What should be done if oversize fractions are present during a sand cone test?

When performing a sand cone test, the presence of oversize fractions indicates that the material being tested does not meet the specifications for the test procedure. The sand cone test is designed for a specific range of particle sizes, and oversize material can impact the results and the accuracy of the density calculation.

Stopping the test and moving to a different location ensures that the sample obtained is representative of the material within the standards set for the test. This adherence to procedure helps maintain the integrity of the test results, ensuring that they reflect the true characteristics of the soil being evaluated. Ensuring that only material within the appropriate size range is tested is crucial for achieving reliable results in construction and geotechnical applications.

Continuing with the test or marking the location would not resolve the issue of the oversize material affecting the test results. Ignoring the oversize fractions entirely fails to address the validity of the findings, which could lead to poor decision-making based on inaccurate data.