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Field Moisture and Density Testing With Nuclear Gauge
Field Moisture and Density Testing With Nuclear Gauge
Field Moisture and Density Testing With Nuclear Gauge
6 FIELDMOISTUREANDDENSITYTESTING
WITHTHENUCLEARGAUGE
LEARNINGOUTCOMES
Understandthecomponentsofthenucleargaugeandhowitisusedtomeasuremoistureanddensity
Understandtheproceduresforevaluatingmoistureanddensityusingthedirecttransmissionmethod
Understandthebasicregulationsthatgovernthestorage,transport,anduseofthenucleargauge
Understandbasicmaintenancetechniquesandproceduresforemergencyresponse
INTRODUCTION
Afterplacement andcompactionoftheembankmentmaterialbythecontractor,theinspectorthenconductsa
fielddensitytestandafieldmoisturecontenttestonthelift.Theresultsofthesefieldtestsarecomparedtothe
target values (see Chapter 5) to determine if the contractor has met specificationsfor density and moisture
contentofthatlift.
Section 303.04(h) and 305.03(a) of 2007 Road and Bridge Specifications stipulates that field density
determinationsaretobeperformedinaccordancewiththefollowingAASHTOtests:
T191DensityofSoilinPlacebytheSandConeMethod
T310DensityofSoilinPlacebytheNuclearGauge
SOILDENSITYTESTINGFLOWCHART
SettingTargetValues
LaboratoryProctor
OnePointProctor RunningFieldTests
SpeedyMoistureTest
DryingMoistureTest
SandConeDensityTest
NuclearGaugeDensityTest
IsSpecificationMet?
Moisture(Yes/No)
Density(Yes/No)
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TROXLER3440NUCLEARGAUGE(FORSOILSANDAGGREGATEMATERIAL)
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DETERMININGFIELDDENSITY&MOISTURECONTENTWITHTHENUCLEARGAUGE
Thedeviceusesasmallradioactivesourcewhichsendsradiationthroughthematerialbeingtested,givingdata
whichcanbecorrelatedtodensityand/ormoisture.Whilenoradiationhazardisimposedontheoperatorwhen
followingthenormalproceduresofuse,apotentialhazarddoesexistif improperly used. Threewaysto limit
exposuretoradiationaretime,distance,andshielding.
Before operating a nuclear gauge a person must pass a Nuclear Safety course and be issued a
thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badge. The badge measures exposure to radiation and is to be worn
whenever operating a nuclear gauge. The TLD is to be stored at least 10 feet from the gauge. Two gauges
shouldnotbeoperatedwithin33feetofoneanother. Incaseofanaccident,maintaina20footradiusaround
theaccidentsite.
COMPONENTSOFTHENUCLEARGAUGE
Asmallradioactivesourceislocatedinthetipofthestainlesssteelrodwhichisprimarilyusedfordensitytesting,
whereasanothersourceislocatedinsidethedevicewhichisusedspecificallyfortakingmoisture determinations
simultaneously. The probe rod is capable of being moved to the various desireddepths,as shownonthe
followingpages.Thepositionsarestampedontheguiderodforeasydeterminationoftheproperdepths.
The 3440 Nuclear Gauge providesthree different count times to be used for taking readings.The 15 second
setting is recommended to be used only in the roller pattern test method (Backscatter Method). The one
minute setting is used for all embankment and subgrade materials.The four minute setting isgenerallyused
forcalibration.
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TROXLER3440NUCLEARGAUGE(HANDLEPOSITIONS)
TROXLER3440NUCLEARGAUGE(BASEANDDISPLAYSCREEN)
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NUCLEARGAUGETHEORYOFOPERATIONS
The Nuclear Gauge is specificallydesignedto measurethe moisturecontent and density of soils, aggregates,
cementandlimetreatedmaterials,andtomeasurethedensityof BituminousConcrete.It offers the inspector
a methodof obtaining fast, accurate,inplacemeasurementofdensityandmoisture.Withsuitablelaboratory
calibrations, and proper field operation ofthe gauge, the devicegivesresultswhichare comparableto those
givenbythesandconeorvolumemetertests.
Thetipofthesourcerodcontainsasmallradioactivesource(Cesium137)whichemitsgammarays. Detectors
in the base ofthe gauge measurethis radiationandcalculatethe density ofthematerial. Thegaugehastwo
modestomeasuredensity:thedirecttransmissionmodeandbackscattermode.
IntheDirectTransmissionmode,thesourcerodisinsertedintothematerialtobetestedtothedesireddepth
of test. The 6 inch depth is the most recommended depth for testing densities and moisture content
simultaneously in soils used in backfills, embankments and subgrade.The4inchdepthisusedforbackfilling
aroundpipeandabutmentswherehandtampingandpneumatictampingisused. The8inchdepthisonlyused
whenspecifiedonthecontract.
