Electrical Density Gauge Vs Nuclear Density Gauge 2

[pelelo]

thread261-393144

Engineers,

Does anyone have experience using both gauges?. I would like to know the advantages of using one vs the other.

In my experience I have used the nuclear density gauge (Troxler, Humbolt, Seaman). Those nuclear gauges require a "radio active license" in order to operate them and calibration every year as well. I am not sure if there are any requirements for the electrical density gauges and how accurate the results are.

Please advise. Thanks.

 

[GeoEnvGuy]

I see the electrical based density gauges as a good alternative where the nuclear option is not available. In Canada the nukes are registered with the government nuclear agency. From my understanding the electrical is only a surface measurement compared to the variable probe depth of the nuke.

 

[pelelo]

Thanks.

When you say electrical gauges perform "surface measurement", how deep is that measurement from the surface?, 2", 4", 1"?

With the nuclear (troxler, humbolt), you adjust the probe to any depth (e.g 8", 12").

 

[geotechguy1]

The number one advantage of the nuclear gauge is the special licensing requirements, which contractors normally can't be fussed to figure out, meaning they can't take away a lucrative revenue source for geotech consultancies.