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14 visualizzazioni14 pagineAashto T-310
Questo documento descrive una metodologia standard per determinare la densità in situ e il contenuto di umidità del suolo e delle miscele di suolo-aggregato utilizzando metodi nucleari. La densità è misurata tramite metodi di trasmissione diretta o backscatter, mentre l'umidità è determinata tramite misurazioni della radiazione neutronica. Il metodo è utile per il controllo qualità e l'accettazione di terreni compattati nella costruzione, con attenzione alle pratiche di sicurezza dovute all'uso di materiali radioattivi.
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Il 0% ha trovato utile questo documento (0 voti)
14 visualizzazioni14 pagineAashto T-310
Questo documento descrive una metodologia standard per determinare la densità in situ e il contenuto di umidità del suolo e delle miscele di suolo-aggregato utilizzando metodi nucleari. La densità è misurata tramite metodi di trasmissione diretta o backscatter, mentre l'umidità è determinata tramite misurazioni della radiazione neutronica. Il metodo è utile per il controllo qualità e l'accettazione di terreni compattati nella costruzione, con attenzione alle pratiche di sicurezza dovute all'uso di materiali radioattivi.
Caricato da
Ahya EngineeringCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Per noi i diritti sui contenuti sono una cosa seria. Se sospetti che questo contenuto sia tuo, rivendicalo qui.
Formati disponibili
Scarica in formato PDF o leggi online su Scribd
Standard Specification for
| In-Place Density and Moisture Content of Soil
and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods
(Shallow Depth)
AASHTO Designation: T 310-03
Ms SCOPE
14. This test method describes the procedure for determining the in-place density and moisture of soil
and soil-aggregate by use of nuclear gage. The density of the material may be determined by either
direct transmission, backscatter, or backscatter/air-gap ratio method. The moisture of the material
is determined only from measurements taken at the surface of the soil (i.e. backscatter)
12. Density—The total or wet density of soil and soil-rock mixtures is determined by the attenuation
of gamma radiation where the source or detector is placed at a known depth up to 300 mm (12 in.)
while the detector(s) or source remains on the surface (Direct Transmission Method) or the source
‘and detector(s) remain on the surface (Backscatter Method).
124 The density in mass per unit volume of the material under tet i determined by comparing the
detected rate of gamma radiation with previously established calibration data,
13. ‘Moisture—The moisture content of the soil and soil-rock mixtures is determined by thermalization
or slowing of fast neutrons where the neutron source and the thermal neutron detector both remain
at the surface.
13.41 ‘The water content in mass per unit volume of the material under testis determined by comparing
the detection rate of thermalized or slow neutrons with previously established calibration data.
14, ‘ST Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound
equivalents may be approximate. It is common practice in the engineering profession to
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (Ibm) and of force (Ibf). Ths implicitly
combines two systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system.
144 This standard has been written using the absolute system for water content (kilograms per cubic
‘meter) in SI units. Conversion to the gravitational system of unit weight in Ibf/f’ may be made,
‘The recording of water content in pound-force per cubic foot should not be regarded as non-
conformance with this standard although the use is scientifically incorrect.
142 In the English system, the pound (Ib) represents aunt of force (weight). However, the use of
balances or scales recording pounds of mass (Ibm), or recording of density (bat) should not be
regarded as nonconformance with this standard
TS-b T304 ‘AASHTO 15.
‘This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its
use, Iti the responsibilty of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See
Section 6, Hazards.
24.
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
AASHTO Standards:
m1 _ T.99, Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg (5.5-Ib) Rammer and a 305-mm
(12-in) Drop
180, Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-Kg (10-1b) Rammer and a 457-1
(18-in) Drop
T 191, Density of Soil In-Place by the Sand-Cone Method
T 217, Determination of Moisture in Soils by Means of a Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure
Moisture Tester
T 224, Correction for Coarse Particles in the Soil Compaction Test 442.
T 255, Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
T 265, Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soils
T 272, Family of Curves—One-Point Method
ASTM Test Methods:
D 2216, Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soil
1D 2487, Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System
1D 2488, Description and Identification for Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
D 2937, Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
1D 4253, Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table 42.
1D 4254, Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative
Density 42.
4aé
a4.
