ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock In-Place at Depths Below Surface by Nuclear Methods
 N D5195

Annotation

This test method covers the calculation of the density of soil and rock by the attenuation of gamma radiation, where the gamma source and the gamma detector are placed at the desired depth in a bored hole lined by an access tube.

For limitations see Section 5 on Interference.

The density, in mass per unit volume of the material under test, is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma radiation with previously established calibration data (see Annex A1).

A precision statement has not been developed for this standard at this time. Therefore, this standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a material for purchasing purposes unless correlated to other accepted ASTM standards.

Units—The values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only and may be approximate.

All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

The procedures used to specify how data are collected, recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.