Troxler RoadReader 3430 User manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction
Model 3430
(and Model 3430-M)
Surface
Moisture-Density
Gauge
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
3008 Cornwallis Rd. •P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER
Outside the USA: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: [phone]
www.troxlerlabs.com

ii
The Troxler Model 3430 Surface Moisture-Density Gauge
is protected by U.S. and Foreign Patents
Copyright ♥1990–2006
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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.
WD-40 is a registered trademark of the WD-40 Company.
PN 105305
December 2006
Edition 8.1

Model 3430
iii
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
The Safety Alert Symbol shall appear within this manual. Wherever it
appears in this manual or on safety signs affixed to the machine, this is
to make all aware of the potential for personal injury and to be cautious
when these images are present.
Always observe all WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE recommendations
listed within this manual before operating the machine.

iv
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: [phone]
Web: www.troxlerlabs.com
Technical Support
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
E-mail: [e-mail]
Midwestern Branch Office
1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: [phone]
Western Regional Branch Office
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Fax: [phone]
Southwestern Branch Office
2016 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: [phone]
Florida Service Center
2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Fax: [phone]
Troxler European Subsidiary
Troxler Electronics GmbH
Gilchinger Strasse 33
D.82239 Alling nr. Munich, Germany
Phone: ++49.8141.71063
Fax: ++49.8141.80731
E-mail: [e-mail]
NOTE
To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service
center near you, call 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537).

Model 3430
v
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
Units intended for use in countries that are members of the
European Community are shipped with a CE-approvedAC
adapter, Troxler bin number 108354.
Gauge cover is to be removed by trained service personnel
only. There are no user-serviceable components inside.Note
that components behind the cover can have voltage
potentials in excess of 50 volts during normal operation of
the gauge.
Appendix A, Radiation Theory and Safety should be read
carefully and understood before using the gauge.
See page C-8, Alkaline Battery Use.
The source rod should automatically retract to the SAFE
position when the gauge is lifted by the handle.
See page C-12, Tungsten Sliding Block.

vi
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC
Standards to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1
EN 55011 Group 1, Class A
EN 50082-2
An EMC Technical Report/Certificate has been issued in accordance
with Part IV (Reg 50) of the UK Regulations (SI 1992 No. 2372) by a UK
appointed Competent Body, namely,
Interference Technology International Limited
41-42 Shrivenham, Hundred Business Park
Shrivenham, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 8TZ
Certificate Number C283TRO.1ABS Dated 16th January 1997
Troxler Document Number 108205
Manufacturer: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
PO Box 12057
3008 Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
USA
Apparatus: Model 3430 Surface Moisture-Density Gauge
Year of Declaration: 1997 (Original)
2006 (Corrected)

Model 3430
vii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Congratulations on the purchase of the Troxler Model 3430
Surface Moisture-Density Gauge.
The Model 3430 Manual of Operation and Instruction contains
information on how the Model 3430 operates and provides
directions on the use of this gauge. Site selection, basic parameter
setup, moisture and density determination, storage, and advanced
operations are included, along with radiological information and
system troubleshooting.
GUIDE TO SYMBOLS AND FORMATTING
Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to
reveal the purpose of the text as follows:
CAUTION Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not
followed correctly, may cause personal injury or
equipment damage.
NOTE Indicates important information that must be readto
ensure proper operation.
♦ Diamonds indicate a list of things needed (suchas
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.
〈KEY〉Angle brackets and a different typestyle indicate a
key or character (number or letter) to press on the
control unit keypad. For example, “Press 〈STD〉”
means to press the key labeled STD.
DISPLAY A different typestyle is also used to indicate text
displayed on the control unit.

vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL 3430
Introduction....................................................................................1-2
Gauge Parts and Accessories.........................................................1-4
Unpacking and Inspection .............................................................1-6
Storage Site Selection....................................................................1-7
CHAPTER 2. THEORY OF OPERATION
Density...........................................................................................2-2
Moisture.........................................................................................2-5
CHAPTER 3. OPERATING THE GAUGE
The Keypad....................................................................................3-2
Source Rod Positions.....................................................................3-4
Daily Inspection.............................................................................3-5
Turning the Gauge On ...................................................................3-6
Gauge Parameter Setup..................................................................3-7
Taking the Standard Count..........................................................3-10
Site Preparation/Gauge Positioning.............................................3-12
Taking a Measurement – Soil Mode............................................3-15
Taking a Measurement – Asphalt Mode......................................3-17
CHAPTER 4. ADVANCED GAUGE OPERATION
Offsets............................................................................................4-2
Special Calibrations.......................................................................4-7
Thin Layer Measurements ...........................................................4-11
CHAPTER 5. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
Recall.............................................................................................5-2
Offset .............................................................................................5-2
Stat Test .........................................................................................5-2
Drift Test........................................................................................5-5
Special Calibration.........................................................................5-7
Specific Gravity.............................................................................5-7
Voidless Density............................................................................5-8
Set Units.........................................................................................5-8
Calibration Constants.....................................................................5-9
Memory Reset..............................................................................5-10
Test Reading................................................................................5-10
Language......................................................................................5-11

viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
APPENDIX A. RADIOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Radiation Theory...........................................................................A-2
Radiation Safety............................................................................A-5
APPENDIX B. SPECIFICATIONS
Measurement.................................................................................B-2
Radiological ..................................................................................B-4
Electrical........................................................................................B-5
Mechanical....................................................................................B-6
APPENDIX C. TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE
Troubleshooting.............................................................................C-2
Battery Charging...........................................................................C-8
Mechanical Maintenance.............................................................C-10
Leak Testing................................................................................C-15
Replacement Parts .......................................................................C-16
Returning the Gauge for Service.................................................C-26
Troxler Service Centers...............................................................C-28
APPENDIX D. TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING
U.S. Requirements.........................................................................D-2
Canadian Shipping Requirements.................................................D-4
APPENDIX E. STANDARD COUNT LOG
APPENDIX F. UNIT CONVERSION
Measurement Units........................................................................F-2
Radiological Units.........................................................................F-2
INDEX
WARRANTY

Model 3430
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1-1 Model 3430 Gauge and Accessories..........................1-5
2-1 Direct Transmission Geometry ..................................2-3
2-2 Backscatter Geometry................................................2-3
2-3 Backscatter Surface Density Effects (Top Layer
Effect Curves) ............................................................2-4
2-4 Effect of Moisture on Depth of Measurement............2-6
3-1 Model 3430 Keypad...................................................3-2
3-2 Source Rod Positions .................................................3-4
3-3 Standard Count Position...........................................3-11
3-4 Drill Rod Positioning ...............................................3-12
3-5 Marking the Test Area..............................................3-13
3-6 Voids Illustration......................................................3-16
A-1 Diagram of an Atom..................................................A-2
A-2 Variation of Radioactive Emission ...........................A-4
A-3 Effect of Distance on Exposure.................................A-6
A-4 Model 3430 Gauge and Transport Case....................A-8
C-1 Removing the Tungsten Sliding Block ...................C-13
C-2 3430 Gauge Assembly ............................................C-17
C-3 3430 Gauge Base Mechanical Assembly................ C-19
C-4 3430 Source Rod Handle Assembly........................C-19
C-5 3430 Gauge Preamplifier Assembly .......................C-21
C-6 3430 Gauge Scaler Assembly .................................C-23

x
LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
3-1 Model 3430 Keypad Functions.................................. 3-3
4-1 K Values for Thin Lift Overlays.............................. 4-13
A-1 Radiation Profile for Model 3430 Gauge...................A-9
A-2 Radiation Profile for Model 3430-M Gauge............A-10

Model 3430
xi
ATTENTION GAUGE OWNER
This gauge 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 the specific function in Chapter 5.
The ACCESS CODE for this gauge is:
4678
This page should be removed if the access code is not to be
distributed to other parties or users of this gauge.

xii
NOTES

Model 3430
1-1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL 3430
This chapter provides a general introduction to the Model 3430
Surface Moisture-Density Gauge and its applications. Also included
are a list of the gauge parts and accessories, instructions for
unpacking and inspecting the system, and guidelines for site
selections.
CONTENTS
Introduction....................................................................................1-2
Gauge Parts and Accessories.........................................................1-4
Unpacking and Inspection .............................................................1-6
Storage Site Selection....................................................................1-7
INTRODUCTION

