ASTM D5856-95(2007)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Material Using a Rigid-Wall, Compaction-Mold Permeameter
Standard Test Method for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Material Using a Rigid-Wall, Compaction-Mold Permeameter
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method applies to one-dimensional, laminar flow of water within laboratory-compacted, porous materials such as soil.
The hydraulic conductivity of porous materials generally decreases with an increasing amount of air in the pores of the material. This test method applies to porous materials containing little or no air. The test method is designed to minimize the amount of air in the test specimen. However, this test method does not ensure complete saturation of the test specimen with water. In cases where it is essential to saturate the test specimen fully with water, the compacted specimen may be tested using Test Method D5084.
This test method applies to permeation of porous materials with water. Permeation with other liquids, such as chemical wastes, can be accomplished using procedures similar to those described in this test method. However, this test method is only intended to be used when water is the permeant liquid.
It is assumed that Darcy's law is valid and that the hydraulic conductivity is essentially unaffected by hydraulic gradient. The validity of Darcy's law may be evaluated by measuring the hydraulic conductivity of the specimen at three hydraulic gradients; if all measured values are similar (within 25 %), then Darcy's law may be taken as valid. However, when the hydraulic gradient acting on a test specimen is changed, the state of stress will also change, and, if the specimen or pore fluid is compressible, the volume of the test specimen or pore fluid will change. Thus, some change in hydraulic conductivity may occur when the hydraulic gradient is altered, even in cases where Darcy's law is valid.
One potential problem with this method of testing is the possibility that water will flow along the interface between the test specimen and the compaction/permeameter ring. The problem tends to be of minimal significance for materials that swell when exposed to water (for example, compacted, clayey soils) but can be a very serious probl...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers laboratory measurement of the hydraulic conductivity (also referred to as coefficient of permeability) of laboratory-compacted materials with a rigid-wall, compaction-mold permeameter.
1.2 This test method may be used with laboratory-compacted specimens that have a hydraulic conductivity less than or equal to 1 × 10−5 m/s. The hydraulic conductivity of compacted materials that have hydraulic conductivities greater than 1 × 10−5 m/s may be determined by Test Method D2434.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard, unless other units are specifically given. By tradition in U.S. practice, hydraulic conductivity is reported in centimetres per second, although the common SI units for hydraulic conductivity are metres per second.
1.4 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.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D5856 − 95(Reapproved 2007)
Standard Test Method for
Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Material
Using a Rigid-Wall, Compaction-Mold Permeameter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5856; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft
(2,700 kN-m/m ))
1.1 This test method covers laboratory measurement of the
D2216Test Methods for Laboratory Determination ofWater
hydraulic conductivity (also referred to as coeffıcient of per-
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
meability)oflaboratory-compactedmaterialswitharigid-wall,
D2434Test Method for Permeability of Granular Soils
compaction-mold permeameter.
(Constant Head)
1.2 This test method may be used with laboratory-
D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
compacted specimens that have a hydraulic conductivity less
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
−5
than or equal to 1×10 m/s. The hydraulic conductivity of
Construction Materials Testing
compacted materials that have hydraulic conductivities greater
D5084Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Con-
−5
than 1×10 m/s may be determined by Test Method D2434.
ductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible
Wall Permeameter
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard, unless other units are specifically given. By tradition E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
Ventilation Ovens
in U.S. practice, hydraulic conductivity is reported in centime-
tres per second, although the common SI units for hydraulic
3. Terminology
conductivity are metres per second.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1 flux—quantity of flow per unit area per unit time.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.2 hydraulic conductivity, k—the rate of discharge of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
water under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sectional area of a porous medium under a unit hydraulic
gradient and standard temperature conditions (20°C).
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The term coeffıcient of permeability is
often used instead of hydraulic conductivity , but hydraulic
2.1 ASTM Standards:
conductivity is used exclusively in this test method. A more
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
complete discussion of the terminology associated with Dar-
Fluids
cy’s law is given in the literature .
D698Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft (600
3.1.3 pore volume of flow—the cumulative quantity of
kN-m/m ))
outflow from a test specimen divided by the volume of pore
D854Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
space in the specimen.
Water Pycnometer
3.1.4 For definitions of other terms used in this test method
D1557Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
see Terminology D653.
4. Significance and Use
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
4.1 This test method applies to one-dimensional, laminar
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.04 on Hydrologic
flow of water within laboratory-compacted, porous materials
Properties and Hydraulic Barriers.
