Radon Testing of Import Soil 1

[TDAA]

The testing for Radon that I have done has been based on completed structures. I have been given a specification that calls for Radon testing of import fill, prior to delivery at the site (looking for <400 picoscuries per Liter).

I have been looking for a specification that discusses testing the soil, and found some information describing testing in a hole in the in place material, but I have two 5 gallon buckets. Are there any other specifications?

 

[Okiryu]

TDAA, please correct me if I am wrong, but isn't radon a gas coming from underground? How can it be tested in imported fill? I think that it should be a "in-situ" test...

Perhaps similar to your experiences, we use clean gravel and perforated piping under the floor slabs connected to fans to eliminate the radon gas.

 

[Ron]

Testing excavated aoil for radon is useless unless the soil is the source of the radon (example...some phosphate bearing soils). Aeration allows the gas to escape thus negating the issue.

 

[TDAA]

Well, you are hitting on my issues and my understanding of Radon.

I was just hit with this spec and wasn't sure if I was missing something.

 

[racookpe1978]

The physical actions of cutting out, loading and unloading the fill every time it is moved allows the radon gas to filter out of the dirt/fill. The movement (vibration, settlement, and wait times) of transporting and storing the loosened fill allows time for that the radon gas to filter through the tremendous increase in surface area of step 1 above.

IF (big "if" there!) the fill was measured "in situ" in calm air before being moved, you "might" find some radon. Maybe.