The Determination of the Test Maximum Density with Nuclear Gages

摘要

A study to determine the feasibility of using nuclear gages to obtain test maximum density of soils used in highway construction is reported. An experimental compaction mold, large enough to allow use of a nuclear gage on the compacted specimen, was used in conjunction with nuclear gages to obtain the moisture-density relationship of soils. Test maximum density was reported in terms of count ratio. Since the same soil would be measured in the field, also in terms of count ratio, gage calibration would be unnecessary. Both back-scatter and direct transmission measurements were made with the latter showing a lesser variability. Results of the study indicate that the basic idea is feasible but largely impractical. There are technical problems which must be resolved before the concept could be implemented as a practical compaction testing procedure. (BPR Abstract)