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Problems may arise when testing materials containing mica, boron, cadmium and chlorine or when testing
heavyclaysandorganicmaterial.ItispermissibletousetheSpeedyMoistureTestertoverifynuclearresults.
PRETESTWARMUPPROCEDURESFORTHE3440NUCLEARGAUGE
The standardcountshouldbe taken daily before any testing is doneto checkgauge operation and allow the
gauge to compensate for natural source decay. The 3440 gauge should be turned on and allowedto go
throughtheselftest(RAMTEST)beforebeginning. (NOTE:Itisveryimportantthatthe RAMTESTdisplayhas
endedbefore proceeding. During the test, the screenwill displaya countdown from 300 seconds and then
displayREADYonthescreen.)
Place the reference block on a flat surface with a minimum density of 100 lbs/ft3 at least 10 feet from any
structure and 33 feet from any otherradioactivesource,inthesamemanneraswhenusinganyothermodel
gauge. Placethegaugeonthereferenceblock,makingsurethatitisseatedflatandwithintheraisededges,with
therightsideofthegaugepushedfirmlyagainstthemetalplateontheblock. PressSTANDARDonthefinger
keypadforthedisplay:
StandardCount
DS= PressYES
IstheGaugeSTD.Block&
MS= SourceinSAFEPos?
Takenewcount?
PressYES
DS=.%P
TakingStandardCount MS=.%P
secondsremaining. Doyouwanttousethe
newSTD?
PressYEStoenterthenewcountsintomemory. NOTE:IfthescreendisplaysanFinsteadofa%P,first
look to see if you are too close to any structure or another gauge. Then press NO and take a new set of
counts.Ifthesecondsetfails,pressYESandtakethree(3)newstandardcounts.Refer tothegaugemanual
formoredetailedinstructions.
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NUCLEARTESTINGPROCEDURESFOREMBANKMENTS
When performing a test, some preliminary test information must be obtained by conducting aOnePoint
Proctor.ThistestestablishesthemaximumobtainableDryDensityandOptimumMoistureContentforparticular
embankmentmaterial.Thistestshouldberunwhilethecontractoriscompactingthesoillayertobetested.
Ifanappreciableamountof+4Material(rockfragment,gravel,shale,etc.)isnoticedinthesoillayer,refer to
VTM1andVTM12,forpropertestinginstructions.Contact theQuarryor theDistrictMaterialsDivisionfor
thespecificgravityofthe+4materialwhenencountered.
Embankment/SubgradeTestingProcedures(DirectTransmissionMethod)
3) Toobtainaccurateresults,thenucleardevicemustbeseatedflushagainstthecompactedlayerofsoil.
Level an area to place the device, either with a shovel or the scraper plate. If significant voids
remainin the area where the deviceis to be placed,the voidsshouldbe filledwith smallamountsof
soil common to the site, and lightly tamped in place with the scraper plate and excess material
removed.
4) TotakeaDirectTransmissionDensityTestandaMoistureTestfollowtheprocedurelistedbelow.
a) Placethedrillrodguideonthetestsiteandinsertthedrillrodintotheguidesleeve.Placeone
footonthedrillrodguidetokeepitinposition.Drivetherod2inchesdeeperthanthedepthof
test.
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b) Carefullyremovetherodanddrillrodguide.Placethegaugeovertheholeandextendthesource
rodintotheholetotherequiredtestdepth.Thisshouldbedoneinamannerwhichpreventsthe
sourcerodfromdisturbingthesidesofthehole.
c) Makesurethatthegaugeisrestingflushonthesurfaceandthatthesourcerodisinthelocked
position. Gentlypullon thegaugehousingsothat theextended sourcerodwillbetightagainst
thehole.
d) Confirmthat the gauge is onandthenpress TIME on the keypad and select one minute. The
displaypanelwillreadCOUNTTIME1min.andthen returntoREADY. PressingSHIFT8 on
thekeypadwillallowyoutoselecttheSoilsModeandthedisplaywillreadREADY.
e) To begin the test, press START/ENTER. After the gauge completes its count, the display will
show%PR(PercentCompaction),DD(Dry Density),WD(WetDensity),M(Moisture)and
%M (Moisture Content). Record these figures on the Fo r m TL124 (Report on Nuclear
EmbankmentDensities).
f) Now that the direct transmission and moisture tests are completed, gently retract handle to
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the safe position, turn the power switch off, return the device to the field carrying case, and
finishcompletingtheFormTL124(ReportonNuclearEmbankmentDensities).
TakingtestsintheBackscatterPosition(AsphaltandAggregateOnly):
5) If for any reason a backscatterdensity and moisture test is required by the Materials Engineer or
representativeoftheMaterialsDivision,followtheprocedurelistedbelow:
a) Place the device on the prepared test site and lower the handle to the BackscatterPosition.
b) WiththeTIMEseton1minute,presstheSTART/ENTERbutton.
c) WhenthedisplayappearsrecordtheresultsontheFormTL124.
