Troxler RoadReader Plus 3450 User manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction
Model 3450
RoadReader™ Plus
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
Troxler gauges are protected by U.S. and foreign patents
Copyright ♥1996–2009
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.
Microsoft, Excel, Windows, and Word are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
RoadReader is a trademark of Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
WD-40 is a registered trademark of the WD-40 Company.
PN 107837
January 2009
Edition 4.4

Model 3450
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]
Florida Service Center
2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Fax: [phone]
Texas Service Center
2016 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: [phone]
Illinois Service Center
1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: [phone]
Northern California Service Center
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
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 3450
v
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Congratulations on the purchase of the Troxler Model 3450
RoadReader Plus. Troxler continues the proven technology of its
3400 Series surface moisture-density gauges with the Troxler Model
3450 RoadReader Plus.
The Model 3450 Manual 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.

vi
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.
DISPLAY - Typestyle
and shading used to
simulate the gauge
display
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to
reveal the purpose of the text as follows:
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.
♦ 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.

Model 3450
vii
NOTES

vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL 3450
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................ 1–4
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–6
CHAPTER 2. THEORY OF OPERATION
Density.......................................................................................... 2–2
Moisture........................................................................................ 2–3
Thin Layer .................................................................................... 2–5
Calibration .................................................................................... 2–6
CHAPTER 3. GETTING STARTED
Model 3450 Illustration ................................................................ 3–2
Keypad.......................................................................................... 3–3
Source Rod Positions.................................................................... 3–5
Daily Inspection............................................................................ 3–6
Turning the Gauge On .................................................................. 3–7
Setup............................................................................................. 3–9
CHAPTER 4. USING THE GAUGE
Taking a Standard Count.............................................................. 4–2
Preparing a Test Site..................................................................... 4–6
Taking Measurements................................................................... 4–9
CHAPTER 5. PROJECT DATA
Separating the Control Unit.......................................................... 5–2
Handling Project Data................................................................... 5–5
Storing Data................................................................................ 5–10
CHAPTER 6. ADJUSTING MEASUREMENTS
Calibration Offset ......................................................................... 6–2
Special Calibration...................................................................... 6–11
APPENDIX A. RADIATION THEORY AND SAFETY
Radiation Theory ......................................................................... A–2
Radiation Safety........................................................................... A–5
Regulatory Requirements .......................................................... A–15
Gauge Use Precautions.............................................................. A–18
3450 Radiation Profile............................................................... A–19

viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
APPENDIX B. 3450 SPECIFICATIONS
Measurement Specifications.........................................................B–2
Radiological Specifications..........................................................B–5
Electrical Specifications...............................................................B–6
Mechanical Specifications............................................................B–8
APPENDIX C. TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE
Stat Test........................................................................................C–3
Drift Test......................................................................................C–5
Source Decay................................................................................C–8
Troubleshooting............................................................................C–9
Batteries......................................................................................C–18
Mechanical Maintenance............................................................C–22
Leak Testing...............................................................................C–25
Display Contrast.........................................................................C–27
Replacement Parts......................................................................C–28
Returning the Gauge for Service................................................C–30
APPENDIX D. TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING
U.S. Shipping 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
APPENDIX G. SPECIAL EUROPEAN CONSIDERATIONS
Declaration of Conformity ...........................................................G–2
Safety Warnings...........................................................................G–3
APPENDIX H. PRINTING (UPLOADING) PROJECT DATA
Windows Hyperterminal ..............................................................H–2
Viewing Project Data ...................................................................H–5
INDEX
WARRANTY

