Neutron Radiation in the Study of Soil and Rock
SourceX-radiography has been used at the Waterways Experiment Station for several years to study the internal characteristics of soils. These characteristics include density, secondary mineralizations, fracture planes, bedding, physical changes in the materials, and other features. Recently, a californium-252 facility was developed in order to complement the X-ray units through neutron radiation capabilities for scanning inhomogenieties in moisture and density. The neutron techniques include radiography, with detailed examination and quantification of film images, and neutron counting and monitoring through a tracking system. The gamma radiation from the californium-252 also will be utilized. These applications, and others which are under development, provide enhanced nondestructive laboratory assessments of earth materials for their engineering properties.