OnlyusethismethodoftestwheninstructedbyDistrictMaterialsTechnicians.
NOTE:When making density tests in close places, such as trenches and sidewalls,backgroundeffects
willbeencounteredthatwillgiveincorrectdensitymoisturereadings.Ifthisoccurs,seeinstructionsfor
backgroundcalculationsonPage618ofthischapter.
FillingouttheFormTL124:
1) Fill in LineE (MaximumDry Density) whichis transferredfromLineG of the OnePoint Proctor (Form
TL125).
2) FillinLineF(OptimumMoisture)whichistransferredfromLineHoftheOnePointProctor(FormTL125).
3) FillinLinesAthroughDandLineJusingtheinformationonthe3440NuclearGaugeDisplayScreen.
4) FillinLineK(PercentMinimumDensityRequired). DensityRequirementsarelocatedinAppendixC.
5) CalculatethePercentDensity(LineJ)bydividingtheDryDensity(LineC)bytheMaximumDryDensity
(LineE)andthenmultiplyingby100.
Lines G, H & I are only used when +4 Material has been encountered. When 10% or more +4 Materialis
encountered, the Dry Density (Line C) is divided by the Corrected Maximum Dry Density (Line H) and then
multipliedby100toobtainedthepercentcompaction. (SeeLineJ.)
Alsowhen10%ormore+4Materialisencountered,itisnecessarytodoamoisturecorrectionwhichwillbe
enteredonLineI. ThiswillbediscussedinChapter7.
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
FormTL124(Rev.07/15)
VIRGINIADEPARTMENTOFTRANPORTATION
MATERIALSDIVISION
REPORTONNUCLEAREMBANKMENTDENSITIES(UNITMASSES)
ReportNo. 121A1 Date 06/22/2015 SheetNo. 1 of 1
RouteNo. 17 County Campbell
ProjectNo. 0017015104,C503
FHWANo. None
Testingfor Embankment
ModelNo. 3440 SerialNo. 23456 CalibrationDate 02/10/2015
STANDARDCOUNTDATA
Density 2830 Moisture 701
TestNo. 1 2 3 4
Location Stationft.(m) 585+00
of Ref.tocenterlineft.(m) at.C/L
Test Elevation +8/4
CompactionDepthofLiftin.(mm) 6
MethodofCompaction Sheepsfoot
A. WetDensity(lbs/ft3),WetUnitMass(kg/m3) =
3 3
B. MoistureUnitMass(lbs/ft orkg/m ) =
C. DryDensity(lbs/ft3),DryUnitMass(kg/m3)(AB) =
D. MoistureContent(BC)x100 =
3 3
OnePointProctorResults
E. MaximumDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
= 124.2
Max.DryDensity(TL125LineG)
LabProctororOnePointProctor
10.7 OptimumMoisture(TL125LineH)
F. PercentOptimumMoisturefromLaborOnePointProctor =
8.612.8
G. PercentofPlus#4,(plus4.75mm) =
3 3
H. CorrectedMax.DryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m ) =
I. CorrectedOptimumMoisture =
3 3
J. PercentDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
=
(CE)x100or(CH)x100
K. PercentMinimumDensityRequired =
Comments:
BY:
TITLE:
2016v1.0Chapter6|11
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
FormTL124(Rev.07/15)
VIRGINIADEPARTMENTOFTRANPORTATION
MATERIALSDIVISION
REPORTONNUCLEAREMBANKMENTDENSITIES(UNITMASSES)
ReportNo. 121A1 Date 06/22/2015 SheetNo. 1 of 1
RouteNo. 17 County Campbell
ProjectNo. 0017015104,C503
FHWANo. None
Testingfor Embankment
ModelNo. 3440 SerialNo. 23456 CalibrationDate 02/10/2015
STANDARDCOUNTDATA
Density 2830 Moisture 701
TestNo. 1 2 3 4
Location Stationft.(m) 585+00
of Ref.tocenterlineft.(m) at.C/L
Test Elevation +8/4
CompactionDepthofLiftin.(mm) 6
NuclearGaugeDisplayPanel
MethodofCompaction Sheepsfoot
%PR=97.0%
3 3
A. WetDensity(lbs/ft ),WetUnitMass(kg/m ) = 133.3 DD=120.5
3 3 WD=133.3
B. MoistureUnitMass(lbs/ft orkg/m ) = 12.8
M=12.8M%=10.6
3 3
C. DryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )(AB) = 120.5
D. MoistureContent(BC)x100 = 10.6
3 3
E. MaximumDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
= 124.2
LabProctororOnePointProctor
10.7
F. PercentOptimumMoisturefromLaborOnePointProctor =
8.612.8
PercentDensity
G. PercentofPlus#4,(plus4.75mm)
=
ProvidedbyGauge(%PR=97.0%)
3 3
H. CorrectedMax.DryDensity(lbs/ft
),DryUnitMass(kg/m ) =
Or
I. CorrectedOptimumMoisture
ManuallyCalculate =
3 3 DensityRequirement
J. PercentDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
(LineC)(LineE)x100
= 97.0
(CE)x100or(CH)x100
(120.5124.2)x100=97.0% SeeAppendixC
K. PercentMinimumDensityRequired = 95.0
Comments:
BY:
TITLE:
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
DoestheMaterialmeetspecification?
