Designation: D5195 − 14

Standard Test Method for

Density of Soil and Rock In-Place at Depths Below Surface
by Nuclear Methods1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5195; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the density of bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
soil and rock by the attenuation of gamma radiation, where the tionary statements are given in Section 7, “Hazards.”
gamma source and the gamma detector are placed at the
desired depth in a bored hole lined by an access tube. 2. Referenced Documents
1.1.1 For limitations see Section 5 on Interference. 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1.2 The density, in mass per unit volume of the material D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
under test, is calculated by comparing the detected rate of Fluids
gamma radiation with previously established calibration data D1452 Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger
(see Annex A1). Borings3
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for
1.3 A precision statement has not been developed for this
Geotechnical Purposes
standard at this time. Therefore, this standard should not be
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of
used for acceptance or rejection of a material for purchasing
Rock for Site Investigation
purposes unless correlated to other accepted ASTM standards.
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are regarded as the (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for D2937 Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the
information only and may be approximate. Drive-Cylinder Method
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
D6026. Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.5.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected, D4428/D4428M Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Test-
recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as the ing
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the D5220 Test Method for Water Mass per Unit Volume of Soil
significant digits that should generally be retained. The proce- and Rock In-Place by the Neutron Depth Probe Method
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- Data
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to D6938 Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope Depth)
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
methods for engineering design. 3. Terminology
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
2
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Construction Control Tests. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved July 1, 2014. Published August 2014. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D5195 – 08. DOI: the ASTM website.
3
10.1520/D5195-14. Replace with continuous flight and hollowstream methods when available.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D5195 − 14
3.2.1 wet density—same as bulk density (as defined in
Terminology D653); the total mass (solids plus water) per total
volume.
3.2.2 gamma (radiation) source—a sealed, radioactive ma-
terial that emits gamma radiation as it decays.
3.2.3 gamma detector—a device to observe and measure
gamma radiation.
3.2.4 Compton scattering—the interaction between a
gamma ray (photon) and an orbital electron where the gamma
ray loses energy and rebounds in a different direction.
3.2.5 volumetric water content—the volume of water as a FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram: Depth Density by Nuclear Method
percent of the total volume of soil or rock material.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is useful as a rapid, nondestructive 6.1.1 Sealed Source of High Energy Gamma Radiation,
technique for the calculation of the in-place density of soil and such as cesium-137, cobalt-60, or radium-226.
rock at desired depths below the surface as opposed to surface 6.1.2 Gamma Detector—Any type of gamma detector such
measurements in accordance with Test Method D6938. as a Geiger-Mueller tube.
4.2 This test method is useful for informational and research 6.1.3 Suitable Timed Scaler and Power Source.
purposes. It should only be used for quality control and
6.2 Cylindrical Probe—The apparatus shall be equipped
acceptance testing when correlated to other accepted methods
with a cylindrical probe, containing the gamma source and
such as Test Method D2937.
detector, connected by a cable of sufficient design and length,
4.3 The non-destructive nature of the test method allows that is capable of being lowered down a cased hole to desired
repetitive measurements to be made at a single test location for test depths.
statistical analysis and to monitor changes over time.
6.3 Reference Standard—The apparatus shall be equipped
4.4 The fundamental assumptions inherent in this test with a reference standard, a fixed shape of dense material used
method are that Compton scattering and photoelectric absorp- for checking apparatus operation and to establish conditions for
tion are the dominant interactions of the gamma rays with the a reproducible reference count rate. It may also serve as a
material under test. radiation shield.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard test method 6.4 Apparatus Precision—See Annex A3 for the precision
is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
of the apparatus.
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent 6.5 Accessories:
and objective testing/sampling/inspection, and the like. Users of this test 6.5.1 Access Tubing—The access tubing (casing) is required
method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in
itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors;
for all access holes in nonlithified materials (soils and poorly
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. consolidated rock) that cannot maintain constant borehole
diameter with repeated measurements. If access tubing is
5. Interferences required it must be of a material such as aluminum, steel, or
5.1 The chemical composition of the sample may affect the polyvinyl chloride, having an interior diameter large enough to
measurement and adjustments may be necessary. Some ele- permit probe access without binding, and an exterior diameter
ments with atomic numbers greater than 20 such as iron (Fe) or as small as possible to provide close proximity of the material
other heavy metals may cause measurements higher than the under test. The same type of tubing must be used in the field as
true density value. is used in calibration.
5.2 The sample heterogeneity affects the measurements. 6.5.2 Hand Auger or Power Drilling Equipment, that can be
This test method also exhibits spatial bias in that it is more used to establish the access hole. Any drilling equipment that
sensitive to material closest to the access tube. provides a suitable clean open hole for installation of access
5.2.1 Voids around the access tube can affect the measure- tubing and insertion of the probe that ensures the measure-
ment (see 9.1.2.1). ments are performed on intact soil and rock while maintaining
constant borehole diameter shall be acceptable. The type of
5.3 The sample volume is approximately 0.028 m3 (0.8 ft3).
equipment and methods of advancing the access hole should be
The actual sample volume is indeterminate and varies with the
reported.
apparatus and the density of the material. In general, the greater
the density the smaller the volume.
7. Hazards
6. Apparatus (See Fig. 1) 7.1 These gauges utilize radioactive materials that may be
6.1 The apparatus shall consist of a nuclear instrument hazardous to the health of the users unless proper precautions
capable of measuring density of materials at various depths are taken. Users of these gauges must become familiar with
below the surface and contain the following: applicable safety procedures and government regulations.