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2007.PublishedJuly2007.Originallyapproved
such as soil.
e1
in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D5856–95(2002) . DOI:
10.1520/D5856-95R07.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Olson, R. E., and Daniel, D. E., “Measurement of the Hydraulic Conductivity
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on ofFine-GrainedSoils,” Symposium on Permeability and Groundwater Contaminant
the ASTM website. Transport, ASTM STP 746, ASTM, 1981, pp. 18–64.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5856 − 95 (2007)
4.2 The hydraulic conductivity of porous materials gener- 5% and shall be measured with the same accuracy or better.
ally decreases with an increasing amount of air in the pores of Pressures shall be measured by a pressure gage, electronic
the material. This test method applies to porous materials pressure transducer, or any other device of suitable accuracy.
containing little or no air. The test method is designed to Head of liquid in a standpipe may be measured with a
minimize the amount of air in the test specimen. However, this graduated pipette, ruler, scale, or other device of suitable
test method does not ensure complete saturation of the test accuracy.
specimen with water. In cases where it is essential to saturate 5.1.2 Falling Head—The system shall allow for measure-
the test specimen fully with water, the compacted specimen ment of the applied head loss, thus hydraulic gradient, to
may be tested using Test Method D5084. within6 5% or better at any time. In addition, the ratio of
initial head loss divided by final head loss over an interval of
4.3 This test method applies to permeation of porous mate-
timeshallbemeasuredsuchthatthiscomputedratioisaccurate
rials with water. Permeation with other liquids, such as
to within 6 5%. The head loss shall be measured with a
chemical wastes, can be accomplished using procedures simi-
pressure gage, electronic pressure transducer, engineer’s scale,
lar to those described in this test method. However, this test
graduated pipette, or any other device of suitable accuracy.
methodisonlyintendedtobeusedwhenwateristhepermeant
Falling head tests may be performed with either a constant
liquid.
tailwater elevation (Test Method B), rising tailwater elevation
4.4 It is assumed that Darcy’s law is valid and that the
(Test Method C), or increasing tailwater elevation (Test
hydraulic conductivity is essentially unaffected by hydraulic
Method D).
gradient. The validity of Darcy’s law may be evaluated by
5.1.3 Constant Rate of Flow—The system must be capable
measuring the hydraulic conductivity of the specimen at three
of maintaining a constant rate of flow through the specimen to
hydraulic gradients; if all measured values are similar (within
within 6 5% or better. Flow measurement or control shall be
25%),thenDarcy’slawmaybetakenasvalid.However,when
by calibrated syringe, graduated pipette, or other device of
thehydraulicgradientactingonatestspecimenischanged,the
suitable accuracy. The head loss across the specimen shall be
state of stress will also change, and, if the specimen or pore
measuredtoanaccuracyof 65%orbetterusinganelectronic
fluid is compressible, the volume of the test specimen or pore
pressure transducer or other device of suitable accuracy. A
fluidwillchange.Thus,somechangeinhydraulicconductivity
meanstoensurethattheheadbeingmeasuredisnotaffectedby
mayoccurwhenthehydraulicgradientisaltered,evenincases
sidewall leakage should be included. More information on
where Darcy’s law is valid.
testing with a constant rate of flow is given in the literature .
4.5 One potential problem with this method of testing is the
5.2 Flow Measurement System—Both inflow and outflow
possibility that water will flow along the interface between the
volumes shall be measured or controlled. Flow volumes shall
test specimen and the compaction/permeameter ring. The
be measured by a graduated accumulator, graduated pipette,
problem tends to be of minimal significance for materials that
graduated cylinder, vertical standpipe in conjunction with an
swell when exposed to water (for example, compacted, clayey
electronic pressure transducer, marriotte bottle, or other
soils) but can be a very serious problem for materials that
volume-measuring device of suitable accuracy. For long-term
might tend to shrink and pull away from the walls of the
tests, evaporative losses may be significant and should be
permeameter. Test Method D5084 is recommended for any
accounted for using a suitable correction procedure.
material that tends to shrink when exposed to the permeant
5.2.1 FlowAccuracy—Requiredaccuracyforthequantityof
liquid.
flow measured over an interval of time is 6 5% or better.
5.2.2 Head Losses—Headlossesinthetubes,valves,porous
4.6 The correlation between results obtained with this test
end pieces, and filter paper may lead to error.To guard against
method and the hydraulic conductivities of in-place, com-
such errors, the permeameter shall be assembled with no
pacted materials has not been fully investigated. Experience
specimen inside (but with any porous end pieces or sheets of
has sometimes shown that flow patterns in small, laboratory-
filter paper that will be used) and then the hydraulic system
prepared test specimens do not necessarily follow the same
filled. If a constant or falling head test is to be used, the
patterns on large field scales and that hydraulic conductivities
hydraulic pressures or heads that will be used in testing a
measured on small test specimens are not necessarily the same
specimen shall be applied, and the rate of flow measured with
as larger-scale values. Therefore, the results should be applied
an accuracy of 6 5% or better. This rate of flow shall be at
to field situations with caution and by qualified personnel.