3.2,
34.
3.5.
‘SIGNIFICANCE
‘The test method described is useful as a rapid, nondestructive technique for the in-place
determination of the wet density and water content of soil and soil-aggregate. eas
The test method is used for quality control and acceptance testing of compacted soil and rock tor
construction and for research and development. The non-destructive nature allows repetitive
‘measurements at a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.
Density—The fundamental assumptions inherent in the methods are that Compton scattering is the
dominant interaction and that the material under test is homogeneous.
‘Moisture —The fundamental assumptions inherent in the test method are thatthe hydrogen
present isin the form of water as defined by ASTM D 2216, and thatthe material under test
is homogeneous.
Test results may be affected by chemical composition, sample heterogeneity, and, toa lesser
degree, material density and the surface texture of the material being tested. The technique also
‘exhibits spatial bias in that the gage is more sensitive to water contained in the material in clove
proximity to the surface and less sensitive to water at deeper levels 5
T3102 AASHTO T 4. INTERFERENCES
4A. In-Place Density Interferences:
4A. ‘The chemical composition of the sample may affect the measurement, and adjustments may
bbe necessary.
442. ‘The gage is more sensitive to the density of the material in close proximity to the surface in the
Backscatter Method.
Note 1—The nuclear gage density measurements are somewhat biased to the surface layers of the
soil being tested. This bias has largely been corrected out of the Direct Transmission Method and
any remaining bias is insignificant. The Backscatter Method is still more sensitive to the material
within the first several inches from the surface, Density measurements with direct transmission is
7 the preferred method.
41.3, Oversize rocks or large voids in the source-detector path may cause higher or lower density
determination. Where lack of uniformity in the soil due to layering, rock ot voids is suspected, the
test site should be excavated and visually examined to determine ifthe test material is
representative of the full material in general, and if rock correction is required.
AAA, The sample volume is approximately 0.0028 m’ (0.10 ft) for the Backscatter Method and
0.0057 m* (0.20 f€) for the Direct Transmission Method when the tet depth is 150 mm (6 in.).
j The actual sample volume is indeterminate and varies with the gage and the density ofthe
: ‘material. In general, the higher the density the smaller the volume.
45. Other radioactive sources must not be within 10 m (30 ft) of the gage in operation,
42. In-Place Moisture Content interferences:
424, ‘The chemical composition of the sample may dramatically affect the measurement and
adjustments may be necessary. Hydrogen in forms other than water, as defined by ASTM D 2216,
‘and carbon will cause measurements in excess of the true value, Some chemical elements such as,
boron, chlorine, and minute quantities of cadmium will cause measurements lower than the
‘rue value.
422 ‘The water content determined by this test method is not necessarily the average water within the
‘volume of the sample involved in the measurement. The measurement is heavily influenced by the
‘water content of the material closest to the surface. The volume of soil and rock represented in the
‘measurement is indeterminate and will vary with the water content of the material. In general, the
‘ greater the water content ofthe material, the smaller the volume involved in the measurement. At
i 160 kg/m’ (10 Ibs/f?), approximately 50 percent ofthe typical measurement results from the water
content of the upper 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3).
42.3, Other neutron sources must not be within 10 m (30 ft) of the gage in operation.
5. APPARATUS
Y 5.4 Nuclear Density/Moisture Gage—While exact details of construction of the gage may vary, the
system shall consist of:
OB sas. A sealed source of highenery gamma radiation suchas cesium or radiom,
us tsb T3103 ‘AASHTO Gamma Detector—Any type of gamma detector such as a Geiger-Mueller tube(s).
5.2, Fast Neutron Source—A sealed mixture of a radioactive material such as americfum, radium. or
califomium-252 and a target material such as beryllium.
53, ‘Slow Neutron Detector—Any type of slow neutron detector such as boron trifluoride or helium |
proportional counter.
54, Reference Standard—A block of material used for checking gage operation, correction of souee
decay, and to establish conditions fora reproducible reference count rate
55. Site Preparation Device—A plate, straightedge, or other suitable leveling tool which may be ws
for planing the test site to the required smoothness, and in the Direct Transmission Method,
guiding the drive pin to prepare a perpendicular hole
56. Drive Pin~A pin not to exceed the diameter of the rod in the Direct Transmission gage by nie
‘than 6 mm ('/in.), or as recommended by the gage manufacturer, used to prepare a hole in the
‘material under test for inserting the rod.