Theactualdensityspecificationwillvarywiththeverticallocationofthematerialintheembankmentandwith
theamountof+4Materialwithinthefill(seebelow).
FinishedGrade
TopofEarthwork
PavementSection
(Subgrade)
(Asphalt&Aggregate)
SubgradeMaterial
6
(100%DensityRequired)
EmbankmentMaterial(OtherthanSubgrade)
(95%DensityRequired)
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
CORRECTINGFORHIGHMOISTUREREADINGS
ExampleProblem:
Anucleartestconductedonahydrogenrichsoilhasproduced
false Moisture (M = 18.1, M% = 15.0) and Dry Density (DD = NuclearGaugeDisplayPanel
120.9) readings. These false readings in turn have prompted a %PR=93.5%
failingPercentDensityvalue(%PR=93.5%).
DD=120.9
3 WD=139.0
MaximumDryDensity=129.3lbs/ft
OptimumMoistureContent=9.2% M=18.1M%=15.0
OptimumMoistureRange(20%)=7.411.0%
MinimumDensityRequired=95.0%
SpeedyDialReading=8.9
ProceduralStepsforCorrectingtheMoistureandDryDensityReadings(FormTL124)
1) ConductaSpeedyMoistureTesttodeterminethecorrectMoistureContent(M%).
2) Adjust the Dry Density (Line C) by the dividing the original Wet Density (Line A) by the corrected
MoistureContent(M%)plus1.[DD=WD/(1+M%)]
3) AdjusttheMoistureUnitMass(LineB)bysubtractingthecorrectedDryDensityvaluefromtheoriginal
WetDensityvalue(LineA).[MM=WDDD]
4) Adjust the Percent Density (Line J) by dividing the corrected Dry Density value by the Maximum Dry
Densityvalue(LineE)andthenmultiplyingby100.[%PR=(DDMax.DD)x100]
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
FormTL124(Rev.07/15)
VIRGINIADEPARTMENTOFTRANPORTATION
CORRECTINGFORHIGHMOISTUREREADINGSUSINGTHESPEEDY
MATERIALSDIVISION
MOISTUREDEVICE
REPORTONNUCLEAREMBANKMENTDENSITIES(UNITMASSES)
ReportNo. 121A1 Date 06/22/2015 SheetNo. 1 of 1
RouteNo. 17 County Campbell
ProjectNo. 0017015104,C503
FHWANo. None
Testingfor Embankment
ModelNo. 3440 SerialNo. 23456 CalibrationDate 02/10/2015
STANDARDCOUNTDATA
Density 2830 Moisture 701
TestNo. 1 2 3 4
Location Stationft.(m) 585+00
of Ref.tocenterlineft.(m) at.C/L
Test Elevation +8/4
CompactionDepthofLiftin.(mm) 6
NuclearGaugeDisplayPanel
MethodofCompaction Sheepsfoot
%PR=93.5%
3 3
A. WetDensity(lbs/ft ),WetUnitMass(kg/m ) = 139.0 DD=120.9
MoistureContentissuspectedto
3beincorrectduetosoilproperties WD=139.0
B. MoistureUnitMass(lbs/ft orkg/m3) = 18.1
orconditions M=18.1M%=15.0
3 3
C. DryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )(AB) = 120.9
D. MoistureContent(BC)x100 = 15.0
3 3
E. MaximumDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
= 129.3
LabProctororOnePointProctor
9.2
F. PercentOptimumMoisturefromLaborOnePointProctor =
7.411.0
G. PercentofPlus#4,(plus4.75mm) =
H. CorrectedMax.DryDensity(lbs/ft3),DryUnitMass(kg/m3) =
FailingPercentDensityissuspected
I. CorrectedOptimumMoisture
tobeincorrectduetofalsehigh =
3 moisturereadings3
J. PercentDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
= 93.5
(CE)x100or(CH)x100
K. PercentMinimumDensityRequired = 95.0
Comments:
BY:
TITLE:
2016v1.0Chapter6|15
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
FormTL124(Rev.07/15)
VIRGINIADEPARTMENTOFTRANPORTATION
CORRECTINGFORHIGHMOISTUREREADINGSUSINGTHESPEEDY
MATERIALSDIVISION
MOISTUREDEVICE
REPORTONNUCLEAREMBANKMENTDENSITIES(UNITMASSES)
ReportNo. 121A1 Date 06/22/2015 SheetNo. 1 of 1
RouteNo. 17 County Campbell
ProjectNo. 0017015104,C503
FHWANo. None
Testingfor Embankment
ModelNo. 3440 SerialNo. 23456 CalibrationDate 02/10/2015
STANDARDCOUNTDATA
Density 2830 Moisture 701
TestNo. 1 2 3 4
Step3AdjustMoistureMass
Location Stationft.(m) 585+00
of MM=WDDDRef.tocenterlineft.(m) at.C/L
H. CorrectedMax.DryDensity(lbs/ft3),DryUnitMass(kg/m3) =
I. CorrectedOptimumMoisture =
3 Step4CorrectPercentDensity
3
J. PercentDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m
)
= 93.5 97.9
(CE)x100or(CH)x100 %PR=(DDMax.DD)x100
K. PercentMinimumDensityRequired
%PR=(126.6129.3)x100 = 95.0
