Additional Soil Evaluations at Yuma Proving Ground

Abstract

Abstract : On September 23 and 24, 1997 tests were performed by the University of Florida on soils at Phillips Drop Zone in Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. Soil Samples were also collected and additional tests were later made in the laboratory in order to characterize the soil properties. These tests were performed for the Army Research Laboratory. The objectives of this effort were primarily to characterize the soil conditions, particularly moisture and dielectric permittivity, in support of anticipated unexploded ordnance (UXO) related ground penetrating measurements. Described in the report are details of the field and laboratory soil tests. the results of those tests, and results of soil modeling for Yuma soils. The field tests which are described include time domain reflectometer tests and the resulting data from those tests. The laboratory tests include characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the soils, including measured moisture content. Comparisons of field measured moisture to the laboratory measurements are made. Soil model results are presented which show the calculated dielectric permittivity, conductivity, attenuation, and surface reflection loss of representative Yuma soils for different moisture contents ranging from 0 to 10%. The model data can be used to estimate several of the major attenuation effects encountered when trying to detect subsurface targets in the types of soils found in this area of Yuma.