Nuclear Density Readings and Core Densities: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Presented are the findings of an investigation performed to identify possible correlations between nuclear density gauge readings and core density results. The nuclear density data were collected on a Superpave section of I-95 in Brevard County, Florida. Core samples also were obtained from this section for laboratory density determination. Five gauge units [Troxler models 3401, 3440 (two units), 3450, and 4640] and three core density methods (Florida test method FM 1-T 166, ASTM D1188, and dimensional analysis) were considered. The relationships among the core density results were analyzed, then an investigation of the correlation among the different gauges used in this study was evaluated. Finally, the performance of each of the units with respect to the core density results was assessed. The findings indicated that the five nuclear gauge density units did not always produce similar results and did not consistently correlate with the core densities. In addition, the nuclear density testing variability differed not only from gauge to gauge but also from location to location within each gauge.