56.1 A slide hammer, with a drive pin attached, may also be used both to prepare a hole in the mater
to be tested and to extract the pin without distortion to the hole.
57. Drive Pin Extractor—A tool that may be used to remove the drive pin in a vertical direction s»
thatthe pin will not distort the hole inthe extraction process.
6. HAZARDS:
64. The gage utilizes radioactive materials that may be hazardous to the health of the users unless
proper precautions are taken. Users of the gage must become familiar with applicable safety
procedures and government regulations.
62. Effective user instructions together with routine safety procedures, such as source leak tests,
recording and evaluation of film badge data etc., are a recommended part of the operation anit
storage of this gage.
7. CALIBRATION
7A Calibration of the gage will be in accordance with Appendices Al and A2.
8. STANDARDIZATION
a4. ‘All nuclear density/moisture gages are subject to long-term aging of the radioactive sources,
detectors, and electronic systems, which may change the relationship between count rates and the
‘material density and water content. To offset this aging, gages are calibrated as a ratio ofthe
‘measurement count rate toa count rate made on @ reference standard or to an air-gap count (for
the backscatterair-gap ratio method). The reference count rate should be in the same or higher
order of magnitude than the range of measurement count rates over the useful range of the gage.
82. ‘Standardization of the gage on the reference standard is required atthe stat of each day’s use aul
‘ permanent record of these data shall be retained, The standardization shall be performed with the
Ts-ib T3104 ‘AASHTO
822.
823.
94.
92
92
7 a21.
022.
823,
‘gage at Ieast 10 m (30 ft) away from other nuclear density/moisture gages and clear of large
‘masses of water or other items which may affect the reference count rates. Standard counts should
bbe taken in the same environment as the actual measurement counts.
‘Tum on the gage and allow for stabilization according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If
the gage is to be used either continuously or intermittently during the day, it is best to leave it in
the “power on” condition to prevent having to repeat the stabilization (refer to manufacturer
recommendations). This will provide more stable, consistent results.
Using the reference standard take atleast four repetitive readings atthe normal measurement
period and obtain the mean. If available on the gage, one measurement of four or more times the
‘normal period is acceptable, This constitutes one standardization check.
Use the procedure recommended by the gage manufacturer for determining compliance withthe
gage calibration curves. Without specific recommendations for the gage manufacturer, use the
‘Procedure in Section 8.2.3
Ifthe mean ofthe four repetitive readings is outside the limits set by Equation 1, repeat the
standardization check, Ifthe second standardization check satisfies Equation 1, the gage is
considered in satisfactory operating condition. Ifthe second standardization check does not satisfy
Equation 1, the gage should be checked and verified according to Appendices Al and A,
Sections AI.8 and A2.5. Ifthe verification shows that there is no significant change in the
calibration curve, a new reference standard count, N,, should be established. Ifthe verification
check shows that there is a significant difference in the calibration curve, repair and recalibrate the
gage.
fo 1.96(No/F) M
value of current standardization count,
average ofthe past four values of N, taken for prior usage, and
factory pre-scale factor (contact gage manufacturer forthe factor).
94.
92.
92.1.
9.2.2.
9.2.3,
PROCEDURE
Select a test location where the gage will be atleast 150 mm (6 in.) away from any vertical mass.
Ifcloser than 600 mm (24 in.) to a vertical mass, such as in a trench, follow gage manufacturer
correction procedures.
Prepare the tes site inthe following manner:
Remove all loose and disturbed material and additional material as necessary to expose the top of
the material to be tested.
Note 2—The spatial bias should be considered in determining the depth at which the gage is to be
seated
Prepare a horizontal area sufficient in size to accommodate the gage, by planing the area to a
smooth condition so as to obtain maximum contact between the gage and material being tested.
‘The maximum void beneath the gage shall not exceed 3 mm ('/sin.). Use native fines or fine sand
to fill the voids and smooth the surface with a rigid plate or other suitable tool. The depth of the
filler should not exceed approximately 3 mm ('s in.)
