ASTM D6938-17 pdf free download.Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth).
1.1 This Test method describes the prxedures for measuring in-place density and moisture of soil and soil-aggregate by use of nuclear equipment (hereafter referred to as “gauge”). The density of the material may be measured by direct transmission, hackscatter, or hackscatter/ai r-gap ratio methods. Measurements for water (moisture) content are taken at the surface in hackscatter mode regardless of the mode being used for density.
1.1 . I For limitations see Section 5 on Interferences.
1.2 The total or wet density of soil and soil-aggregate is measured by the attenuation of gamma radiation where, in direct transmission, the source is placed at a known depth up to 300 mm (12 in.) and the detector(s) remains on the surface (some gauges may reverse this orientation): or in backscatter or hackscauer/air-gap the source and detector(s) both remain on the surface.
1.2.1 The density of the test sample in mass per unit volume is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma radiation with previously established calibration data.
1.2.2 The dry density of the test sample is obtained by subtracting the water mass per unit volume from the test sample wet density (Section II). Most gauges display this value directly.
1.3 The gauge is calibrated to read the water mass per unit volume of soil or soil-aggregate. When divided by the density of water and then multiplied by 100, the water mass per unit volume is equivalent to the volumetric water content. The water mass per unit volume is determined by the thermalizing or slowing of fast neutrons by hydrogen. a component of water.
The neutron source and the thermal neutron detector are both located at the surface of the material being tested. The water content most prevalent in engineering and construction activities is known as the gravirnetric water content, w, and is the ratio of the mass of the water in pore spaces to the total mass of solids, expressed as a percentage.
1.4 Two alternative procedures are provided.
1 .4. 1 Procedure A describes the direct transmission method in which the probe extends through the base of the gauge into a pre-formed hole to a desired depth. The direct transmission is the preferred method.
1.4.2 Procedure B involves the use of a dedicated hackscatter gauge or the probe in the hackscatter position. This places the gamma and neutron sources and the detectors in the same plane.
1.4.3 Mark the test area to allow the placement of the gauge over the test site and to align the probe to the hole.
ASTM D6938 pdf download.