ASTM D5220-02

This test method is useful as a rapid, nondestructive technique for the calculation of the in-place water content of soil and rock at desired depths below the surface.

This test method is useful for informational and research purposes. It should only be used for quality control and acceptance testing when correlated to actual water contents using procedures and methods described in A1.2.3.

The non-destructive nature of this test method allows repetitive measurements to be made at a single test location for statistical analysis and to monitor changes over time.

The fundamental assumptions inherent in this test method are that the material under test is homogeneous and hydrogen present is in the form of water as defined by Test Method D 2216.

1.1 This test method covers the calculation of the water content of soil and rock by thermalization or slowing of fast neutrons where the neutron source and the thermal neutron detector are placed at the desired depth in the bored hole lined by an access tube (see Note 1).

1.2 The water content, in mass per unit volume of the material under test, is calculated by comparing the thermal neutron count rate with previously established calibration data (see Annex A1).

1.3 A precision statement has not been developed for this standard at this time. Therefore, this standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a material for purchasing purposes unless correlated to other accepted ASTM methods.

1.4 The values expressed in SI units are regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses may be approximate and are provided for information only.

1.5 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. Specific hazards are given in Section 7.