TRC2107 - Non-Nuclear Moisture Content and Density Determination

The main objective of this study is to determine if there are any technologies capable of replacing the nuclear density gauge for moisture and density determination. There are currently non-nuclear methods of determining density of subgrade material that can provide accurate results compared to the nuclear density gauge, but other methods need to be considered as well to determine the best possible replacement for the nuclear density gauge. The research associated with this study will be performed through four tasks: 1.) Determine which non-nuclear devices rapidly and accurately determine moisture and density values that are comparable to the nuclear density gauge. A literature and available product review will be performed to determine which non-nuclear devices rapidly and accurately determine moisture and density values. 2.) Evaluate what methods of determining moisture content are available that have the same ease of use and speed as the nuclear gauge. Methods of obtaining water content in less than three minutes will be evaluated. 3.) Determine the most accurate and rapid methods of determining moisture content, density, or a combination of the two. The most accurate and rapid method of determining moisture content, density, or a combination of the two will be evaluated by means of statistical analyses on the measured data that will be collected by the participants of the Center for Training Transportation Professionals (CTTP) classes. 4.) Develop a testing and procedure manual and a training module. A testing manual and training module will be developed for the most accurate and rapid methods that are found during Task 3. The testing and procedure manual will include step-by-step procedures on how to operate the device. The testing and procedure manual will also include a section on typical results determined from the device for subgrade and base course materials.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $211,088
• Contract Numbers:

  TRC2107

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Arkansas Department of Transportation

  P.O. Box 2261
  Little Rock, AR  United States  72203
• Managing Organizations:

  Arkansas Department of Transportation

  P.O. Box 2261
  Little Rock, AR  United States  72203
• Project Managers:

  Chun, Sanghyun

  Hagins, Gloria

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

  4190 Bell Engineering
  Civil Engineering
  Fayetteville, Arkansas  United States  72701
• Principal Investigators:

  Coffman, Richard

  Barry, Michelle

• Start Date: 20201130
• Expected Completion Date: 20231231
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Density; Geotechnical engineering; Materials tests; Moisture content
• Subject Areas: Construction; Environment; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01766150
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Arkansas Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: TRC2107
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 26 2021 11:35AM