Standard Test Method for Water Content of Soil and Rock in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of water content of soil and rock by the thermalization or slowing of fast neutrons where the neutron source and the thermal neutron detector both remain at the surface.

1.2 The water content in mass per unit volume of the material under test is determined by comparing the detection rate of thermalized or slow neutrons with previously established calibration data.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound equivalents may be approximate.

1.3.1 It is common practice in the engineering profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. This standard has been written using the absolute system for water content (kilograms per cubic metre) in SI units. Conversion to the gravitational system of unit weight in lbf/ft may be made by multiplying by 0.06243 or in kN/m by multiplying by 9.807. The recording of water content in pound-force per cubic foot should not be regarded as non-conformance with this standard although the use is scientifically incorrect.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.