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 D5195 − 14
7.2 Effective user instructions, together with routine safety Nc = the standardization count acquired at the time of the
procedures and knowledge of and compliance with Regulatory last calibration or verification,
Requirements, are a mandatory part of the operation and N0 = the current standardization count,
storage of these gauges. t = the time that has elapsed between the current stan-
dardization test and the date of the last calibration or
8. Calibration, Standardization, and Reference Check verification. The units selected for t and T1/2 should
8.1 Calibrate the instrument in accordance with Annex A1. be consistent, that is, if T1/2 is expressed in days, then
t should also be expressed in days,
8.2 Adjust the calibration in accordance with Annex A2 if ln( ) = the natural logarithm function, and
adjustments are necessary. e = the positive real number for which the natural loga-
8.3 Standardization and Reference Check: rithm value is equal to one. e itself is equal to
2.71828182845904.
8.3.1 Nuclear density gauges are subject to long-term aging
of the radioactive sources, which may change the relationship 8.3.6 Example—A nuclear gauge containing a 137Cs source
between count rates and the material density. To correct for this for density determination (half-life = 11 023 days) is calibrated
aging effect, gauges are calibrated as a ratio of the measure- on March 1 of a specific year. At the time of calibration, the
ment count rate to a count rate made on a reference standard. density standard count was 2800 counts per minute (prescaled).
8.3.2 Standardization of the gauge shall be performed at the According to Eq 1, what is the allowed range of standard
start of each day’s use, and a record of these data should be counts for November 1 of the same year? For this example, a
retained for the amount of time required to ensure compliance total of 245 days have elapsed between the date of calibration
with either 8.3.4 or 8.3.5, whichever is applicable. Perform the or verification (March 1) and the date of the gauge standard-
standardization with the gauge far enough away from other ization (November 1).
apparatus containing radioactive sources to prevent interfer- Therefore:
ence due to radiation from the other apparatus. In addition,
t = 245 days
perform the standardization far enough away from large
T1/2 = 11 023 days
masses or other items which can affect the reference count rates Nc = 2800 counts
due to reflections from these masses or items.
According to Eq 1, therefore, the lower limit for the density
NOTE 2—Separation of nuclear gauges by a distance of 9 m (30 ft) from standard count taken on November 1, denoted by N0, is
one another has typically proven sufficient in preventing radiation from
2 ~ ln~ 2 !! t 2 ~ ln~ 2 !! ·245
one gauge from being detected by another gauge and potentially causing 0.99~ N c ! e T 1/2 5 0.99~ 2800! e 11 023 5 2772e 20.01541 5 2730 counts
an incorrect standardization count. This separation can be reduced by the Likewise, the upper limit for the density standard count
proper use of shielding. With regards to reflections from large masses or taken on November 1, denoted by N0, is
other items potentially causing incorrect standardization counts, a sepa- 2 ~ ln~ 2 !! t 2 ~ ln~ 2 !! ·245
ration of 1 m (3 ft) between the gauge and the mass or item in question has 1.01~ N c ! e T 1/2 5 1.01~ 2800! e 11 023 5 2828e 20.01541 5 2785 counts
typically proven sufficient to prevent such reflections from influencing the Therefore, the density standard count acquired on November
standardization counts. 1 should lie somewhere between 2730 and 2785 counts, or
8.3.3 Turn on the gauge and allow for stabilization accord- 2730 ≤ N0 ≤ 2785.
ing to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 8.3.7 If for any reason the measured density becomes
8.3.4 Using the reference standard, take at least four repeti- suspect during the day’s use, perform another standardization
tive readings at the normal measurement period and obtain the check.
mean. If available on the gauge, one measurement at four or
more times the normal measurement period is acceptable. This 9. Procedure
constitutes one standardization check. Use the procedure rec-
9.1 Installation of Access Tubing (Casing):
ommended by the gauge manufacturer to establish the compli-
9.1.1 Drill the access tube hole and install access tube in a
ance of the standard measurement to the accepted range.
manner dependent upon the material to be tested, the depth to
Without specific recommendations from the gauge
be tested, and the available drilling equipment.
manufacturer, use the procedure in 8.3.5.
9.1.2 The access hole must be clear enough to allow
8.3.5 If the value of the current standardization count is
installing the tube yet must provide a snug fit. Voids along side
outside the limits set by Eq 1, repeat the standardization check.
the tube will cause erroneous readings.
If the second standardization check satisfies Eq 1, the gauge is
9.1.2.1 If voids are suspected to be caused by the drilling
considered in satisfactory operating condition.
process they can be grouted using the procedures in Test
2ln~ 2 ! t 2ln~ 2 ! t
0.99~ N c ! e T 1/2 # N 0 # 1.01~ N c ! e T 1/2 (1) Method D4428/D4428M. The only method to determine the
presence of voids is to perform field calibrations provided in
where:
A1.3.
T1/2 = the half-life of the isotope that is used for the density 9.1.3 Record and note the position of the ground water
or moisture determination in the gauge. For ex- table, perched water tables, and changes in strata as drilling
ample, 137Cs, the isotope most commonly used for progresses.
density determination in these gauges, T1/2 is 11 023 9.1.3.1 If ground water is encountered or saturated condi-
days, tions are expected to develop, seal the tube using procedures

