The Electrical Moisture/Density Gauge is a nuclear-free alternative for determining the moisture and density of compacted soils used in road beds and foundations. It is a portable, battery-powered instrument capable of being used anywhere without the concerns and regulations associated with nuclear safety.

Its user-friendly, step-by-step menu guides the user through each step of the testing procedure and cautions the user when values do not correspond to established curves for the material being tested.

Easy-to-use, it can be used as a construction aid to monitor day-to-day compaction operations by providing performance and measurement results highly comparable to those achieved with traditional methods, including the nuclear gauge and/or a sand-cone and oven moisture test combination.

When conducting a test, the Electrical Moisture/Density Gauge measures and displays the results for wet and dry density, gravimetric moisture content and percent compaction.

For contractors the advantages are:

• it does not require a highly-trained or licensed technician,
• it does not require special handling for shipping or regulatory compliance for hazardous materials
• it is easy to learn and easy to use with its step-by-step menu
• lightweight and easily transportable
• it is accurate and repeatable with results that mirror known testing methods

The Electrical Moisture/Density Gauge measures the electrical dielectric properties and moisture levels of compacted soil using high, radio frequency traveling between darts driven into the soil being tested. The dart's depth of penetration positively determines the depth of measurement.

Darts are available in 4", 6", 8", 10" and 12" lengths. In addition, the darts have been designed with a taper, which ensures a continual positive contact with the soil for accurate measurements.

The gauge features a 4.3" touch-screen, which provides complete control or you can also use the menu-driven touch pad.

Powered by a rechargeable Li-ION battery, which provides up to 60 hrs. of runtime. A car charger is available, as an extra option, separate purchase necessary.

Equipped with GPS, to keep track of the actual location of your readings to ensure locations and validity of tests.

Connect to your PC for downloading test results via its Bluetooth wireless technology. No more cables and gauges on your desk. Bluetooth provides a reliable and secure connection up to 30 feet.

USB slot provides a convenient way to capture test data and take it with you, as well as provide an easy way to upgrade the gauge's firmware. Firmware upgrades will be available via the internet.

During the testing procedure, four tapered electrodes (darts) are driven into the ground in a cross pattern using the supplied template. Between the two sets of two tapered darts, four point-to-point electrical measurements are made and the electrical characteristics averaged. The dielectric properties that are measured by the unit are compared to a "soil model”, which has been developed and programed into the unit prior to testing. These soil models are required only once for each soil type. The soil model is used as a calibration reference during the testing procedure. It is developed by establishing a curve of measured dielectric properties for different densities and moisture combinations of the actual soil to be tested or a

similar material. This soil model is used by the unit through a proprietary correction algorithm to automatically determine the wet and dry density, gravimetric moisture content and percent compaction values for the material being tested. Soil models can be named using the unified soil classifications listed in the

drop-down menu or unique names can be entered using the alpha-numeric keypad. In addition, the temperature probe, which is inserted into the material being tested ensures accurate results by compensating for changes in recorded temperatures. Similar to nuclear gauges, proctor numbers for optimum compaction may be input into the gauge, which would allow for percent compaction to be automatically calculated and displayed at the end of each test. The Proctor numbers would be input into the gauge during the development of the soil model. When determined, this value is entered into the guage to enable the computation of percent compaction.

Software Features