No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems, for any purpose without the express written permission of
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
Fantastic is a trademark of Dow Consumer Products, Inc.
Federal Express is a registered trademark of the Federal Express
Corporation.
409 is a trademark of the Clorox Company.
Magnalube-G is a registered trademark of Carleton-Stuart
Corporation.
Microsoft, Excel, HyperTerminal, Windows, and Word are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
WD-40 is a registered trademark of the WD-40 Company.
PN 110890
February 2007
Edition 1.0
ii
TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS
Troxler Corporate Headquarters
3008 Cornwallis Road
P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: +1.919.549.0761
Web: www.troxlerlabs.com
Technical Support
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
E-mail: TroxTechSupport@troxlerlabs.com
Midwestern Branch Office
1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: 630.261.9341
Western Regional Branch Office
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Fax: 916.631.0541
Southwestern Branch Office
2016 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: 817.275.8562
To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service
center near you, call 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537).
Congratulations on the purchase of a Troxler Model 3430 Plus or
3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauge. Troxler continues the
proven technology of its 3400 Series surface moisture-density
gauges with the Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus.
The Model 3430 Plus & 3440 PlusManual of Operation and Instruction contains information on safely using this gauge. Also
included in this manual are safety warnings, gauge setup,
troubleshooting, and general maintenance.
NOTE
Before operating the gauge, read this manual carefully.
If you do not completely understand the sections that
cover radiation safety, contact your company radiation
safety officer (RSO) or the nearest Troxler
representative.
iv
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to
reveal the purpose of the text as follows:
WARNING
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not
followed correctly, may cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed
correctly, may cause equipment damage.
NOTE
Indicates important information that must be read to
ensure proper operation.
〈KEY〉Angle brackets and a different typestyle indicate a
key or character (number or letter) to press on the
gauge keypad. For example, “Press 〈START〉”
means to press the key labeled START.
DISPLAY A different typestyle is used in text to indicate
information or messages displayed on the gauge.
DISPLAY - Typestyle
and shading used to
simulate the gauge
display
♦ Diamonds indicate a list of things needed (such as
equipment) or things to know.
Check marks indicate the performance of an action.
With lists of check marks, follow the instructions in
the order of the check marks.
Triangles indicate that more than one option is
available. Carefully select the option that applies.
C–2 Typical Battery Operating Life ...............................C–11
I–1 GPS Position Accuracy..............................................I–4
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus xi
NOTES
xii
ATTENTION
MODEL 3430 PLUS OR 3440 PLUS
GAUGE OWNER
This unit contains functions that require an ACCESS CODE.
This code must be entered before these functions may be used.
For more information on using the access code, refer to
Chapter 9.
The ACCESS CODE for this gauge is:
4708
This page should be removed if the access code is not to be
distributed to other parties or users of this gauge.
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus xiii
NOTES
xiv
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides a brief overview of the Troxler Model 3430
Plus and 3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauges, and includes
a list of the gauge parts and accessories, as well as instructions for
unpacking and inspecting the gauge.
Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................ 1–5
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–7
1. INTRODUCTION
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–1
INTRODUCTION
Since 1958, Troxler has been the worldwide leader in precision
quality control and measurement equipment for the highway and
construction industry. Troxler’s Model 3430 and 3440 Surface
Moisture-Density Gauges have become the industry standard for
measuring the moisture content and density of construction
materials. With the Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges, Troxler
has added a number of new features to the proven technology of the
company’s earlier products to provide increased performance,
flexibility, ease of use, and operator safety.
Using the Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges, the operator can
quickly and precisely measure the moisture content and density of
construction materials. Both gauges feature:
♦ Two measurement modes (Soil and Asphalt) for precise
compaction control readings in most construction materials:
Soil Mode: For moisture/density determinations in soil and soil-
stone materials in layers of 4 inches or greater.
Asphalt Mode: For density determinations in asphalt or
hardened concrete layers of 4 inches or greater.