1-2
INTRODUCTION
The Model 3430 Surface Moisture-Density Gauge can quickly and
precisely determine the moisture and density of soils, soil bases,
aggregate, concrete and asphaltic concrete without the use of core
samples or other destructive methods.
Using direct transmission or backscattered gamma radiation, the
3430 gauge determines the density of materials by counting the
number of photons emitted by a cesium-137 source. Geiger-Mueller
(G-M) detectors located in the gauge base detect the gamma
radiation and a microprocessor converts the counts into a density
reading.
Using the principle of neutron thermalization, the Model 3430
determines the moisture content of soils and soil-like materials.
Hydrogen (water) in the material slows neutrons emitted from an
americium-241:beryllium source (or californium-252 in the Model
3430-M). Helium-3 detectors located in the gauge base detect the
slowed neutrons.
The nuclear method of testing density and moisture has been
approved by the American Society of Testing and Materials
(ASTM). The Model 3430 meets or exceeds all the requirements of
ASTM Standards C1040, D2922, D2950, and D3017.
Some information contained in this manual is used in training
courses offered by Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. and to assist
purchasers in obtaining a Radioactive Materials License from the
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an Agreement State.
Owners of this gauge must maintain a current radioactive materials
license as long as they own the gauge, even if it is in storage and not
actively being used.

Model 3430
1-3
Any licensing issues discussed in this manual are for the United
States. To purchase a Model 3430 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.
This manual provides a guide to Canadian shipping requirements in
Appendix D.
Owners are encouraged to require study of this manual by users
before allowing any use of the instrument. To monitor exposure to
radiation, personnel should wear a dosimeter while operating or
cleaning the gauge. The sections of the manual covering radiation
safety should be required reading for all operators and potential
operators. If these sections are not completely understood, users
should seek assistance from Troxler, an appointed Troxler
representative or others designated within the user
organization. Additional radiation safety information is available
by attending a Troxler Nuclear Gauge Training Course.
As changes are made to local, state, and federal regulations on a
continuing basis, the owner/user must maintain a knowledge of
these regulations. The responsibility for compliance ultimately falls
upon the owner. The owner may also wish to purchase and
subscribe to Titles 10 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations in
addition to applicable local/state regulations.
NOTE
This manual also contains radiological information for
the Model 3430-M. The 3430 and 3430-M have the same
functions and operational aspects but different neutron
sources.
INTRODUCTION

1-4
GAUGE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Figure 1-1 shows the Model 3430 gauge and its accessories. Use
this figure and the list below to identify the gauge and parts as they
are unpacked.
1. The Gauge is a portable instrument containing all electronic
modules, battery packs, detectors, and radioactivesources.
2. The Reference Standard Block provides a uniform reference
material for gauge adjustment to compensate for sourcedecay.
3. The Scraper Plate/Drill Rod Guide is used to prepare thetest
site and aid in guiding the drill rod into the soil.
4. The Drill Rod is used to prepare a hole for a directtransmission
reading. Do Not Use the Source Rod For This Purpose!
5. Two Chargers/Adapters are supplied: one for DC (12VDC)
and one for AC (115/230 VAC 50/60 Hz.)
6. The Transport Case is a container designed for transportation
of the gauge and associated parts.
7. The Extraction Tool provides a means of removing thedrill
rod from the test material after use.

Model 3430
1-5
Figure 1-1. Model 3430 Gauge and Accessories
INTRODUCTION

1-6
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Upon receipt of the gauge from the factory, a complete inspection
and inventory should be performed. If the shipping case, any other
part of the container, or the gauge appears to be 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 D.
Check to see if the following literature and components have been
included:
♦ Manual of Operation and Instruction
♦ Gauge Warranty
♦ Source Certificate
♦ 3430 Gauge
♦ Scraper Plate
♦ Drill Rod
♦ AC Battery Charger
♦ DC Charger/Adapter
♦ One handle lock with keys
Lift the gauge from the case. Inspect the gauge for damage. Check
the lock on the handle. Ensure the keys fit the lock.