1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers field measurement of limiting values for vertical and horizontal hydraulic conductivities (also referred to as coefficients of permeability) of porous materials using the two-stage, cased borehole technique. These limiting hydraulic conductivity values are the maximum possible for the vertical direction and minimum possible for the horizontal direction. Determination of actual hydraulic conductivity values requires further analysis by qualified personnel.

1.2 This test method may be utilized for compacted fills or natural deposits, above or below the water table, that have a mean hydraulic conductivity less than or equal to 1X10 ^-15 m/s (1X10 ^-3 cm/s).

1.3 Hydraulic conductivity greater than 1X10 ^-5 m/s may be determined by ordinary borehole tests, for example, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 7310 (1); however, the resulting value is an apparent conductivity.

1.4 For this field test method, a distinction must be made between 'saturated' (K _s ) and 'field-saturated' (K _fs ) hydraulic conductivity. True saturated conditions seldom occur in the vadose zone except where impermeable layers result in the presence of perched water tables. During infiltration events or in the event of a leak from a lined pond, a 'field-saturated' condition develops. True saturation does not occur due to entrapped air (2). The entrapped air prevents water from moving in air-filled pores that, in turn, may reduce the hydraulic conductivity measured in the field by as much as a factor of two compared to conditions when trapped air is not present (3). This field test method simulates the 'field-saturated' condition.

1.5 Experience with this test method has been predominantly in materials having a degree of saturation of 70 % or more, and where the stratification or plane of compaction is relatively horizontal. Its use in other situations should be considered experimental.

1.6 As in the case of all tests for hydraulic conductivity, the results of this test pertain only to the volume of soil permeated. Extending the results to the surrounding area requires both multiple tests and the judgment of qualified personnel. The number of tests required depends on among other things: the size of the area, the uniformity of the material in that area, and the variation in data from multiple tests.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard unless other units specifically are given. By tradition in U.S. practice, hydraulic conductivity is reported in cm/s although the common SI units for hydraulic conductivity are m/s.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. This test method does not purport to address environmental protection problems, as well.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D1452 Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings

D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes

D2937 Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method

D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D5084 Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible Wall Permeameter

D5092 Practice for Design and Installation of Ground Water Monitoring Wells

D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data

Keywords

horizontal hydraulic conductivity; in-place hydraulic activity; vertical hydraulic conductivity; Coefficient of permeability; Field testing--ground water/aquifers; Flow and flow rate--water; Horizontal hydraulic conductivity; Hydraulic conductivity/transmissivity; In-place hydraulic conductivity; Soil; TEG (temperature effect guage); Vertical hydraulic conductivity

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 07.060 (Geology. Meteorology. Hydrology); 73.100.30 (Equipment for drilling and mine excavation)

DOI: 10.1520/D6391-99

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.