The sandy soils near the Santa Ana River in western Anaheim compact differently from the clayey alluvium found around the Anaheim Hills. A field density test (sand cone method) captures these variations. It measures in-place density after compaction. The result is compared to the maximum dry density from a Proctor test. This ratio gives the percent compaction. Without it, fill layers may settle unevenly. The test is simple but requires care. The hole must be clean and dry. Sand flows into the void at a known density. We weigh the excavated soil. Then we calculate the wet and dry unit weights. Anaheim contractors rely on this method for trench backfill and building pad verification. It is the standard for routine compaction control.
The sand cone test remains the reference method for compaction verification in Anaheim's variable alluvial and fill soils.