3
 D5195 − 14
given in Test Method D4428/D4428M at the bottom to prevent ρd = dry density in kg/m3 (or lbm/ft3),
water seepage into the tube. This will prevent erroneous ρ = wet density in kg/m3 (or lbm/ft3),
readings and possible damage to the probe. Mm = water mass per unit volume in kg/m3 (lbm/ft3) from
9.1.4 The tube should project above the ground and be apparatus, and
capped to prevent foreign material from entering. The access w = water content as a percent of the dry density from lab.
tube should not project above the ground so high as it might be
damaged by equipment passing over it. 11. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
9.1.4.1 Install all tubes at the same height above ground as 11.1 The methodology used to specify how data are re-
this enables marking the cable to indicate the measured depth corded on the test data sheet(s)/form(s) as given below is
to be used for all tubes. covered in 1.5.
9.2 Lower a dummy probe down the access tube to verify 11.2 Record at a minimum the following general informa-
proper clearance before lowering the probe containing the tion (data):
radioactive source. 11.2.1 Make, model, and serial number of the apparatus,
9.3 Standardize the apparatus. 11.2.2 Name of operator/technician
9.4 Proceed with the test as follows: 11.2.3 Date of calibration,
9.4.1 Seat the apparatus firmly over the access tube, then 11.2.4 Method of calibration, such as field, factory, etc.
lower the probe into the tube to the desired depth. Secure the 11.2.5 Calibration adjustments,
probe by cable clamps (usually provided by the apparatus 11.2.6 Date of test,
manufacturer). 11.2.7 Standard count for the day of the test,
9.4.2 Take a measurement count at the selected timing 11.2.8 Any adjustment data for the day of the test,
period. 11.2.9 Test site identification including; tube location(s) and
tube number(s),
NOTE 3—The above procedure is performed in an installed access tube 11.2.10 Tube type and tube installation methods (methods
that will allow repeated in-place measurements. In some field situations it
of drilling, installing and any initial gravimetric and count
may be more appropriate to use a drilling technique involving alternating
between a large diameter hollow-stem auger, a split-spoon sampler, or data),
thin-walled volumetric sampler and access tubing. This technique is 11.2.11 Geologic log of the borehole, and
destructive and only one measurement can be made at each depth per hole. 11.2.12 Depth, measurement count data, and calculated
density of each measurement.
10. Calculation
10.1 Determine the ratio of the reading obtained compared 12. Precision and Bias
to the standard count. Then using the calibration data combined
12.1 Precision—It is not possible to specify the precision of
with appropriate calibration adjustments, or apparatus direct
the procedure in this standard for measuring density of soil and
readout feature, determine the in-place density. This is the bulk
rock in-place at depths below the surface because the precision
or wet density.
of this test method is operator dependent and a function of the
NOTE 4—Some instruments have built-in provisions to compute and care exercised in installing the access tubing and performing
display the ratio and corrected bulk or wet density per unit volume. the steps of the procedures properly. Interferences as described
10.1.1 If the dry density is required determine the in-place in Section 4, such as voids, large rocks, and varying densities
water content using either gravimetric samples and laboratory at different depths of the access tube would also prevent
determination of water content (see Method D2216), or the developing a meaningful precision statement.
same apparatus or a different apparatus which determines water 12.2 Bias—No information can be presented on the bias of
mass per unit volume by the neutron probe method (Method the procedure in this standard for measuring density of soil and
D5220). The dry density is calculated by either of the following rock in-place at depths below the surface because no methods
equations: are presently available that provide sufficiently accurate values
100 3 ρ of density of soil and rock in-place against which this test
ρd 5 (2)
1001w method can be compared.
or:
13. Keywords
ρd 5 ρ 2 Mm
13.1 depth probe; in-place density; in situ density; nuclear
where: methods