Model 3450
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1–1 Model 3450 Parts and Accessories............................1–4
2–1 Effect of Moisture on Depth of Measurement...........2–4
3–1 Model 3450 Illustration.............................................3–2
3–2 Model 3450 Keypad..................................................3–4
3–3 Source Rod Positions ................................................ 3–5
4–1 Standard Count Position............................................4–3
4–2 Drill Rod Assembly...................................................4–7
4–3 Marking the Test Area...............................................4–7
4–4 Gauge Positioned Around a Core Site.....................4–14
4–5 Gauge Positioned Over Designated Test Site.......... 4–15
6–1 Gauge Positioned Over Designated Test Site..........6–13
6–2 Taking Measurements Around a Core Site.............6–17
A–1 Diagram of an Atom................................................. A–2
A–2 Effect of Distance on Exposure................................ A–7
A–3 Cleaning the Sliding and Fixed Blocks.................. A–12
A–4 Performing a Leak Test.......................................... A–14
A–5 Model 3450 Gauge and Transport Case................. A–19
C–1 Replacing NiCad Battery Pack................................C–21
C–2 Display Contrast Adjustment..................................C–27

x
LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
3–1 Model 3450 Keypad Functions..................................3–3
A–1 Radiation Profile for Model 3450 Gauge................A–20

Model 3450
xi
ATTENTION 3450 GAUGE OWNER
This unit contains functions that require an ACCESS CODE.
This code must be entered before these functions may be used.
The ACCESS CODE for this gauge is:
4698
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 3450
1–1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL 3450
This chapter provides a brief overview of the Troxler Model 3450
RoadReaderPlus, and includes a list of the gauge parts and
accessories, and instructions for unpacking and inspecting the
gauge.
CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................ 1–4
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–6
1. INTRODUCTION

1–2
INTRODUCTION
Troxler has combined the proven technology of its 3400
(moisture/density) and 4640 (thin layer density) gauges to produce
the Troxler Model 3450 RoadReader Plus. The 3450 meets or
exceeds all applicable American Society of Testing and Materials
(ASTM) standards (or corresponding equivalent), including:
♦ ASTM D-2922: Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and
Soil-Aggregate in Place by Nuclear Methods (ShallowDepth).
♦ ASTM D-2950: Standard Test Method for Density of Bituminous
Concrete in Place by Nuclear Method.
♦ ASTM D-3017: Standard Test Method for Water Content of Soil
and Rock in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth).
With the 3450, the operator can quickly and precisely measure the
moisture content and density of construction materials. The gauge’s
features include:
♦ Three measurement modes (soil, asphalt, and thin layer) for
precise compaction control readings in most construction
materials:
Soil Mode: For moisture/density determinations in soil, 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.
Thin Layer Mode: For density determinations in asphalt layers
of less than 4 inches.
♦ Special calibration offsets (wet 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.

Model 3450
1–3
♦ Easy-to-use keypad and user-friendly menus to reduce training
time to increase productivity.
♦ Removable keypad assembly to allow the operator to upload
data to a PC without taking the gauge into the office.
Any licensing issues discussed in this manual are for the United
States. To purchase a Model 3450 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 D, which cover radiological
safety, 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 Training Course.
Before operating the 3450 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.
1. INTRODUCTION

1–4
GAUGE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Figure 1–1. Model 3450 Parts and Accessories

Model 3450
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 110 (220 and European
optional) V ac, 50/60 Hz and supplies 12 V dc. The dc adapter
allows recharging from an automobile cigarette lighter.
7. The Transport Case for the Model 3450 is a Type A package.
Always use a Type A package to ship the Model 3450.
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 gaugefor
printing data.
10. A Printer Cable (optional, not shown) is used to connectthe
gauge to a serial printer or computer.
1. INTRODUCTION

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 D.
Check the shipping case for the following:
♦ Model 3450 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)
NOTE
Charge the batteries for four hours prior to initial use.
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.

Model 3450
2–1
CHAPTER 2
THEORY OF OPERATION
This chapter provides a brief description of the theory of operation
of the Troxler Model 3450 RoadReader Plus. 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.
CONTENTS
Density.......................................................................................... 2–2
Moisture........................................................................................ 2–3
Thin Layer .................................................................................... 2–5
Calibration .................................................................................... 2–6
Offsets.................................................................................... 2–6
2. THEORY OFOPERATION