TSb
T3105 ‘AASHTO Note 3—the placement of the gage on the surface of the material to be tested is critical tothe
‘successful determination of density. The optimum condition i total contact between the bottoms
surface of the gage and the surface of the material being tested. When optimal conditions are swt
present, correct surface inregularities by the use of sand or similar filler material. The total area
filled should not exceed 10 percent ofthe bottom area of the gage. Several trial seatings may bx
required to achieve these conditions
93. ‘Tum on and allow the gage to stabilize (warm up) according to the manufacturer's
recommendations (see Section 8.2.1)
94, Backscatter or Backscatte/Air-Gap Ratio Method of In-Place Nuclear Density and
Moisture Content
944. Seat the gage firmly.
9.4.2. Keep all other radioactive sources at east 10 m (30 ft) away from the gage to avoid affecting
the measurement.
9.4.3 ‘Set the gage into the Backscatter (BS) position (see Note 4).
94.4. Secure and record one or more one-minute readings (see Note 5). When using the backscattcr/t
{gap ratio method, follow the manufacturers instructions regarding gage set up. Take the same
‘number of readings for the normal measurement period in the air-gap position asin the stand!
backscatter postion, Determine the air-gap rato by dividing the counts per minute obtained in th
air-gap position by the counts per minute obtained in the standard position. Many gages have
built-in provisions for automatically calculating the air-gap ratio and wet density.
945. Determine te in-place wet density by use ofthe calibration curve previously established or rei!
the gage directly if so equipped.
Direct Transmission Method of In-Place Nuclear Density and Moisture Content:
9.4.6. Select atest location where the gage in test position will be atleast 150mm (6 in.) away from any
vertical projection.
9.47. Make a hole perpendicular to the prepared surface using the guide and the hole-forming device
(Section 5). The hole shall be « minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) deeper than the desired measurem
depth and of an alignment that insertion of the probe will not cause the gage to tilt from the plane
of the prepared area
948. Mark the test area to allow the placement of the gage over the test site and to allow the alignment
‘of the source rod to the hole, Follow manufacturer recommendations if applicable.
9.49. Remove the hole forming device carefully to prevent the distortion ofthe hole, damage to the
surface, or loose material to fall into the hole.
9.4.10. Place the gage on the material to be tested, making sure of maximum surface contact as
described above.
94.11 Lower the source rod into the hole to the desired test depth. Pull gently on the gage in the direction
‘that will bring the side of the probe to face the center of the gage so thatthe probe is in intimate
‘contact withthe side of the hole in the gamma measurement path.
Tso T3106 “AASHTO
9.4.12,
9.4.13.
94.14.
9.4.16.
101.2
10.2.
102.
104 9.4.12.
9.4.13,
9.4.14,
9.4.15,
Note 4—As a safety precaution, do not extend a rod containing radioactive sources out of its
shielded position prior to placing on the test site. Always align the gage so as to allow placing the
rod directly into the test hole from the shielded position.
Keep all other radioactive sources at least 10 m (30 feet) away from the gage to avoid affecting the
‘measurement.
Ifthe gage is so equipped, set the depth selector to the same depth as the probe before recording
the automated (gage computed densities, moisture contents, and weights) values.
‘Secure and record one or more one-minute readings (see Note 5).
Determine the in-place wet density by use of the calibration curve previously established or read
the gage directly if so equipped,
Note 5—The gage may be rotated about the axis of the probe to obtain additional readings.
40.
10.4,
10.1.1.
10.1.2.
10.2.
10.2.1
10.2.2.
TSib
CALCULATION OF RESULTS
If dry density is required, the in-place water content may be determined by using the nuclear
‘methods described herein; gravimetric samples and laboratory determination; or other approved
instrumentation,
Ifthe water content is determined by nuclear methods, use the gage readings directly, or, subtract,
the kg/m’ (lbn/f) of moisture from the kg/m’ (Ibmvft}) of wet density, and obtain dry density in
kg/m’ (Ibmvf),
If the water content is determined by other methods, and is in the form of percent, proceed
as follows:
100
100+
where:
d= dey density in kgm’ (Ibm),
m= wet density in kg/m? (Ibm), and
Ww = waters a percent of dry mass
(om) 2)
Percent Compaction
It may be desired to express the in-place density as a percentage of some other density, for
‘example, the laboratory densities determined in accordance with T 99 and T 180, This relation
ccan be determined by dividing the in-place density by the laboratory density and multiplying by
100, Calculations for determining relative density are provided in ASTM D 4253 or D 4254.