♦ A Nomograph function for density determinations in asphalt
layers of less than 4 inches.
♦ Calibration offsets (density, moisture, and trench) to expand
measurement possibilities, and to enhance gauge readings on
materials that may fall outside the range of factory calibration.
♦ Over 30 functions to facilitate all phases of testing compaction
on construction materials.
♦ A backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) to help the operator read
the display during night construction.
♦ Easy-to-use keypad and user-friendly menus to reduce training
time to increase productivity.
♦ An internally mounted beeper, which emits a short tone in
response to a valid keystroke on the keypad. The beeper sounds
a longer tone if the operator presses an invalid key, if the gauge
displays an error message, or to signal the conclusion of a
measurement.
1–2
♦ A serial port used to connect the gauge to an RS-232 device,
such as a computer or printer.
In addition to the items listed above, the Model 3440 Plus gauge
includes the following features:
♦ A backlit keypad for greater ease of use in low-light conditions.
♦ A remote keypad, including a 〈START〉 and 〈ESC〉 key, at the
top of its source rod housing. The remote keypad reduces the
amount of bending and stooping the operator must do while
operating the gauge.
♦ A USB port, which can be used to output data to a USB printer
or flash drive. A list of compatible USB devices is available at:
www.troxlerlabs.com/PRODUCTS/PRODLIT/otherlit.shtml
.
♦ In addition to its internal beeper, a louder, external beeper is
included on the Model 3440 Plus. The external beeper performs
the same functions as the internal one, and can be enabled or
disabled as desired by the operator.
The Model 3440 Plus can also be equipped with an optional global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The GPS receiver enables the
gauge to store precise GPS coordinates, along with the standard date
and time stamp, for each measurement. For more information on the
GPS option, refer to Appendix I.
The Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges meet or exceed all
applicable American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standards (or corresponding equivalent), including:
♦ ASTM D-2950: Standard Test Method for Density of
Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Method.
♦ ASTM D-6938-06: Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density
and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear
Methods (Shallow Depth)
NOTE
As of November 2006, ASTM D-6938-06 replaces ASTM
D-2922: Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and
Soil-Aggregate in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow
Depth) and ASTM D-3017: Standard Test Method for
Water Content of Soil and Rock in Place by Nuclear
Methods (Shallow Depth).
1. INTRODUCTION
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–3
Any licensing issues discussed in this manual are for the United
States. To purchase a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus in Canada,
owners must obtain a radioisotope license from the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The owner should obtain
copies of the CNSC Regulations and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations (TDG). For other countries,
please consult your local regulatory agency.
Owners are encouraged to require study of this manual before
allowing anyone to use the gauge. A potential hazard does exist if improperly used. Appendices A and B, which cover radiological
safety and transportation requirements, should be required reading
for all users and potential users. If these appendices are not
completely understood, users should seek assistance from
Troxler, an appointed Troxler representative, or others
designated within the user's organization.
Additional radiation safety information is available by attending a
Troxler Nuclear Gauge Safety Training Course. For pricing and
availability of these courses, visit the Troxler website at
www.troxlerlabs.com/TRAINING/training.shtml
Troxler representative.
Before operating the gauge, users in European countries must refer
to Appendix G for special considerations, additional safety
warnings, and the Declaration of Conformity.
Since changes are made to local, state, and federal regulations on a
continuing basis, the owner/operator must maintain awareness of
current requirements. The responsibility for compliance ultimately falls on the owner. An owner in the United States may also wish to
purchase and subscribe to Titles 10 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in addition to applicable local/state regulations.
or contact your
1–4
GAUGE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
1. INTRODUCTION
Figure 1–1. Gauge Parts and Accessories
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–5
1. The Gauge is the portable instrument containing all electronic
modules, the rechargeable battery pack, detectors, and the
radioactive sources.
2. The Reference Standard Block provides a measurement
standard for standard counts. It is also used during stability and
drift tests.
