What is a common method for assessing soil compaction on site?

Nuclear density testing is a widely recognized method for assessing soil compaction on site due to its effectiveness in providing accurate and immediate results. This technique utilizes radioactive isotopes to measure moisture and density in the soil, allowing inspectors to determine whether the compaction meets specified project requirements. It gives precise readings that help ensure the soil's structural integrity and stability for subsequent construction activities.

Other methods such as visual inspection, core sampling, and field observation may offer insights into soil conditions or compaction, but they do not match the accuracy and reliability that nuclear density testing provides. Visual inspection relies on subjective assessment and may overlook undetected compaction issues, while core sampling can be invasive and time-consuming without delivering real-time feedback. Field observation, although useful for general assessments, cannot quantify soil density or moisture levels definitively. Thus, nuclear density testing remains the preferred method in construction projects focused on achieving and verifying the required soil compaction.