Open AccessMeasuring Soil Compaction on Construction Sites: A Review of Surface Nuclear Gauges and Penetrometers
Author(s) -
Thomas B. Randrup,
John Lichter
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.2001.013
Subject(s) - penetrometer , compaction , soil water , geotechnical engineering , environmental science , soil compaction , soil science , geology
This paper reviews two techniques of determining soil compaction on construction sites. The surface nuclear gauge is found suitable for measuring soil compaction in soils with less than 5% organic matter by weight and at a depth of no more than 0.15 m (6 in.). Penetrometer readings are often unreliable on compacted soils, as well as in dry and stony soil conditions. Therefore, the penetrometer is rarely a valuable device on construction sites as a definitive measurement instrument, but it may be useful as an indicator of compacted areas. Recommendations to measure soil compaction on construction sites are given.