Corrections for oversize material, if required, should be performed in accordance with T 224 or
ASTM D 4718,
If representative samples of material are to be taken for purposes of correlation with other test
tethods or rock correction, the volume measured can be approximated by @ 200 mr (8 in.)
diameter cylinder located directly under the center line of the radioactive source and detector(s)
‘The height of the cylinder to be excavated will be the depth setting of the source rod when
using the Direct Transmission method or approximately 75 mm (3 in.) when using the
Backscatter method.
T3107 ‘AASHTO 10.23,
‘An altemate to the correction for oversize particles that can be used with mass density micthonls
‘or minimal oversize situations, involves multiple tests. Three tests may be taken at adjaccnt
locations and the results averaged to get a representative valu.
‘Comparisons need to be made to evaluate whether the presence of a single large rock or vol in
the soil is producing unrepresentative values of density. Whenever values obtained are
questionable, the test volume site should be excavated and visually examined.
11. REPORT
114. The report shall include the following
444 ‘Standardization and adjustment data for the date of the tests.
1.4.2. ‘Make, model, and serial number ofthe test gage.
11.1.3 "Name of the operator(s).
11.4.4, Date of last instrument calibration or calibration verification.
145. Test site identification.
1.16. ‘Visual description of material tested,
47. Test mode (backscatter or direct transmission) and test depth (if applicable).
1.4.8. Wet and dry densities in kg/m* or unit weights in Ib/
149. ‘Water content in percent of dry mass or dry unit weight.
1.4.10. ‘Any adjustments made in the reported values and reasons for adjustments (i¢., offset, overs
particles, etc.)
12. PRECISION AND BIAS:
124. Precision:
124.4. Wet Density—Criteria for judging the acceptability of wet density test results obtained by this te»!
‘method are given in Table 1. The figure in Column 3 represents the standard deviations that hw
been found to be appropriate for the materials tested in column one. The figures given in Colin
4are the limits that should not be exceeded by the difference between the results of two propetly
conducted tests. The figures given are based upon an inter-laboratory study in which five tes sitew
containing soils, with wet densities as shown in Column 2 were tested by eight diferent devieex
and operators. The wet density of each test site was determined three times by each device.
Tso T3108 ‘AASHTO Table 1—Results of Statistical Analysis (Wet Density)”
“Accepable Range
Average, Standard of Two Results
Soil Type Ib (kp/m’) Deviation Ib? kim?)
(Column 1) (Column 2) (Column 3) (Column 4)
Tag Oper reion
Diet Transmission
a 1470803) 034,345) 094 (1506)
sP 120909360) 0271432) 074 1185)
Me 1301 20240) 0460737) 12802050)
Backscater:
Me 124609859) 121093 3395430)
Mibestry Precision
Dire Tans:
a 4708973) 0.66 (1057) 1860979)
SP 120909366) 0.5 (1085) 191.0035)
Mo 1301 @0840) amqaay 2150444)
Baciseater,
Ma 1246 09959) 2380819 657 (10684
"The das sed to establish the density and moisture conten precision statements ar contained iy ASTM Research Report RDI
sci types using other classification syste should reflect similar precision values,
"Two separate readings a singular site with constant gate orientation and setngs.
008, Similar
12.4.2. Moisture Content—Criteria for judging the acceptability of the moisture content results obtained
by this test method are given in Table 2. The value in Column 2 is in the units actually measured
by the muclear gage. The figures in column three represent the standard deviations that have been
found to be appropriate for the materials tests in Column 1. The figures given in column four are
the limits that should not be exceeded by the difference between the results of two properly
conducted tests. The figures given are based upon an inter-laboratory study in which five test sites
containing soils, with moisture content as shown in Column 2 were tested by eight different
devices and operators. The moisture content of each test site was determined three times by
each device
Table 2—Results of Statistical Analysis (Moisture Content)
“Acceptable Range
Average, Standard of Two Results,”
Soil Type Toit? (kg/m) Deviation T/A (kg/m)
(Column 1) (Column 2) (Column 3) (Column 4)
‘Single Operator Prosiion
cL 121.0938) 03556) 097183)
SP 187995) 04574) 129202)
ML 1966140) 035656) 09915.)
