Determination of the field density by nuclear method

Introduction:
Nuclear Density Gauge
A nuclear density gauge is a tool used for measuring in-place density using gamma radiation.
Gauges usually contain a small gamma source (about 10 mCi) such as Cesium-137 on the end of
a retractable rod.
Gamma rays are emitted from the source and interact with electrons in the pavement through
absorption, Compton scattering, and the photoelectric effect. A Geiger-Mueller detector (situated
in the gauge opposite from the handle) counts gamma rays that reach it from the source.
Pavement density is then correlated to the number of gamma rays received by the detector.
Nuclear Moisture Gauge
A nuclear moisture gauge uses a neutron source, such as Americium-241:Beryllium, placed
inside the gauge. The source emits high energy, fast neutrons, which then collide with various
nuclei in the pavement. Due to momentum conservation, those neutrons that collide with
hydrogen nuclei slow down much quicker than those that collide with other, larger nuclei. The
gauge detector counts only thermal (low energy) or slow neutrons thereby making the detector
count proportional to the number of hydrogen atoms in the pavement. Since water contains many
hydrogen atoms (H2O), the detector count is proportional to moisture content. A calibration
factor is used to relate thermal neutron count to actual moisture content.
Objectives:

Determine the in-place density and the moisture content.

Apparatus:

Please see Annex-1.

Procedure:
After the calibration nuclear density gauges are typically operated in one of two modes.
1. Direct transmission: The retractable rod is lowered into the mat through a pre-drilled hole (this
hole can be formed by pounding a steel rod with a similar diameter to that of the gauge's
retractable rod Figure 1). The source emits radiation, which then interact with electrons in the
material and lose energy and/or are redirected (scattered). Radiation that loses sufficient energy
or is scattered away from the detector is not counted. The denser the material, the higher the
probability of interaction and the lower the detector count. Therefore, the detector count is
inversely proportional to material density. A calibration factor is used to relate the count to the
actual density.

Figure 1. Direct transmission

Figure 2. Backscatter

2. Backscatter: The retractable rod is lowered so that it is even with the detector but still within
the instrument (Figure 2). The source emits radiation, which then interact with electrons in the
material and lose energy and/or are redirected (scattered). Radiation that is scattered towards the
detector is counted. The denser the material, the higher the probability that radiation will be
redirected towards the detector. Therefore, the detector count is proportional to the density. A
calibration factor is used to correlate the count to the actual density.
Discussion:
1) What are the advantages and disadvantages of the nuclear density gauge?
Advantages
A nuclear density gauge offers the following key advantages over destructive density
measurement (cores):
Portability. One person can easily transport a typical nuclear density gauge.
Quick results. Most nuclear gauges allow both one and four minute readings. These are
much quicker than typical densities obtained from cores which could take from several
days to several weeks.
Virtually non-destructive. Used in the backscatter mode, the nuclear density gauge is
entirely non-destructive. Used in the direct mode, the gauge only requires a small
penetration into the finished mat approximately 20 mm (less than 1 inch) in diameter and
about 50 mm (2 inches) deep.
In addition to above there are some other advantage as follows.
Many devices are built to measure both the density and moisture content of material. This
is important to the Civil construction industry specifically as both are essential to creating
suitable soil environments to support structures, streets, highways, and airport runways.
This density gauge is ease to operate and it is menu driven and prompts the user through
the test procedure.
When a project is active, all readings taken will be stored in memory under the project
number for retrieval at a later time.
When printing the saved data, either all projects or a single project can be printed. Data
may be printed (uploaded) to a computer file or to a printer.
Disadvantages
All use and possession is under the direction and supervision of the Radiation Safety
Officer. A radioactive source is located in this gauge can be harmful to the operator and
general public if it is not handled in accordance with radiation safety plan.
The operater will exercise suitable control over the gauge at all time. At no time is it to be
left unattended or in the possession of an unauthorized person.

 The operator will stand no more than 10 feet from the gauge while a test is in progress.
The operator will ensure that no equipment or vehicles are within 20 feet of where a gauge
is being used to take a test unless they are shut down.
A special care must be taken during transportation. The equipment shall be fully secured
in the transporting vehicle and located away from personnel.
The gauge shall be stored in well protected location (cabinet or room) with a Caution,
Radioactive Material sign.
Periodic maintenance must be carried out according to the safety guideline.
2) Discuss the modifications that you purpose to use the nuclear density gauge in order
to use in Sri Lankan road industry?
It is very important to get approval from the Atomic Energy Authority of Sri Lanka to operate
this nuclear density gauge in Sri Lanka.
If there is a possibility, minimize the radiation amount that emits from the source.
Time to time carryout a medical checkup for the persons works with this instrument and
periodically change those workers. Thereby control the radiation effect to the human body.
Now only the density and moisture content can be measured from this gauge. It is very useful if
we can modify this gauge to measure the other parameters as well.
Most of our roads have uneven rough surfaces. So it is very important to modify this instrument
to use on those surfaces.