Computer Controlled Microwave Oven System for Rapid Water Content Determination

摘要

Equipment for determining water content rapidly, accurately, and reliably is required to properly monitor the compaction of earth fills. If the design of a soil structure is based on one set of behavior characteristics but another set is obtained because of improper compaction control, the result can be a structure with performance and maintenance problems over its entire life. Water content may be determined in the conventional oven but this may require up to 24 hr. Under field conditions where large volumes of earth are being placed, real-time water content information is essential because if 24 hr is required to determine that the water content of a layer is unacceptable, that layer may be buried under several feet of subsequently placed and compacted material. (RH)