least ten times greater than the rate of flow that is measured
when a specimen has been compacted inside the permeameter
5. Apparatus
and the same hydraulic pressures or heads are applied. If a
5.1 Hydraulic System—Constant head (Test Method A),
constant rate of flow test is to be used, the rate of flow to be
falling head (Test Methods B, C, and D), or constant rate of
usedintestingaspecimenshallbesuppliedtothepermeameter
flow(TestMethodE)systemsmaybeusedprovidedtheymeet
and the head loss measured. The head loss without a specimen
the criteria outlined as follows:
shall be less than 0.1 times the head loss when a specimen is
5.1.1 Constant Head—The system must be capable of
present.
maintaining a constant hydraulic pressure or head to within 6
5% and shall include means to measure hydraulic pressures or
Olsen, H. W., Gill, J. D., Willden, A. T., and Nelson, N. R.,“ Innovations in
heads to within the prescribed tolerance. In addition, the head
HydraulicConductivityMeasurements,” Transportation Research Record No. 1309,
lossacrossthetestspecimenmustbeheldconstanttowithin 6 TransportationResearchBoard,NationalResearchCouncil,Washington,DC,1991.
D5856 − 95 (2007)
5.3 Permeameter Cell—The permeameter cell shall consist
of a rigid-wall compaction mold into which the material to be
tested is compacted and in which the compacted material is
permeated; and two end plates to control flow into and out of
thetestspecimen.Aswellringmaybeprovidedasdiscussedin
5.3.2. The permeameter shall be designed and operated so that
permeant water flows downward through the test specimen,
although upward flow may be used if the top of the specimen
isprotectedfromupwardmovementbyarigidporouselement.
5.3.1 Compaction Mold/Permeameter Ring—The compac-
tion mold/permeameter ring shall be constructed of a rigid
materialthatwillnotbedamagedduringcompactionofthetest
specimen and that will not undergo adverse chemical reactions
with the test material or permeant water. Materials such as
steel, aluminum, brass, plastic, and glass have been used. The
mold shall be sufficiently rigid so that its expansion when the
permeameter is pressurized is negligibly small. The mold can
be any cylindrical shape so long as: the cross-sectional area
along the direction of flow does not vary by more than 62%;
heightanddiameterareeach≥25mm;heightdoesnotvaryby
FIG. 2 Compaction-Mold Permeameter in Which Test Specimen
more than 6 1%, and the largest particle and clod size in the
Cannot Swell
compactedspecimenis≤ ⁄6thelesseroftheheightordiameter.
5.3.2 Swell Ring—The top of the permeameter may be
designed to function in one of three ways: (1) to allow no
restraint against swelling (see Fig. 1), in which case a swell
ringseparatesthecompactionmold/permeameterringfromthe
topplate;(2)toallownoswellingofthetestspecimen(seeFig.
2),inwhichcasenoswellringisprovided;or(3)tocontrolthe
vertical stress that is applied to the test specimen (see Fig. 3),
in which case a swell ring may or may not be needed,
depending upon how the top plate is designed and how the
vertical stress is applied. If a swell ring is used, it shall be
constructedofarigidmaterialthatwillnotreactadverselywith
the test material or permeant water, shall have the same
diameter or width as the compaction mold/permeameter ring,
and shall be sufficiently high to allow free swelling of the test
FIG. 3 Compaction-Mold Permeameter With a Controlled Vertical
Stress Applied to the Top of the Test Specimen
specimen or to accommodate stress-control apparatus. Sand
may be placed in the swell ring to minimize erosion of the
specimen from influent flow provided that the sand is included
in the measurement of head losses in the permeameter (see
5.2.2).
5.3.3 Stress-Control Apparatus—If the upper surface of the
compacted test specimen is subjected to a controlled vertical
stress,thestressshallbeappliedthrougharigidplateusingany
means that maintains the stress within 6 5% of the desired
value.
5.3.4 Bottom Plate—The bottom plate shall be constructed
of rigid material that does not react adversely with the test
material or permeant liquid. The plate shall serve the purpose
of preventing the test specimen from swelling downward,
FIG. 1 Compaction-Mold Permeameter with No Restraint Against
Swelling at Top of Test Specimen supportingthetestspecimen,collectingeffluentliquidfromthe
D5856 − 95 (2007)
base of the test specimen, and ensuring one-dimensional flow The plate shall be designed to ensure that flow through the test
near the effluent end of the test specimen. The base plate shall specimen is one-dimensional.
be sealed to the compaction mold/permeameter ring, for
5.4 Filter Paper—If necessary to prevent intrusion of ma-
example, with an O-ring, to prevent leakage. Checks for leaks,
terial into the pores of the porous end pieces, one or more
conducted without soil in the cell, are helpful to ensure
sheets of filter paper shall be placed between the top and
adequacy of
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.