A comparison of the Falling Weight Deflectometer, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, Nuclear Density Gauge and Humboldt Stiffness Gauge

Author

James Patrick Knutelski

Abstract

"The objective of this study was to find an alternative to density measurement with the Nuclear Density Gauge. At the time of this study, the Missouri Department of Transportation maintained and used nearly 90 density gauges. In addition, MoDOT was required to maintain certification and safety training for approximately 450 employees on a yearly basis and to comply with NRC requirements. The cost compliance with NRC regulations in time and dollars had become excessive.

A series of comparison tests was performed on 50 data points in two separate sites of embankment construction for highway construction projects. Comparison testing was performed using the Humboldt Stiffness Gauge (HSG). Nuclear Density Gauge (NDG), Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). Each of the devices was used in the same location or as close as possible to the same location for each data point. In addition, 10 soil samples were taken after testing in order to evaluate the soil properties, obtain a percentage of rock in the sample and determine the uniformity of the soils.

Data analysis was divided into two parts. The first analysis compared the measurement of the resilient modulus with the FWD, HSG and DCP. The second used the conversion developed by Humboldt manufacturing to compare the actual measurement of dry density, measured with a nuclear density gauge, to the dry density calculated using the HSG.

Resilient modulus data among the three devices did not correlate well. On both data collection sites there was no correlation found among different devices.

The Humboldt conversion gave a good correlation between density and stiffness of the tested soils on both sites"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Lentz, Rodney

Committee Member(s)

Stephenson, Richard Wesley
Elifrits, C. Dale

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2002

Pagination

ix, 79 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 77-78).

Rights

© 2002 James Patrick Knutelski, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Soils -- Density -- TestingSoil stabilization -- Equipment and supplies

Thesis Number

T 8166

Print OCLC #

52724131

Electronic OCLC #

905855727

Recommended Citation

Knutelski, James Patrick, "A comparison of the Falling Weight Deflectometer, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, Nuclear Density Gauge and Humboldt Stiffness Gauge" (2002). Masters Theses. 4416.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/4416