Density and Moisture Content Measurements by Nuclear Methods

Density and Moisture Content Measurements by Nuclear Methods
Author: Robin P. Gardner
Publisher:
Total Pages: 56
Release: 1967
Genre: Radioactive gages
ISBN:

Sources of error that have been identified on the gamma-ray soil density gauge are: (1) sensitivity to local density variations, especially at the soil surface, (2) sensitivity to soil composition, and (3) inaccurate calibration techniques. An attempt was made to solve these problems by developing for each gauge calibration models that enable stable and homogenous non-soil standards to be used for calibration. Calibration standards and calibration models for each gauge were found and tested. In the process of developing and testing the new nuclear gauge calibration model, the dual-gauge principal of compensating these gauges for variations in soil composition was discovered. The air-gap method of using this principal is explained and was optimized by using the calibration model developed in the current study.

Determination of In-place Moisture and Density by Nuclear Methods

Determination of In-place Moisture and Density by Nuclear Methods
Author: Steve L. Webster
Publisher:
Total Pages: 40
Release: 1974
Genre: Radioactive gages
ISBN:

Recent advances in the design of nuclear equipment and a better understanding of the nuclear principles involved have led to increasingly widespread use of nuclear gages in earth construction control work. This report describes surface-type nuclear equipment, procedures, and various test methods used for making shallow-depth moisture and density determinations in place on soil and soil-aggregate mixtures. In general, a 6-in. direct transmission density test using a properly operating nuclear gage and an up-to-date factory calibration curve will yield test results slightly better than those of conventional density tests. The nuclear test is simpler to perform than conventional tests and requires only about 15 min to obtain both a density and moisture test result. (Modified author abstract).

Report

Report
Author: United States. National Bureau of Standards
Publisher:
Total Pages: 260
Release: 1966
Genre: Hydraulic engineering
ISBN:

Calibration of Nuclear Meters for Measuring Moisture and Density

Calibration of Nuclear Meters for Measuring Moisture and Density
Author: W. F. Troxler
Publisher:
Total Pages: 15
Release: 1964
Genre: Soil surveys
ISBN:

The techniques in use today for the calibration of nuclear probes and some of the factors that influence calibration are discussed. Scientists and engineers have now proved the validity of determining the moisture content and density of engineering materials by means of radioactive gages. Even though the ability of the nuclear-type gage to measure moisture and density is generally acknowledged, there are still a number of questions that need answering. One such question involves an appropriate method of calibration and recalibration of the gage. Another question is whether the experimentally determined calibration curves remain valid with varying soil constituents. Initial work involved in the calibration of moisture and density probes required masses of soil that represented an infinite volume. Satisfactory portable standards have now been made to calibrate neutron moisture probes.