44.

4 Core cutter test methods

The core cutter test method should be carried out in accordance with
BS 1377-9:1990, 2.4. The method depends upon being able to drive a cylindrical
cutter into the soil without a significant change of density and retaining the
sample inside it so that the known internal volume of the cylinder is completely
filled. It is, therefore, restricted to fine soils that do not contain gravel and are
sufficiently cohesive for the sample not to fall out, and to chalk soils. It might be
preferable in cohesive and sensitive soils to trim and push the cutter rather than
drive it.

44.5 Nuclear test methods

Nuclear test methods should be carried out in accordance with
BS 1377-9:1990, 2.5. These do not measure density directly; calibration curves
should be established for each soil type, which involves measuring the densities
of representative samples of the soils concerned by the container method or one
of the conventional in-situ methods given above. Once this has been done and
provided there are no significant changes in soil type, the method is very much
faster than the others. It is, therefore, most suited to jobs where there is a
continuous need for density determinations over a long period and where the
soil types do not vary to any significant extent. The density determined by these
methods is not necessarily the average density within the volume involved in the
measurement. The equipment utilizes radioactive materials and appropriate
safety precautions should be taken.
NOTE The major use of this test is in the control of the compaction of earthworks.
It is also used in connection with the design of road and airfield pavements and in
the control of the compaction of sub-grades on which they rest. It can be used for
the determination of natural in-situ density, where it is difficult or impossible to take
undisturbed samples.

44.6 Electrical test method

COMMENTARY ON 44.6
Electrical test methods are beginning to become available and, as with the nuclear
methods in 44.5, they do not measure the density directly. Some measure the
electrical dielectric properties and moisture levels of compacted soil using high, radio
frequency traveling between darts driven into the soil being tested, others adopt
electromagnetic techniques. The results are correlated with estimates of the in-situ
density using in-built "soil models".
Site-specific checks using alternative methods should be undertaken to ensure
reliability of the results.
Testing of this type should be undertaken in accordance with the manufacturers'
guidance (as many are not currently standardized).
NOTE The major use of this test is in the control of the compaction of earthworks.
It is also used in connection with the design of road and airfield pavements and in
the control of the compaction of sub-grades on which they rest. It can be used for
the determination of natural in-situ density, where it is difficult or impossible to take
undisturbed samples.

45 In-situ stress measurements

COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 45
Measurement of in-situ stress in soils and rocks may be made, although the
equipment used means that the results only normally provides an estimate of
stress and not an exact measurement. To enable both total and effective stresses to
be estimated, it is usual to measure the pore water pressure in addition to the
total stress.