homogeneous mixture. At step 406, the method 400 includes positioning, by a test apparatus 100, at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 centrally over the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould 114 using at least one guide sleeve 118. At step 408, the method 400 includes activating, by a test apparatus 100, a vibration generation assembly 108 mounted under the top structure 104 via a motor plate (not shown). Further, the assembly 108 includes a drive motor 110 and a control unit 112 communicatively coupled to the drive motor 110. Further, the control unit 112 may be configured to generate a predetermined vibration frequency for a predefined time based on rotation of the drive motor 110 to achieve optimal compaction of the geological material (not shown). At step 410, the method 400 includes measuring, by the test apparatus, height of the geological material using a digital vernier calliper. At step 412, the method 400 includes determining, by the test apparatus 100, the maximum density of the geological material, based on the measured height. At step 414, the method 400 includes, displaying, by the test apparatus 100, the vibration frequency and the maximum density of the geological material on the output panel 121. For example, the volume of the geological material occupied in the cylindrical mould 114 may be calculated by the digital vernier calliper, using Equation (2), as shown above. Further, the value of the calculated volume may be substituted in the Equation (1) to determine the maximum density of the geological material.
Further, the vibration generation assembly 108 may include a plurality of pillars 106 coupled between the top structure 104 and the base structure 102 of the test apparatus 100. Further, the plurality of pillar 106 may include, but not be limited to, at least one spring (not shown) disposed within for vibration isolation during operation. Further, method 400 may include, but not limited to, at least one guide sleeve 118. Further, guide sleeve 118 may be configured to guide the at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate 116 centrally over the geological material (not shown) to ensure uniform distribution during compaction. Further, method 400 may include drive motor 110 of the vibration generation assembly 108. Further, the drive motor 110 may be configured to be controlled by control unit 112 to maintain the predetermined vibration frequency throughout the predefined time to achieve consistent compaction results.
The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
A test apparatus 100 is configured to utilise small amount of geological material for the determination of the maximum density. The sample amount is reduced to 200-400 grams. Further, the apparatus 100 is designed to minimize the transfer of vibrations to the ground, ensuring that the equipment occupies minimal space. Further, the weight of the surcharge masses is specifically optimized to apply low pressure on the geological material mass without excessively crushing the geological material particles so that the integrity of the geological material particles is preserved. Further, the test method is capable of effectively handling geological material samples with fines content as high as 50% by dry mass, making the method more versatile and practical in various scenarios. Further, a motor designed in apparatus runs at a lower speed of 1200 rpm, in contrast to the conventional system running at 3600 rpm, resulting in reduced energy consumption and cost savings. Further, the test apparatus 100 is designed to reduces noise levels significantly compared to conventional methods. Further, the present embodiment may be utilized for the fabrication setup to handle less quantity of soil up to a particle size of 4.75 mm. The mould dimensions are meticulously crafted to minimize the soil quantity required to fill the mould without compromising its intended purpose.
Further, the dimensions of the vibrating table mould significant importance in present invention. Further, the vibrator is carefully designed to minimize the transfer of vibrations to the ground, ensuring that the equipment occupies minimal space. Further, the weight of the surcharge masses is specifically optimized to apply low pressure on the soil mass without excessively crushing the soil particles so that the integrity of the soil particles is preserved. Further, for geotechnical testing, the soil samples are compacted under controlled conditions to assess the engineering properties configuring the present embodiment. Further in the field of research and development, the present embodiment may be used to study material behavior under various conditions. For the purpose of quality control, the present embodiment may be utilized as to check the quality of construction materials such as specific density and compaction requirements. Further, in the packing industry, to minimize the volume of pack quantities in a given container and arrive at particle sizes [gradation] for maximum density may be performed using this equipment.
 
