What is the required penetration depth of the tamping rod during rodding?

The requirement for the penetration depth of the tamping rod during rodding is set to ensure adequate compaction of the material being tested, which typically involves concrete. Penetrating deep enough to reach both layers allows for a thorough integration of the material, ensuring that air pockets are eliminated and that the material is uniformly compacted.

In many test standards, especially those related to concrete density and strength, it is crucial for the tamping rod to accomplish an even distribution of particles throughout the sample. If the rod only penetrated the top layer or merely touched the mold, the integrity of the sample could be compromised, leading to inaccurate results when assessing the concrete's properties.

Rodding to the required depth promotes a consistent and representative sample, which more accurately reflects the true conditions of the material as it would be when placed in real-world scenarios. This practice is essential for achieving reliable and repeatable test outcomes in concrete testing and related practices.