3. The Drill Rod is used to drill holes for direct transmission
measurements. Do not use the source rod of the gauge to drill holes.
4. The Scraper Plate/Drill Rod Guide is used to prepare the test
site and to guide the drill rod when preparing the source rod
hole for direct transmission measurements.
5. The Extraction Tool provides leverage to remove the drill rod
from soil materials.
6. The AC Charger and DC Adapter are used to charge the
gauge batteries. The ac charger accepts 90 – 220 V ac, 50/60 Hz
and supplies 12 V dc. The dc adapter allows recharging from an
automobile cigarette lighter.
7. The Transport Case provided with the gauge has been
approved as a Type A package. Always use this transport case
when transporting or shipping the gauge.
8. The Manual details how to use the gauge. Both the manual and
the Transportation Guide discuss radiation safety and gauge
shipping concerns.
9. A Printer (optional, not shown) connects to the gauge for
printing data.
10. A Printer Cable (optional, not shown) is used to connect the
gauge to a serial printer or computer.
1–6
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Troxler recommends that the operator wear a dosimeter while
working with the gauge. Upon receipt of the gauge from the factory,
perform a complete inspection and inventory. If the shipping case
and/or any other part or accessory appears damaged, notify the
carrier and your Troxler Representative immediately.
For shipping to another location or back to the factory, save the box
and any packing material. For shipping instructions and regulations,
please see Appendix B.
Check the shipping case for the following:
♦ Gauge
♦ Reference Standard Block
♦ Drill Rod
♦ Scraper Plate/Drill Rod Guide
♦ Extraction Tool
♦ AC Charger
♦ DC Adapter (for a vehicle cigarette lighter)
♦ Manual of Operation and Instruction
♦ Gauge Warranty
♦ Source Certificate
♦ Transportation Guide (This guide refers to U.S. standards. All
other countries please refer to local regulations. In the absence
of local regulations, please use this guide as a reference only)
1. INTRODUCTION
WARNING
The source rod should always be in the SAFE
position when the gauge is not in use.
NOTE
Charge the batteries for four hours prior to initial use.
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–7
Lift the gauge from the transport case and inspect the outside
surface for damage. Check the lock on the source rod handle and
make sure the keys fit. Remove the lock, release the trigger, and
check the source rod operation. It should move up and down with
little effort. Return the gauge to the transport case.
1–8
CHAPTER 2
THEORY OF OPERATION
This chapter provides a brief description of the theory of operation
of the Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus Surface MoistureDensity Gauges. The direct transmission and backscatter modes of
operation are illustrated, along with an explanation of the
cesium-137 source, americium-241:beryllium source, and detector
geometry.
The Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus Surface MoistureDensity Gauges use two modes of operation: direct transmission mode (with the source rod extended into the material to be
measured) and backscatter mode (with the source rod in the
backscatter position, just above the surface of the material). Source
rod positions are described in Chapter 3.
WARNING
The source rod should always be in the SAFE
position when the gauge is not in use.
In the direct transmission position, the source rod extends through
the base of the gauge into a pre-drilled hole to a desired depth.
Photons from the cesium-137 (Cs-137) source in the source rod pass
through the test material. While passing through the test material,
the photons collide with electrons and lose energy. A high material
density increases the probability of these photon collisions. This
decreases the number of photons that reach the Geiger-Mueller
(G-M) detectors in the base of the gauge. Thus, the number of
photons reaching the detectors is inversely related to the density of
the material: the higher the density of the material, the fewer the
photons that reach the detectors. Using the gauge calibration, the
gauge software converts the G-M detector counts to a density value.
In the backscatter position, the source rod is lowered to the first
notch below the SAFE (shielded) position. This places the source
and the detectors in the same plane, with the source just above the
surface of the material. Shielding between the source and detectors
greatly reduces the number of photons reaching the detectors in a
direct path from the source. Thus, the photons from the Cs-137
source must travel into the test material and scatter (or reflect) at
least once to reach the G-M detectors. The detectors in the gauge
base count these scattered photons.
