How to Take a Nuclear Compaction Test

Contact the your state's health department and inquire about any required licensing and forms to complete. Complete all licensing exams per the health department’s instructions, since some states require that only licensed operators handle a nuclear gauge. Ask the health department for the required forms for testing.

Complete the required Health Department forms. Write the project description, contract number, county in which the test is being performed, operator license number, the gauge serial number and any other required information.

Remove all loose material, including disturbed earth, from the test site. Flatten a large enough area of the surface to accommodate the nuclear gauge with a compactor. Fill any holes with native fines, which is dirt from the nearby area. Sift the dirt through a 2-millimeter sieve to remove any large clumps or rocks.

Position the drill and drill rod guide on the test surface. Put your foot on the drill rod guide. Drill a hole at least two inches deeper than the maximum test depth indicated by the nuclear gauge’s manufacturer’s instructions.

Repeat this process for all test sites.

Sit the gauge on the first test area and insert the probe into the drilled hole. Seat the gauge, or lock it into place, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Run 3 one-minute test cycles per the nuclear gauge manufacturer’s instructions. Write down the readings on the Health Department forms and reseat the gauge per the manufacturer’s instructions after each cycle. Consult the owner’s manual for gauge reading instructions. Repeat for all test sites.