Non-nuclear density testing
Non-nuclear density testing
(OP)
If there is a thread on this, I apologize, but I couldn't find it.
I see there are a number of non-nuclear moisture-density devices now on the market. Does anyone have any hands-on experience they'd like to share? ( I am not talking Sand cones.....)
Most of the sales brochures stress the lack of nuclear regulatory oversight and the reduced cost because all that compliance with nuclear authorities is gone. OK, but I don't see where they trumpet the accuracy of their gauges. IMO, if the accuracy is suspicious, its a bad gauge/ procedure.
Yes, I'd like to do away with complying with nuclear regulators and all that cost, and employee training, but not at the cost of using a gauge that gives unreliable results.
Anyone have any experience?
I see there are a number of non-nuclear moisture-density devices now on the market. Does anyone have any hands-on experience they'd like to share? ( I am not talking Sand cones.....)
Most of the sales brochures stress the lack of nuclear regulatory oversight and the reduced cost because all that compliance with nuclear authorities is gone. OK, but I don't see where they trumpet the accuracy of their gauges. IMO, if the accuracy is suspicious, its a bad gauge/ procedure.
Yes, I'd like to do away with complying with nuclear regulators and all that cost, and employee training, but not at the cost of using a gauge that gives unreliable results.
Anyone have any experience?





RE: Non-nuclear density testing
The rubber balloon method has been around, but not very popular. However, the size of the balloon limited its usefulness. It was attached to a calibrated clear cylinder in which there is water. Calibrate it by setting it on a flat surface and reading the level. Dig a hole and then determine the volume of the hole by allowing the balloon to fill the hole and watch the readng of water level in the cylinder. Due to the limiting volume that can be measured, there was accuracy limitations. I think Soil Test in Chicago sold them.
The same thing can be done with other water measuring devices, such as a scale measuring weight differences.
In places where the "standard" ways won't work, such as coarse, gravelly soils, a large volume of hole is needed. Dig the hole and leave the sides undisturbed. Line the hole with a thin sheet of plastic, rubber, etc. Fill the depression with measured by weight or volume water, up flush with the original surface. This also can be done with calibrated sand where the hole volume required is far beyond the capability of the sand cone.
There used to be a method where a cylinder abut the size of a Proctor mold was driven into the soil and the weight collected in there was determine. Not sure how they allowed for the volume ofthe metal in the mold.
In clays the Shelby tube sampling technique could be a similar technique.
Anyhow, for years the sand-cone method was pretty standard until the nucs came along. Don't make the mistake of using too small a hole volume or errors will be large. The quart size jar and 4" cone is useless for most jobs.
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlF3m4OLFwc
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
Thanks for the response, but I am old enough to remember the balloon method--as well nukes that had to be hand calculated....
Trying to find a FAST, method that is non-nuclear.
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
See if you can find a spec for a rapid test that the US Bureau of Reclamation used to have published in their Earth manual as method E-25. I never tried it,but using data from a compaction test you come up with a percent impaction right away. At least that saves some time.
While it may not have a "standard" by ASTM, a 1/2 inch rod about 30 inches long with a "T" handle works well for those experienced in the work of compaction control. It serves to do a number of things, such as mapping out where your test should be run to show averages or maybe worst areas. I've used it instead of density tests on simple jobs, by experience saying the bearing is OK for what is designed, etc.
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
f-d
ípapß gordo ainÆt no madre flaca!
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
https://www.google.com/search?q=speedy+moisture+me...
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
However, what i am looking for is some "high-tech" modern "gadget" alternatives to nuclear testing of moisture and density.
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
If it costs a lot of $$$ and LOOKS impressive, it must be right.
This is the one the salesman really liked!
RE: Non-nuclear density testing
Here's a link to Humboldt's device.....
http://www.humboldtmfg.com/edg/