Application of Dual-Energy Gamma-Ray Technique for Nondestructive Soil Moisture and Density Measurement During Freezing

Abstract

Frost heave is a phenomenon unique to freezing soils. To study frost heave, a dual-energy gamma-ray technique has been adapted to determine nondestructively the soil bulk density variation and moisture migration that occur as the soil freezes and heaves. The technique uses two radioactive sources for simultaneous measurement of density and moisture content. Test results show good agreement between measured and calculated data for density and moisture content. The test data indicate that the dual-energy gamma-ray technique can accurately and reliably provide continuous nondestructive monitoring of both density and moisture content variations along a freezing soil column. Freeze front location can also be determined.