%PR=97.9%
Comments:
BY:
TITLE:
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BACKGROUNDCALCULATIONSFORTRENCHANDSIDEWALLMOISTURETESTING
When a 3440 Nuclear Gauge is operated within 24 inches of a vertical structure the density and moisture
counts will be affected due to gamma photons and neutrons echoing off the walls of the structure. Itis
necessary to perform a trench offset when testing backfill material around pipe culverts, abutments, near a
building,etc.Thiscorrectionshouldbeperformedeachdayandwhentrenchwallconditions(distancefromwall,
moisturecontent,materialcomposition,etc.)vary.
Theproceduretodeterminethebackgroundeffectandapplythenecessarycorrectionisasfollows:
1) TakethedailystandardcountwiththegaugeontheStandardBlockoutsidethetrenchandrecordthe
densityandmoisturevalues.
2) PlacethegaugeontheStandardBlockinsidethetrenchinthetestingareaandpressOFFSETonthe
displaypanel and select No. 3 TRENCHOFF.The gauge will show Trench Offset Disabledand ask if
you want to use Trench Offset. Press YES. The gauge will show trench offset for moisture and
density and ask if you want to change. Press YES to perform a new offset and NO to use the
existingoffsetconstants.Ifyouselectedyes,thegaugewillpromptyoutopressSTARTfor1minute
Standard Counts in the trench. Make sure to take counts the same distance from the wall as the
anticipated test readings. The density and moisture trench offset constants will be calculated and
stored. Whenthegaugeisnottobeusedfortrenchmeasurements,disabletheoffset.
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SELFREGULATIONS&THEVDOTLICENSE
VDOT has a MaterialsLicenseissued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The VDH is responsiblefor
ensuring the safety of people who work with radioactive byproduct materials and the security of such
materials. To control the risks associated with the use of nuclear byproduct materials, the VDH sets strict
health and safety standards for nuclear equipment, defines allowable limits for radiation exposure and
frequently conducts inspections of nuclear products and facilities. The VDH enforces the Code of Federal
Regulations ( C F R ) andallapplicablestaterequirementsgoverningtheuseofradioactivebyproductmaterials.
ThecodesareFederalandstatelawandtheyarebindinguponlicenseestouphold.
In addition to the CFR, licensees are governed by the provisions outlined in the license authorizing the
possessionofbyproductmaterial. ThepossessionofalicenseobligatestheDepartmenttoscrupulouslyperform
the actionsitstateditwouldperform to comply with the requirementsof it license. This commitmentis the
conditionunderwhichthe Department isable to receiveandthen retain the license. Failure to complycould
meana severefine,loss of license,or both, together with the potential consequences of bad publicity. The
provisionsofthelicensearejustascompellingastheCFRandgovernnuclearsafety.
Possession of a VDH license requires the licensee to adhere to safe practices and act asselfregulatorinthe
enforcement of regulations. This Agency is compelled to report its own infraction of rules to the VDH. To
enforce these safety regulations, periodic checks on theprogramtoseethatVDOTsemployeesarefollowing
the Departments instructions and radiation safety rules are an essential part of nuclear gauge safety and
effectiveprogrammanagement.VDOThasestablishedasystemofrecordscoveringthereceiptandtransferof
nuclear gauges. We must maintain records of radiation exposure of persons working in the program and
surveysareconductedtoevaluatetheeffectivenessofradiationsafetyprograms.
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
NUCLEARGAUGESTORAGEREQUIREMENTS
1) Radioactive Material signs shall be posted in the storage unit on the inside of the door in
accordancewithVirginiaDepartmentofHealthRadiationProtectionRegulations.