“Maltlaboratory Precision
. 1210938) 05283) 14403.)
sp 187299.5) 0.35020) 210636)
ML 196140) 05893) 1.63 26.1)
“Two separate readings ate singular site with constant gage oatation and settings.
122. Bias:
122.4 ‘There are no accepted reference values for these test methods, therefore, bias cannot
be determined.
Tsp T3109 ‘AASHTO 13.
13.1.
KEYWORDS
‘Compaction test; construction control, density; moisture content; nuclear methods; quality contri,
water content,
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
Al.
ALA.
AL.
1.3,
An,
ALS.
ALs.
WET DENSITY CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION
Calibration—Newly acquired gages shall be calibrated initially. Existing gages shall be calibrate
after repairs that may affect the gage geometry. Existing gages shall be calibrated to re-establish
calibration curves, tables, or equivalent coefficients if the gage does not meet the specified
tolerances in the verification process. Ifthe owner does not establish a verification procedure, th
‘gage shall be calibrated at a minimum frequency of 24 months.
Verification—Existing gages shall be verified at a minimum frequency of 12 months. The
verification process and resultant tolerances obtained over the depths that the gage shall be
formally recorded and documented. If the verification process indicates a variance beyond the
specified tolerances, the gage shall be calibrated.
The calibration response of the gage shall be within +16 kg/m’ (#1.0 Ib/f?) on the block(s) on
Which the gage was calibrated. This calibration may be done by the manufacturer, the user, of
independent vendor. Nuclear gage response is influenced by the chemical composition of
‘measured materials. This response must be taken into account in establishing the assigned
standard block density. The block(s) used for calibration shall be capable of generating a gener:
and reliable curve covering the entire density range of materials tested inthe field. The density ol
these standard block(s) shall be determined to an accuracy of +0.2 percent.
Sufficient data shall be taken on each density standard block to ensure a gage count precision (sev
Appendix A3) of at least one-half the gage count precision required for field use assuming field
uuse measurement of one minute duration and four minute duration used for calibration, or an
equivalent relationship. The data may be presented in the form of a graph, table, equation
coefficients, or stored in the gage, o allow converting the count rate data to density.
‘The method and test procedures used in establishing the calibration count rate data shall be the
same as those used for obtaining the field count rate data.
The material type, actual density, or assigned standard block density ofeach calibration standard
used to establish or verify the gage calibration shall be stated as part ofthe calibration data for
each measurement depth.
‘The standards should be sufficient in size to not change the count rate if enlarged in any
dimension.
Note 6—Minimum surface dimensions of approximately 610 mm by 430 mm (24 x 17 in.) have
proven satisfactory. For the Backscatter Method a minimum depth of 230 mm (9 in.) is adequate;
While for the Direct Transmission Method the depth should be at least 50 mm (2 in.) deeper than
the deepest rod penetration depth, A larger surface area should be considered for the backscatter
airgap method. For blocks with width and length smaller than the sizes specified, follow block
‘manufacturers’ recommendations for proper installation and use.
Ts
T 310-10 ‘AASHTO
AW.
ALTA
ALB.
ALBA.
A182
ANB
A185 AV.
MTA
AB.
A184.
A182,
A18.2.2,
1.8.3,
‘The most successful standards that have been established for calibration have been made of
‘magnesium, aluminum, eluminum/magnesium, granite, and limestone. These standards have been
used in combination with each other, with historical curve information, and with other prepared
Dlock(s) to produce accurate and reliable calibration.
‘Standards of soil, rock, and concrete that have stable characteristics for reproducibility and
uniformity are difficult to prepare. These standards may be of use for specialty verification or field
calibration where local site material chemistry or background situation require special adaptation,
Verify an existing calibration by taking a sufficient number of counts at each measurement depth
‘on one or more blocks of established density to ensure the accuracy of the existing calibration
‘within $32 kg/m’ (£2.0 Ib?) at each measurement depth.
