Nuclear Density Gauge
Nuclear density tests are a rapid method that helps determine the in-situ density and moisture content of aggregates, different soils, and bituminous materials, among others. NDG is a specialised tool used in civil construction, oil & gas industry, mining and archaeology. It consists of a radiation source that emits a cloud of particles and a sensor that counts the received particles that are either reflected by the test material or pass through it. By calculating the percentage of particles that return to the sensor, the gauge can be calibrated to measure the density and inner structure of the tested material.
Our broad range of top-notch and innovative Nuclear Density Gauges provide precision quality control and highly accurate measurements of density and moisture. They are easy-to-use and come with different in-built test routines and auto features that help facilitate faster testing. These specialised Nuclear Density Gauges are robust and reliable, and the accurate measurements help builders build safe roads, and buildings, among others.
Nuclear density gauges are well-suited for large projects that require rapid testing, multiple times a day. They can be used for a wide range of soil types and most density/moisture tests are completed within a few minutes.
For a radiation-free method, you can opt for Electrical Density Gauge.
Advantages of Nuclear Density Gauge
- Portable and Easy-to-use: Owing to its compact size, a single person can seamlessly use, handle and operate a typical NDG.
- Quick and Accurate Results: Unlike other tools that could take up to several weeks to provide the required results, the Nuclear Density Gauge provides accurate readings in one to four minutes.
- Virtually Non-destructive: In the backscatter mode, the NDG tool is entirely non-destructive. In the direct mode, it requires a small penetration into the test material (approximately 20 mm in diameter and about 50 mm in depth).
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FAQs
A nuclear density gauge is used to determine compaction acceptance of earthworks, granular and stabilised pavement materials and asphalt.
To start with performing nuclear density testing the NDG must have a current calibration certificate and the NDG daily standard count must be conducted every day, before any testing at the same location. For Safety purposes, vehicles and other equipment, other than the NDG equipments are to be kept clear of the test area to avoid accidents.
- The testing site for the gauge must be flat and is to be seated on either dry sand passing the µm sieve or fines of the material under the test, to fill in any surface voids. The sand or fines should avoid forming an added layer.
- The testing site for the gauge must be flat and is to be seated on either dry sand passing the µm sieve or fines of the material under the test, to fill in any surface voids. The sand or fines should avoid forming an added layer.
- The NDG is then used to measure and should be firmly seated without rocking on a surface.
- The probe must be moved longitudinally so that the side of the probe nearest to the density detector is in contact with the side of the access hole.
- It takes a minimum of at least 60 seconds to measure density and density counts are recorded on the material being tested at every single site.