3) The radioactive source when not in use and when left unattended shall be storedandsecured(locked,
bolted, etc.) at all timesagainst unauthorized removalfrom the storageplace,inaccordancewithVirginia
DepartmentofHealth Radiation Protection Regulations.ThemagentaandyellowFEDERALOFFENSEsign
shallbepostedonthelockedbluecarryingcasewhilethenucleargaugeisbeingstored.Theintentofthis
signistodiscouragethetheftofthegauge.
4) VDOT requires that an outside storage facility be used and that it be at least 10 feet from personnels
permanentworkstation(desk).SeeRoadandBridgeSpecifications,Section514.02(c).
6) Therequiredrecordsoftransfershallbecompletedwhenthenucleargaugeisintransitontheprojectsite
by using log sheet locatedin the storage facility on the projectsite, or movedfromone assignedarea to
anotherorwhentransferredtoanotherlicense.
NUCLEARGAUGECALIBRATIONS
Thesourcedecaysatarateof2.2%peryearandtheelectronicshaveaminoramountofdriftfromagingparts.
Therefore,gauges are calibrated in the laboratory at least yearly under controlledconditionsusing the same
methodsoftestingasinthefield. Thegaugesarecalibratedonaseriesofblocksofknowndensityandmoisture
contents.
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
NUCLEARGAUGEMAINTENANCE
Thesourcerodinthe3400SeriesissupportedinlinearbearingspackedwithMagnalubeGgrease.Thegreaseis
retainedwithinthebearingsandthesoilkeptoutbyasystemofwipersandsealsatthetopandbottomofthe
centerpostofthegauge.Thesebearingswillrequirelittleornoservice,unlessthegaugeisoverhauled.Donot
lubricate.
Onthebottomsurfaceofthegaugeisaremovableplatewithabrassscraperringmountedinit.Thisringwill
remove most of the soil from the source rod. However, under some soil conditions, small amounts will be
carriedintotheslidingshieldassembly.Ifallowedtobuildup,thissoilcancausewearintheshieldcavityand
canultimatelybeforcedintothebearingsandruinthem.
Cleaning the cavity is relatively simple. Place the gauge on its side on a bench with the base away from the
operator.ThesourcerodshouldbelatchedintheSAFEposition.UsingaPhillipsscrewdriver,removethefour
screwsholdingthebottomplateassemblyinpositionandpryouttheassemblyusingaflatbladescrewdriver.
Usingthesametool,removetheslidingblockandspring.
Usingarag,stiffbrushandcompressedair,ifavailable,removeallsoilandwipecleanthecavity,slidingblock
andbottomplateassembly.Inspectallitemsforexcessivewearandreplaceifrequired.Checkthescraperring
toinsurethatitisfreetomoveinitsgroove.Iftheringisdamaged,itmaybereplacedorreplacetheassembly.
Thecleaningtimewilltakenolongerthanfive(5)minutes.
NuclearGaugeCleaningProcedures
1) Standingbehindthegaugewiththesourcerodpointingawayfromyou,placethegaugeonits
endandremovethescrewsfromthebottomplate.
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
2) Removethebottomplateandthetungstenslidingblockthatshieldsthesourcerod.
3) Cleantheareaaroundthetungstenslidingblock.Then,cleanandpolishthefaceoftheblocktoremove
allroughsurfaces.Donotgethandsnearthesourcerod.
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VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
4) Replacetheblockandplate.Cleanthegaugeanytimethatdifficultyisencounteredwhentryingtolower
and/orraisethesourcerod.
BatteryChargingforModel3440
A fully charged battery will last approximately 8 weeks under normal working conditions (8 hours/day). The
3440 display panel will give you the hours remaining on the current charge and, when it is running low, the
screenwilldisplayBATTERIESLOW!Youstillhaveafewhoursleftwhenthisdisplayoccursinordertofinishthe
currenttesting.Atthecompletionofthedaystestinghowever,thegaugeneedstobepluggedinovernightto
fullyrecharge.
IMPORTANT:Onlyrechargewhenthegaugeindicatesthatitislow.Needlessrechargingwillshortenthebattery
life.
AlkalineBatteryUse
Alkalinebatteriesmaybeusedwhenrechargingisnotanoption.Thegaugehasaseparatebatterycaseforthis
purpose.Refertomanualforfurtherinstructions.
CAUTION:Nevermixalkalineandrechargeablebatteriesinthegauge.Theymayexplodewhencharging!!!
2016v1.0Chapter6|22
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
INSTRUCTIONSTOFOLLOWINTHEEVENTOFANACCIDENT
DONOTDISCUSSINCIDENTWITHANYONEEXCEPTPOLICE,STATEMATERIALS
PERSONNEL,ANDYOURIMMEDIATESUPERVISOR.