, C , Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A test apparatus (100) for determining a maximum density of a geological material, the test apparatus (100) comprises:
a base structure (102) comprising a planar support surface and tightly coupled to a table;
a top structure (104) disposed on the base structure (102);
a plurality of pillars (106) coupled between the top structure (104) and the base (102) structure and configured to support the top structure (104), wherein the plurality of pillars (106) comprise at least one spring disposed within the plurality of pillars (106) for vibration isolation;
a vibration generation assembly (108) mounted under the top structure (104) via a motor plate, the vibration generation assembly (108) comprising:
a drive motor (110); and
a control unit (112) communicatively coupled to the drive motor (110), the control unit (112) configured to generate a pre-determined vibration frequency for a pre-defined time, based on rotation of the drive motor (110) for optimal compaction of a geological material;
a small-scale cylindrical mould (114) comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould (114) is coupled to the top structure (104), and the proximal end of the small-scale cylindrical mould (114) is configured to receive the geological material, wherein the geological material comprises at least one of a heterogenous mixture and a homogeneous mixture;
at least one cylindrical base plate (116) to be placed on the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould (114);
at least one cylindrical surcharge mass (116) to be placed on the the one cylindrical base plate (116)
at least one guide sleeve (118) configured to guide the at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) to be placed centrally over the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould (114);
a digital vernier calliper (120) configured to:
measure height of the geological material present inside the small-scale cylindrical mould (114), upon generating the pre-determined vibration frequency based on rotation of the drive motor (110) for optimal compaction of the geological material; and
determine a maximum density of the geological material, based on the measured height; and
an output panel (121) configured to:
display the vibration frequency and the measured maximum density of the geological material.

2. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises:
an eccentric pin (122) connected to the drive motor (110);
a bearing supporting the eccentric pin (122);
a lever (124) connected to the eccentric pin (122); and
a pivot link (126) connecting the lever (124) to the top structure (104).

3. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises:
an oven configured to oven-dry the geological material passing through a sieve;
a crushing unit configured to break loosely consolidated conglomerates of the dried geological material, without reducing a natural size of the particles in the dried geological material;
the empty small-scale cylindrical mould (114) is configured to receive the geological material, via a funnel with a cylindrical spout of 13mm diameter, with a zero free fall height,
the empty small-scale cylindrical mould (114) is configured to receive a surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) on the geological material;
at least one guide sleeve (118) is attached to the the small-scale cylindrical mould (114), and receiving at least one surcharge mass over the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116);
the control unit (112) communicatively coupled to the drive motor (110), the control unit (112) configured to generate a pre-determined vibration frequency for a pre-defined time, based on rotation of the drive motor (110) for optimal compaction of a geological material; and the digital vernier calliper configured to determine and record a height of geological material that is received inside empty small-scale cylindrical mould 114 with the base structure (102);

4. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises:
at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) and the at least one guide sleeve (118) is de-coupled from the small-scale cylindrical mould (114), and the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) is in uniform contact with the geological material;
the digital vernier calliper configured to determine and record a reduction in height of the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould (114);
a weighing balance is configured to determine and record a mass of the small-scale cylindrical mould (114) and the geological material,; and
the weighing balance is configured to calculate a maximum density the geological material, by determining a difference in the mass of the empty small-scale cylindrical mould (114) from the mass of the small-scale cylindrical mould (114) with the and geological material.

5. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) remain in uniform contact with the geological material surface during and after vibration to ensure consistent compaction results.

6. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) is designed to fit snugly within the small-scale cylindrical mould (114), for uniform pressure distribution during compaction of the geological material.

7. A method for determining maximum density of a geological material using a test apparatus (100), the method comprising:
receiving, by a test apparatus (100), a small-scale cylindrical mould (114) on a top structure (104) of the apparatus (100), the mould (114) having a proximal end for receiving the geological material and a distal end coupled to the top structure (104);
receiving, by a test apparatus (100), the geological material into the small-scale cylindrical mould (114), wherein the geological material comprises either a heterogeneous mixture or a homogeneous mixture;
positioning, by the test apparatus (100), at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) centrally over the geological material in the small-scale cylindrical mould (114) using at least one guide sleeve (118);
activating, by the test apparatus (100), a vibration generation assembly (108) mounted under the top structure (104) via a motor plate, the assembly comprising a drive motor (110) and a control unit (112) communicatively coupled to the drive motor (110), the control unit (112) configured to generate a predetermined vibration frequency for a predefined time based on rotation of the drive motor (110) to achieve optimal compaction of the geological material;
measuring, by the test apparatus (100), height of the geological material using a digital vernier calliper;
determining, by the test apparatus (100), a maximum density of the geological material, based on the measured height; and
displaying, by the test apparatus, the vibration frequency and the measured maximum density of the geological material on the output panel (121).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the vibration generation assembly (108) further comprises a plurality of pillars (106) coupled between the top structure (104) and a base structure (102) of the apparatus (100), the plurality of pillars (106) including at least one spring disposed within for vibration isolation during operation.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one guide sleeve (118) is configured to guide the at least one cylindrical surcharge mass and cylindrical surcharge base plate (116) centrally over the geological material to ensure uniform distribution during compaction.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the drive motor (110) of the vibration generation assembly (108) is controlled by the control unit (112) to maintain the predetermined vibration frequency throughout the predefined time to achieve consistent compaction results.