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 D5195 − 14
ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. CALIBRATION

A1.1 At least once each year, establish or verify calibration A1.3 Field Calibrations—When a check of laboratory cali-
curves, tables, or equation coefficients by determining by test bration to field materials is required for a check of accuracy of
the count rate of at least three samples of different known calibration, the apparatus may be calibrated in the field by
densities. This data may be presented in the form of a graph, using the following methods.
table, equation coefficients, or stored in the apparatus, to allow
converting the count rate data to material density. The method A1.3.1 Obtain intact samples from each access hole over the
and test procedures used in establishing these count ratios must measurement intervals to be tested. As the access hole is
be the same as those used for obtaining the count ratios for drilled, take intact samples from the soil or rock samples taken
in-place material. The densities of materials used to establish by any suitable drilling and sampling method appropriate for
the calibration must vary through a range to include the density the material (see Practices D1452, D1587, and D2113, double
of the in-place materials to be tested and be of an equivalent tube or triple tube core samplers, piston samplers or double
material. tube hollow (stem samplers) and determine the average tube
density by trimming and measuring the mass and volume of the
A1.2 Calibration standards may be established using one of sample. At a minimum, obtain intact samples at 2 m intervals
the following methods. The standards must be of sufficient size and at changes in strata. When sampling with a hand auger,
to not change the count rate if enlarged in any dimension. determine the mass of soil recovered over given sample
Access tubing used in the standards must be the same type and
intervals and use the hole diameter for computation of sample
size as that to be used for in-place measurements.
volume.
A1.2.1 Prepare containers of soil and rock compacted to a
range of densities. Place the material in the containers in lifts A1.3.2 As soon as possible after the access tubing has been
whose thickness depends upon the compaction equipment installed, take sufficient measurements at the desired depths in
available. Each lift is to receive equal compactive effort. accordance with Section 9 and calculate the count ratio and
Calculate the density of each container of material based on the density based upon laboratory calibrations. Take the test
measured volume and mass (weight) of the material. measurement counts at approximate depths that will corre-
A1.2.2 Prepare containers of poured concrete using different spond to the depth location of the intact samples.
aggregates and aggregate mixes to obtain a range of densities. A1.3.3 Report all sample data and anomalous data (such as
Place the concrete in the containers in a way that will ensure a voids, grout plugs, and changes in strata) obtained. The initial
uniform mixture and uniform densities. count profile and adjusted density data should be reported with
A1.2.3 Prepare containers of non-soil materials. Calculate later readings to review changes in density with subsequent
the soil and rock equivalent density of each container of readings.
material based on the measured volume and mass (weight) of
the material.

