DEVELOPMENT AND TEST OF A SOD-REMOVAL PROCEDURE FOR MOIST LAWNS CONTAMINATED BY SIMULATED FALLOUT
Abstract
A sod-cutting machine was evaluated for its usefulness in the radiological reclamation of small lawn areas - some of which were confined by sidewalks, trees and buildings. Fallout conditions were simulated by contaminating lawn test areas with radio-traced sand. Nominal particle size ranges of 44-88 microns, 88-177 microns, 177-350 microns and 350-700 microns were used. This fallout simulant was dispersed at nominal concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 g/sq ft, respectively. Reclamation effectiveness of sod cutting was dependent upon machine factors (blade depth), soil characteristics (moisture content) and fallout simulant properties (mass loading). The least effective sod removal results were obtained in confined lawns with high moisture content and heavy rock concentrations. The best sod cutting and removal effectiveness results were obtained on more accessible lawns having less moisture content and only a light concentration of rocks. Simulant particle size was found to have little, if any, effect upon reclamation performance either with respect to effort required or removal effectiveness achieved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0631529
Entities
People
- W. L. Owen
- William C. Cobbin
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory