Description
Introduction Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod
Accurate concrete mix design and pavement material selection both depend on knowing the exact specific gravity and water absorption capacity of fine aggregates. Engineers must determine whether sand and fine aggregate particles reach the saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition before they enter any calculation or mixing process. The Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod provides the quickest, most reliable field-ready method to identify this critical moisture state.
The Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod works on a straightforward slump principle. A technician fills the cone with damp aggregate, applies 25 uniform tamps with the tamping rod, lifts the cone, and observes the aggregate behaviour. When the aggregate sample slumps slightly and holds a free-standing shape, it indicates the SSD condition and confirms readiness for specific gravity and absorption calculation. An over-wet sample flows freely, while an excessively dry sample shows no slump at all.
ASTZ Bangladesh supplies this apparatus to civil engineering laboratories, concrete testing facilities, construction companies, and academic institutions throughout Bangladesh. Every set meets ASTM C128, BS 812-2, IS 2386 Part III, and EN 1097-6 requirements, ensuring test results remain internationally accepted and project-compliant.
Specifications Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod
| Parameter | Specification |
| Cone Top Diameter | 40 mm ± 3 mm |
| Cone Base Diameter | 90 mm ± 3 mm |
| Cone Height | 75 mm ± 3 mm |
| Cone Material | Plated steel (corrosion-resistant) |
| Tamping Face Diameter | 25 mm (flat, circular) |
| Tamping Rod Weight | Approx. 340 g (12 oz) |
| Tamping Rod Material | Hardened metal / steel |
| Tamping Rod Height | Approx. 180 mm |
| Test Method | SSD slump cone method – 25 tamps in 3 layers |
| Aggregate Size | Fine aggregates smaller than 10 mm (passing No. 4 / 4.75 mm sieve) |
| Standard Compliance | ASTM C128, BS 812-2, IS 2386 Part III, EN 1097-6 |
| Finish | Plated / Powder-coated for corrosion resistance |
| Typical Set Weight | Approx. 500 g (cone + tamper) |
| Supply | Complete set: cone mould + tamping rod |
Complete Specifications Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod
Cone Mould
Shape: Truncated conical metal mould, open at top and base
Top Internal Diameter: 40 mm ± 3 mm (approximately 1.5 inches)
Base Internal Diameter: 90 mm ± 3 mm (approximately 3.5 inches)
Height: 75 mm ± 3 mm (approximately 2⅞ inches)
Material: Plated steel, heat-treated for dimensional stability
Surface Finish: Smooth interior, corrosion-resistant exterior coating
Tamper Rod
Tamping Face Shape: Flat circular face
Tamper Face Diameter: 25 mm (approximately 1 inch)
Rod Weight: Approximately 340 g (12 oz) as per ASTM C128 and BS 812-2
Rod Height: Approximately 180 mm
Material: Hardened metal / steel
Test Procedure Summary
Place the cone on a flat non-absorbent surface and fill it with damp fine aggregate in three layers
Apply 25 uniform tamps per layer using the tamping rod; do not use impact force
Remove excess aggregate from the base and lift the cone vertically in one smooth motion
Observe the aggregate: a gentle slump indicates the saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition
A free-flowing sample signals excess moisture; no slump signals insufficient surface moisture
Standard References
ASTM C128 – Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
BS 812-2 – Testing Aggregates: Methods for Determination of Density
IS 2386 Part III:1963 – Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete: Specific Gravity, Density, Voids, Absorption and Bulking
EN 1097-6 – Tests for Mechanical and Physical Properties of Aggregates: Determination of Particle Density and Water Absorption
Key Features Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod
- Plated-steel conical mould with precise dimensions: 40 mm top diameter, 90 mm base diameter, and 75 mm height for standardised SSD detection
- Corrosion-resistant plated or galvanised finish on both cone and tamping rod for long-term laboratory durability
- 25 mm diameter flat circular tamping face on the metal rod delivers uniform compaction force across every layer of aggregate
- Tamping rod weighs approximately 340 g (12 oz), matching ASTM C128 and BS 812-2 mass requirements for consistent results
- Compact and lightweight design makes the apparatus easy to handle during repetitive fine aggregate testing routines
- Smooth interior cone surface prevents aggregate adhesion and allows clean, unobstructed slump observation
- Full compliance with ASTM C128, BS 812-2, IS 2386 Part III, and EN 1097-6 international test standards
- Compatible with all pycnometer-based specific gravity test setups available in Bangladeshi laboratories
- Robust construction withstands rough daily laboratory use without dimensional distortion
