PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Randrup, Thomas B. AU - Lichter, John M. TI - Measuring Soil Compaction on Construction Sites: A Review of Surface Nuclear Gauges and Penetrometers AID - 10.48044/jauf.2001.013 DP - 2001 May 01 TA - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF) PG - 109--117 VI - 27 IP - 3 4099 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/27/3/109.short 4100 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/27/3/109.full SO - JOA2001 May 01; 27 AB - This paper reviews two techniques of determining soil compaction on construction sites. The surface nuclear gauge is found suitable for measuring soil compaction in soils with less than 5% organic matter by weight and at a depth of no more than 0.15 m (6 in.). Penetrometer readings are often unreliable on compacted soils, as well as in dry and stony soil conditions. Therefore, the penetrometer is rarely a valuable device on construction sites as a definitive measurement instrument, but it may be useful as an indicator of compacted areas. Recommendations to measure soil compaction on construction sites are given.