A2. CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENTS

A2.1 Check the calibration response prior to performing A2.2.1 Adjust the existing calibration to correct for the
tests on materials that are distinctly different from the material difference or establish a new calibration in accordance with
types used in establishing the calibration. The calibration Annex A1.
response shall also be checked on newly acquired or repaired
apparatus.
A2.2 Take sufficient measurements and compare them to
other accepted methods such as volumetric sampling (see Test
Method D2937) to establish a correlation between the appara-
tus calibration and the other method.

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 D5195 − 14

A3. PRECISION OF APPARATUS

A3.1 Gauge precision is defined as the change in measured reduces the actual value for the purpose of display. The
density that occurs corresponding to a one standard deviation manufacturer will supply this value if other than 1.0.
change in the count due to the random decay of the radioactive A3.2.2 The standard deviation in counts per measurement
source. The density of the material and time period of the count period shall be obtained by:
must be stated. The precision of the apparatus on a sample of
approximately 2000 kg/m3 (125 lbm/ft3) shall be better than 8 σ 5 =C/F (A3.2)
kg/m3 (0.5 lbm/ft3) at the manufacturer’s stated period of time where:
for the measurement. Other timing periods may be available
σ = standard deviation in counts per measurement period,
that may be used where higher or lower precisions are desired
for statistical purposes. The precision shall be determined by C = counts per measurement period (before prescale cor-
the procedure defined in A3.2 or A3.3. rection) at a density of 2000 kg/m3 (125 lbm/ft3), and
A3.2 The precision of the apparatus is determined from the
slope of the calibration response and the statistical deviation of F = value of prescale (see A3.2.1).
the count (detected gamma radiation) for the period of mea- A3.2.3 The counts per measurement period (before prescale
surement: correction) may be obtained from the calibration curve, tables,
or equation by multiplying the count ratio by the instrument
P 5 σ =S (A3.1) standard count.
where: A3.2.4 The slope of calibration response in counts per
P = apparatus precision in density (kg/m3 or lbm/ft3), measurement period (before prescale correction) at a density of
σ = standard deviation in counts per measurement period, 2000 kg/m3 (125 lbm/ft3) shall be determined from the cali-
and bration curve, tables, or equation.
S = slope of change in counts per measurement period at a
A3.3 Compute the precision by determining the standard
density of 2000 kg/m3 (125 lbm/ft3) divided by the
deviation of at least 20 repetitive measurements (apparatus not
change in density (kg/m3 or lbm/ft3).
moved after the first measurement) on material having a
A3.2.1 The count per measurement period shall be the total density of 1600 to 2400 kg/m3 (100 to 150 lbm/ft3). In order to
number of gammas detected during the time period. The perform this procedure, the resolution of the count display,
displayed value must be corrected for any prescaling which is calibration response, or other method of displaying density
built into the apparatus. The prescale value (F) is a divisor that must be equal to or better than 61 kg/m 3 (60.1 lbm/ft3).

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D5195 – 08) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved July 1, 2014.)

(1) Added “Units” before 1.4. (4) Fixed circular term references in 3.2.2 and 3.2.3.
(2) Deleted 3.2.5 as this term is already defined in Terminology (5) Updated 3.1 to standard language.
D653. (6) Used standard language in precision and bias statements.
(3) Section 11, Report, now makes an indirect reference to
D6026, has the proper title and instructions.

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 D5195 − 14
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