(TheDistrictPublicRelationsSpecialistmustaddressallnewsmediaquestions)
1) Stopanddetainallequipmentorvehiclesinvolveduntiltheassessmentcanbemadetodetermineifthereis
anycontamination.Ifavehicleisinvolved,notifythelocalandstatepolice.Letthemknowthatradioactive
materialsareinvolved.Segregateanddetainallpersonsinvolved.
2) Assessandtreatlifethreateninginjuriesimmediately.Donotdelayadvancedlifesupportifvictimscannot
be moved. Move victims away from the radiation hazard area if possible, using proper patient transfer
techniquestopreventfurtherinjury.Staywithinthecontrolledareaifcontaminationissuspected.
3) Prohibiteating,drinking,orsmokingbypersonswhileattheaccidentscene.
4) Locatethegaugeandorsource,seeattachedchecklist.
5) Immediatelycordonoffatleasta20feetradiussurroundingthegaugeandparts,ifany.Keeponlookers
andallunnecessarypersonnelatasafedistance,whilecaringfororrescuinganypersonswhoareinjured.
6) Notify the nearest Radiation Safety Officer of the license holder to come and monitor the device to
determineifthereispossibleleakage.Givegooddirectionsastolocationofaccident.
7) Never let anyone remove the gauge, equipment or any articles that are involved in the accident until the
areahasbeenclearedbyamonitoringteam.
8) CompletetheNuclearAccidentChecklistlocatedintheBillofLadingaftertheRSOormonitoringteamhas
arrivedandassessedthesituation.TheEmergencyNotificationListisalsointheBillofLading.
2016v1.0Chapter6|23
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
NUCLEARGAUGETESTINGFLOWCHART
PretestandWarmUpProcedures
1) CleanGauge(IfNeeded)
2) WarmUpGauge(300seconds)
3) PerformStandardCount
(Mustbeperformeddaily)
4) ChargeBatteries(ifneeded)
(16hourminimumexceptinemergency,such
asRollerPattern)
SoilsTestingEquipment AggregateTestingEquipment
1) FilmBadge 1) FilmBadge
2) BillofLading 2) BillofLading
3) ScraperPlate 3) ScraperPlate
4) DrillRod 4) DrillRod
5) ExtractionTool 5) ExtractionTool
6) Hammer 6) Hammer
7) ProctorData 7) Proctor/TargetDensityData
8) ProperForm(i.e.TL124) 8) ProperForms(i.e.TL53,etc.)
SoilsTestingSitePreparation AggregatesTestingSitePreparation
1) ConstructionPlans(asanaidin 1) Chooserepresentativesite(notanarea
choosingtestsitesinproposedfills) withonlycoarseoronlyfinematerial)
2) Bladeoffarea(fillinvoidswith4 2) Donotfallintoasettestingroutine
material) (randomizetestingpatternsand
frequency)
AggregateTestingProcedures
SoilsTestingProcedures
1) Settimecontrol(1minuteforall
1) Settimecontrol(1minuteforall
testingexceptRollerPatterns)
testingexceptRollerPatterns)
2) PushStartbutton
2) Pullgaugeback
3) Stepbackfromgauge(atleasttwo
3) PushStartbutton
paces)
4) Stepbackfromgauge(atleasttwo
paces)
4) Backscattermethodforallaggregate
material
5) DirectTransmissionmethodforallsoil
5) DirectTransmissionmethodisonly
material
usedwhenvalidatingControlStrip
RecordDataandAcceptTestResults
Alltestresultsareacceptedbasedontheir
comparisontoknownTARGETdensitiesand
moistures
Soiltestsarecomparedtoproctorresults: AggregatematerialiscomparedtoControl
Moisturerangeforacceptanceis20%of Striptestresults:Moisturerangeis2
optimummoisture.Densityrangeis95%for percentagepointsofoptimummoisture.
embankmentmaterialandpipebackfilland Densityrangeisaminimumof95%foreach
100%forsubgradematerial individualreadingand98%foranaverageof
thesame5readings
2016v1.0Chapter6|24
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDEFORTHENUCLEARGAUGE
2016v1.0Chapter6|25
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
CHAPTER6STUDYQUESTIONS
1) Batteriesshouldbecharged____________________________________________.
2) TrueorFalse.Thenucleargaugeshouldbewarmedupfirstthinginthemorningbeforeusingit.
3) TrueorFalse.Theonlymaintenanceperformedinthefieldiscleaningthenucleargaugeandchargingthe
batteries.
4) Whentakingastandardcount,thenucleargaugeshouldbeaminimumof__________ft.fromany
structureand__________ft.fromanyotherradioactivesource.
7) Threewaystolimitexposuretoradiationare__________,____________,and____________.