2–2
MOISTURE
The gauge uses the principle of neutron thermalization to monitor
the moisture content of a material. The gauge includes an
americium-241:beryllium (Am-241:Be) source that is fixed in the
gauge’s base. Fast neutrons emitted by the Am-241:Be source pass
into the test material. Multiple collisions between the fast neutrons
and a similarly sized mass (such as the nuclei of hydrogen atoms)
cause the neutrons to slow to the point where further collisions with
hydrogen or other materials will not continue to reduce the neutron
energy further. These neutrons are said to have been thermalized.
The gauge contains a helium-3 detector that is sensitive only to
thermalized, or “slow,” neutrons. As a result, the moisture counts
relate directly to the amount of hydrogen in the material. Using the
gauge calibration, the gauge software converts the helium-3 detector
counts to a moisture content. (Note that the helium-3 detector is in
the same plane as the Am-241:Be source. Therefore, moisture
measurement is similar to a density measurement taken in
backscatter mode, as described earlier in this chapter.)
The depth of measurement is defined in terms of a maximum depth
beneath the surface of the material being measured. Of the neutrons
counted by the gauge, 98 percent will penetrate no deeper than the
depth of measurement. The depth of measurement is a function of
moisture content. The following equations can be used to determine
the approximate depth of measurement.
Depth (inches) = 11 – (0.17
Depth (mm) = 280 – (0.27
The normalized curve set shown in Figure 2–1 illustrates the effects
of moisture content on the depth of measurement.
×
M), where: M = moisture in pcf
or
×
M), where: M = moisture in kg/m3
2. OPERATION THEORY
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 2–3
40
Depth = 11 - (0.17 X M)
35
30
25
E
32.3 pcf
S
20.8 pcf
3
336 kg/m
5.95 pcf
12
3
96 kg/m
Gauge Measured Moisture Content (pcf)
3
20
15
10
5
0
0
)
640
560
480
400
320
240
160
80
Gauge Measured Moisture Content (kg/m
0
050100150200250300
24
6810
Depth (in)
Depth = 280 - (0.27 X M)
521 kg/m
Depth (mm)
The dotted lines indicate the maximum depth of gauge
measurement at a given soil moisture content.
Figure 2–1. Effect of Moisture on Depth of Measurement
3
2–4
CALIBRATION
Troxler calibrates the gauge at the factory and recommends that it
always be calibrated by an authorized Troxler service center. For a
list of Troxler and authorized Troxler service centers, refer to page
iii of this manual or visit the Troxler website at
www.troxlerlabs.com/SERVICES/services.shtml
The operating range of the gauge is from 1100 to 2700 kg/m
(approximately 70 to 170 pcf).
OFFSETS
The factory calibration provides accurate results for the majority of
materials encountered in construction. If the gauge is to be used to
test materials not covered by the factory calibration, the readings
can be adjusted using an offset.
Perform a density offset if the test material is outside the density
range for average soil or if the material composition varies from
average soil/asphalt. Perform a moisture offset if the test material
contains hydrogenous materials (other than water) or materials that
absorb neutrons. Materials such as cement, gypsum, coal, mica, and
lime all contain chemically bound hydrogen that will cause the
gauge to display a moisture content that is higher than actual.
Material such as boron and cadmium are neutron absorbers and will
cause the gauge to display a moisture count that is lower than actual.
Vertical structures scatter neutrons and gamma photons back to the
gauge. This could result in inaccurate moisture and density readings.
To take readings in a trench or within 0.6 m (2 ft) of a large vertical
structure, perform a trench offset.
.
3
2. OPERATION THEORY
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 2–5
NOTES
2–6
CHAPTER 3
GETTING STARTED
This chapter provides details on getting started with the Model 3430
Plus and 3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauges. It describes
the gauge keypad, and provides instructions for conducting daily
gauge inspections, turning the gauge on, and setting up the gauge.