Sufficient data shall be taken to ensure a gage count precision of atleast one-half the gage count
precision required for field use assuming field use measurement of one-minute duration and four-
‘minute duration used for calibration or an equivalent relationship,
Calibration block(s) which are used for calibration ofthe gage or prepared block(s) which are
capable of generating a general and reliable curve covering the range of densities of the materials
to be tested in the field can be used to verify the gage calibration.
Blocks prepared of soil, rock, concrete, asphalt, and engineered blocks that have characteristics of
reproducible uniformity may be used, but care must be taken to minimize changes in density and
water content over time,
Density values of prepared blocks shall be determined to an accuracy of +0.5 percent at each
measurement depth,
‘The assigned block density for each calibration depth used to verify the gage calibration shall be
stated as part of the verification data,
WATER CONTENT CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION
Calibration—Newly acquired gages shall be calibrated initially. Existing gages shall be calibrated
after repairs that may affect the gage geometry. Existing gages shall be calibrated to re-establish
calibration curves, tables, or equivalent coefficients if the gage does not meet the specified
tolerances in the verification process. Ifthe owner does not establish a verification procedure, the
gage shall be calibrated at a minimum frequency of 24 months.
Verification Existing goges shall be verified ata minimum frequency of 12 months. The
verification process and resultant tolerances obtained over the depths the gage shall be formally
recorded and documented. Ifthe verification process indicates a variance beyond the specified
tolerances, the gage shall be calibrated.
‘The calibration response of the gage shall be within + 16 kg/m’ (+ 1.0 Ib/ft) on the block(s) on
which the gage was calibrated. This calibration may be done by the manufacturer, the user, or an
independent vendor. The block(s) used for calibration should be capable of generating a general
curve covering the entire water content range of the materials to be tested in the field, The
calibration curve can be established using counts and water contents of standard blocks, previous
factory curve information or historical data. Due to the eflfect of chemical composition, the
calibration supplied by the manufacturer with the gage will not be applicable to all materials. It
shall be accurate for silica and water; therefore, the calibration must be verified and adjusted, if
necessary, in accordance to Section A2.4.
Ts-ib
TSO AASHTO 23. Calibration standards may be established using any of the following methods. Prepared A243
containers or standards must be large enough to not change the observed count rte if made larger
in any dimension.
Note 7—Dimensions of approximately 610-mm long by 460-mm wide by 360-mm deep
{approximately 24 in. by 18 in, by 14 in.) have proven satisfactory. For blocks with width and
length smaller than the sizes specified, follow block manufacturers’ recommendations for proper
installation and use.
A234 Prepare a homogeneous standard of hydrogenous materials having an equivalent water content
determined by comparison (using a nuclear gage) with a saturated silica sand standard prepared in
accordance with Section A.2.3. Metallic blocks used for wet density calibration, such as,
magnesium or aluminum, are convenient zero water content standard,
A232. Prepare containers of compacted material with a perceat water content determined by oven dry
(ASTM D 2216) and a wet density calculated from the mass of the material and the inside
dimensions of the container. The water content may be calculated as fotlows: gst
pew 5
"100+ w @
where:
Mn
e
water content, kg/m’ or Ibm;
water content, percent of dry mass; and
wet (total) density, kg/m’ or Ibm/ft’. A25.
A2.3.3. ‘Where neither of the previous calibration standards are availabe, the gage may be calibrated by
using a minimum of four selected test sites in an area ofa compaction project where material his =
been placed at several different water contents. The test sites shall represent the range of water AS.
contents over which the calibration isto be used. At least four replicate nuclear measurements
shall be made at each test site, The density at each ste shall be measured by making four closely | A3.1.
spaced determinations with calibrated equipment in accordance with AASHTO T 191 or ASTM =|
1D 2937, The water content of each of the density tests shall be determined by ASTM Test Meth
2216, Use the mean value ofthe replicate readings as the calibration point value foreach ste:
A24, Calibration Adjustments
A244 ‘The calibration of newly acquired or repaired gages shall be verified and adjusted prior to use
Calibration curves shall be checked prior to performing tests on materials that are distinctly