9) Atestingmethodfortestingdensitieswherebythesourcerodisinsertedintothematerialtobetestedata
depthof4,6,or8inchesis_________________________.
10) If,duringconstruction,thedensityresultseitherchangesuddenly,orsimplydontmakesense,youshould
______________________________________________________________.
11) Ifthemoistureresultsfromthenucleartestappearhigh,the__________________________couldbeused
tocheckthemoisture.
12) Whenanucleargaugeisoperatedwithin24ofaverticalstructure,the_______________and
_______________areinfluencedbythestructure.
2016v1.0Chapter6|26
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
CHAPTER6PRACTICEPROBLEMS
NuclearGaugeTestingofSoilMaterial(DensityandMoisture)
TransfertheinformationfromeachPracticeProblembelowtotheFormTL124andthendetermine
whethereachtestpasses.
PracticeProblem1
NuclearGaugeDisplayPanel
ProctorData
MaximumDryDensity=114.6lbs/ft3 %PR=______%
OptimumMoisture=14.1% DD=114.2
WD=133.3
M=19.1M%=16.7
PracticeProblem2
NuclearGaugeDisplayPanel
ProctorData
MaximumDryDensity=106.9lbs/ft3 %PR=______%
OptimumMoisture=17.6% DD=105.7
WD=123.6
M=17.9M%=16.9
PracticeProblem3
NuclearGaugeDisplayPanel
ProctorData
MaximumDryDensity=112.1lbs/ft3 %PR=97.8%
OptimumMoisture=15.2% DD=109.6
WD=128.2
M=18.6M%=17.0
2016v1.0Chapter6|27
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
FormTL124(Rev.07/15)
VIRGINIADEPARTMENTOFTRANPORTATION
MATERIALSDIVISION
REPORTONNUCLEAREMBANKMENTDENSITIES(UNITMASSES)
ReportNo. 45 Date 06/22/2015 SheetNo. 1 of 1
RouteNo. 252 County Augusta
ProjectNo. 0252132101,C501
FHWANo. None
Testingfor Embankment
ModelNo. 3440 SerialNo. 23456 CalibrationDate 02/10/2015
STANDARDCOUNTDATA
Density 2844 Moisture 701
TestNo. 1 2 3 4
Location Stationft.(m) 305+00 305+60 306+20
of Ref.tocenterlineft.(m) at.C/L 10Lt. 7Lt.
Test Elevation +10/7 +3/10 +3/3
CompactionDepthofLiftin.(mm) 6 6 6
MethodofCompaction Sheepsfoot Sheepsfoot Sheepsfoot
A. WetDensity(lbs/ft3),WetUnitMass(kg/m3) =
3 3
B. MoistureUnitMass(lbs/ft orkg/m ) =
C. DryDensity(lbs/ft3),DryUnitMass(kg/m3)(AB) =
D. MoistureContent(BC)x100 =
3 3
E. MaximumDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
=
LabProctororOnePointProctor
F. PercentOptimumMoisturefromLaborOnePointProctor =
G. PercentofPlus#4,(plus4.75mm) =
3 3
H. CorrectedMax.DryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m ) =
I. CorrectedOptimumMoisture =
3 3
J. PercentDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
=
(CE)x100or(CH)x100
K. PercentMinimumDensityRequired =
Comments:
BY:
TITLE:
2016v1.0Chapter6|28
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
CHAPTER6PRACTICEPROBLEMS
NuclearGaugeTestingofSoilMaterial(CorrectingforHighMoisture)
PracticeProblem4
ThenucleardensitytestreportedontheFormTL124onthefollowingpageshowsafalsehighmoisture
content,assumedtobecausedbymicaceoussoil. CorrectthetestresultsusingaSpeedyMoistureMeter
andrecordtheresultsinthesecondcolumnoftheFormTL124.
SpeedyDialReading=9.6
2016v1.0Chapter6|29
VDOTSoilsandAggregateCompaction
FormTL124(Rev.07/15)
VIRGINIADEPARTMENTOFTRANPORTATION
MATERIALSDIVISION
REPORTONNUCLEAREMBANKMENTDENSITIES(UNITMASSES)
D. MoistureContent(BC)x100 = 19.6
3 3
E. MaximumDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
= 132.4
LabProctororOnePointProctor
9.2
F. PercentOptimumMoisturefromLaborOnePointProctor =
7.411.0
G. PercentofPlus#4,(plus4.75mm) =
3 3
H. CorrectedMax.DryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m ) =
I. CorrectedOptimumMoisture =
3 3
J. PercentDryDensity(lbs/ft ),DryUnitMass(kg/m )
= 89.0
(CE)x100or(CH)x100
K. PercentMinimumDensityRequired = 95.0
Comments:
BY:
TITLE:
2016v1.0Chapter6|30