Abstract: A method for determining the density and moisture content of porous construction material that is used in the civil construction industry such as aggregate, soil aggregate, type I or II base, or native soil materials that are suitable for shallow foundations. In a first part of the method, porous construction material undergoes physical and electrical testing in the geotechnical laboratory to empirically derive correlations between the electrical and physical properties. In a second part compacted construction material is tested in-situ by deploying field testing apparatus and methods to measure the electrical properties of the porous construction material. The field equipment utilizes the established relationship of the electrical and physical characteristics to calculate the porous construction material density and moisture content. Also disclosed are tools for performing soil tests in trenches, e.g.

Abstract: Test apparatus for testing porous material such as used in roadway base or building foundations may be deployed in the field at various test sites. The test apparatus includes electrodes that contact the porous material under test and a sensor unit that supplies electromagnetic signals to the porous material. Response signals reveal electrical parameters such as complex impedance which can be equated to material properties such as density and moisture content. Reference may be made to empirical correlations made in laboratory tests using the same test apparatus to enable the effects of the test apparatus on the measurement to be accounted for. The electrodes may include flexible coplanar electrodes that reduce air gaps when in contact with the porous material.

Abstract: Test apparatus for testing porous material such as used in roadway base or building foundations may be deployed in the field at various test sites. The test apparatus includes electrodes that contact the porous material under test and a sensor unit that supplies electromagnetic signals to the porous material. Response signals reveal electrical parameters such as complex impedance which can be equated to material properties such as density and moisture content. Reference may be made to empirical correlations made in laboratory tests using the same test apparatus to enable the effects of the test apparatus on the measurement to be accounted for. The electrodes may include flexible coplanar electrodes that reduce air gaps when in contact with the porous material.