- Complete set supplied together — cone mould and tamping rod — ready for immediate use
Applications
- Determination of saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition in fine aggregate specific gravity tests
- Water absorption testing of sand and fine aggregates for concrete mix design
- Quality control of sand and crushed-stone fines at construction sites across Bangladesh
- Concrete mix proportioning and water-to-cement ratio calculation in ready-mix plants
- Fine aggregate acceptance testing for road subbase and base course materials
- Mortar and plaster mix design quality assurance in building construction projects
- Research and development in civil-engineering materials and concrete technology laboratories
- Teaching and demonstration in university and polytechnic institute laboratory sessions
- Verification of aggregate supplier quality as part of procurement quality assurance
- Asphalt and bituminous mix design aggregate evaluation in pavement engineering
Who Uses This
- Civil engineers and quality-control inspectors on road, bridge, and building construction projects
- Ready-mix concrete plant quality-assurance laboratories throughout Bangladesh
- Government testing labs under LGED, RHD, PWD, and BRTC
- University and polytechnic institute civil engineering laboratories – BUET, KUET, RUET, CUET, DUET
- Private material testing and inspection companies providing third-party aggregate reports
- Quarry and sand-mine operators verifying fine aggregate quality before supply
- Construction and infrastructure companies requiring in-house aggregate quality control
- Pavement engineers designing hot-mix asphalt and bituminous surface layers
- Research institutions working on high-performance concrete and sustainable construction materials
- Cement and concrete product manufacturers using fine aggregate in precast and prestressed elements
Why Buy from ASTZ Bangladesh
- ASTZ Bangladesh supplies genuine, standards-compliant laboratory testing apparatus with verified dimensional accuracy
- Our technical team offers pre-purchase guidance to ensure you select the exact apparatus your test standard requires
- We deliver across all divisions of Bangladesh — Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal, and Mymensingh
- ASTZ provides transparent, competitive pricing with proper invoicing suitable for institutional purchase orders
- Our after-sales support assists with installation verification and correct test procedure guidance
- We stock spare parts so your laboratory never faces unnecessary downtime between projects
- ASTZ Bangladesh has built a trusted reputation serving government labs, universities, and private contractors nationwide
- Every product ships with manufacturer quality documentation and dimensional compliance confirmation
- We accept flexible payment methods that suit both government institutions and private-sector buyers
- Our Bengali- and English-speaking team ensures clear, responsive communication throughout your order
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does the Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod test?
A: The Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod identifies the saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition of fine aggregates. Technicians use this SSD moisture state as the reference point for calculating specific gravity and water absorption of sand and fine aggregate particles smaller than 10 mm. The result helps engineers design accurate concrete mixes and pavement materials.
Q: Which standards does this apparatus comply with?
A: The apparatus complies with ASTM C128 (American Standard), BS 812-2 (British Standard), IS 2386 Part III:1963 (Indian Standard, widely adopted in Bangladesh), and EN 1097-6 (European Standard). These standards define the cone dimensions, tamping rod weight, and test procedure.
Q: Does this set include a pycnometer or flask for the full specific gravity test?
A: The Sand Absorption Cone and Tamper Rod set includes only the cone mould and tamping rod for SSD condition detection. A separate pycnometer (specific gravity flask) and balance are necessary to complete the full specific gravity and water absorption test. ASTZ Bangladesh supplies these additional items separately.
Q: How many tamps does the standard procedure require?
A: ASTM C128 and BS 812-2 require 25 tamps of the tamping rod per layer, with the aggregate filled in three approximately equal layers. The operator drops the rod from a consistent height under its own weight — no impact force or compaction beyond gravity-assisted tamping is acceptable.
Q: Does ASTZ Bangladesh deliver this apparatus outside Dhaka?
A: Yes. ASTZ Bangladesh delivers to all districts and divisions including Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal, Mymensingh, and Rangpur. Standard delivery takes 2–5 business days within Dhaka and 3–7 business days to other divisions. Express delivery options are available on request.
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