How to Test a Field Density

Field Density testing is used during field construction on soil. The density of the soil is tested to ensure that the soil has sufficient density for compaction and to support of the building or road that is being constructed. The field density test compares the results of the density taken in the soil to a laboratory compaction density. The comparison determines the percent compaction in the tested soil.

Things You'll Need

Nuclear gauge

Drill rod

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a flat surface of soil at the test site. The bottom of the nuclear gauge device should make contact with the surface. Remove any loose soil or other material from the test site before testing.
- 2
  Drill a hole two inches deeper than the maximum soil testing depth, using the drill rod.
- 3
  Place the nuclear gauge on the prepared flat soil surface and insert the probe into the hole. Make sure the gauge is seated properly and sitting securely on the surface, with the probe in contact with the side of the probe hole detectors.
- 4
  Run the tests three times. Re-seat the gauge between each test. Record the density and moisture level of each testing cycle. The gauge will read the standard density level, dry density field, wet density field and moisture content.
- 5
  Compare the results of your field density to your known laboratory control density. Most states have a compaction control curve to represent the characteristics of the soil for that area. The state department of transportation publish articles regarding compaction control curves. For instance, the New York State Department of Transprotation Geotechnical Engineering Department has an excellent compaction control curve.

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