ASTM D8203-18(2023)

Standard Test Method for Determination of the Horizontal Water Flow Rate of a Geosynthetic Screening Material, Product, or Device

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The test method simulates the flow conditions (without sediment) applicable to sediment retention devices exposed to sheet-flow runoff. Horizontal flow rate is an inherent (index) property of sediment retention devices (SRDs), and can be used to control quality and to assess the effects of product changes.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for determining the horizontal water flow rate through a geosynthetic or geosynthetic-enhanced screening device, such as a sediment retention device (SRD), under a constant-head pressure. The test is conducted with potable water.  
1.2 This test is intended to be used for quality control and product development efforts, but should not be considered a performance test.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.05 - Geosynthetic Erosion Control

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4354-12(2020) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4439-18 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4439-17 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5819-05(2016) - Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Experimental Evaluation of Geosynthetic Durability
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15a - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-14 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4354-12 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products(RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5819-05(2012) - Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Experimental Evaluation of Geosynthetic Durability
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2009) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5819-05 - Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Experimental Evaluation of Geosynthetic Durability
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2004) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM D4439-04 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004

Overview

ASTM D8203-18(2023), “Standard Test Method for Determination of the Horizontal Water Flow Rate of a Geosynthetic Screening Material, Product, or Device,” is an internationally recognized standard published by ASTM International. This test method is designed to measure the horizontal water flow rate through geosynthetic screening devices - such as sediment retention devices (SRDs) - when subjected to constant-head pressure using potable water. The procedure provides essential data for quality control and product development but is not intended as a field performance test.

By simulating flow conditions similar to sediment retention devices exposed to sheet-flow runoff, the standard offers reliable means to evaluate and compare the inherent (index) properties of geosynthetic-based screening products used for sediment control.

Key Topics

• Test Methodology: Details procedures for installing sediment retention devices and measuring horizontal water flow under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Quality Control: Establishes test practices to consistently evaluate geosynthetic screening materials for manufacturing consistency and product development.
• Sampling and Specimens: Outlines procedures for sampling, preparing specimens, and ensuring the integrity of test samples.
• Apparatus Requirements: Specifies apparatus construction, including box reservoirs, flow measuring devices, recirculation systems, and calibrated containers for volume measurement.
• Measurement and Calculation: Involves recording water flow and collection times at controlled depths, determining volumetric flow rate, and calculating flow per unit length and area.
• Reporting: Describes the mandatory reporting of test specimens, flow rates, and established regression equations for horizontal flow performance at various depths.

Applications

ASTM D8203-18(2023) is crucial in the following applications:

• Sediment Retention Device Testing: Used to evaluate and benchmark products like silt fences, wattles, filter logs, fiber rolls, and compost socks, which are vital components in stormwater management and erosion control projects.
• Product Development: Supports producers and developers of geosynthetic materials by enabling systematic assessment of how design or material modifications impact flow characteristics.
• Manufacturing Quality Control: Assists quality assurance teams in confirming production consistency and in monitoring potential deviations from performance benchmarks associated with water flow rate.
• Specification Compliance: Provides a standardized method for clients, regulators, and contractors to verify that sediment control products meet project requirements for hydraulic properties.
• Research and Comparative Analysis: Enables engineers and scientists to compare different sediment control products for drainage applications based on quantifiable data.

Common use cases include civil engineering, environmental protection, infrastructure construction, and landscaping projects where surface water management and soil retention are essential.

Related Standards

When implementing ASTM D8203-18(2023), consider these related ASTM standards:

• ASTM D4354 – Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
• ASTM D4439 – Terminology for Geosynthetics
• ASTM D5819 – Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Experimental Evaluation of Geosynthetic Durability

These related documents provide additional guidance on definitions, sampling methods, and testing protocols for geosynthetic products.

---

Keywords: ASTM D8203-18, geosynthetic screening material, horizontal water flow rate, sediment retention device, quality control, silt fence testing, erosion control, water permeability, SRD, stormwater management.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8203 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of the Horizontal Water Flow Rate of a
Geosynthetic Screening Material, Product, or Device
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8203; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for determining 3.1 Definitions:
the horizontal water flow rate through a geosynthetic or 3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
geosynthetic-enhanced screening device, such as a sediment standard, refer to Terminology D4439.
retention device (SRD), under a constant-head pressure. The 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
test is conducted with potable water. 3.2.1 geosynthetic screening device, n—geosynthetic or
geosynthetic-enhanced materials, products, or devices that
1.2 This test is intended to be used for quality control and
primarily provide the screening function, such as a sediment
product development efforts, but should not be considered a
retention device (SRD).
performance test.
3.2.2 screening—a geosynthetic, placed across the path of a
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
flowing fluid (ground water, surface water, wind), carrying
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
particles in suspension, provides screening when it retains
information purposes only.
some or all fine soil particles while allowing the fluid to pass
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
through. After some period of time, particles accumulate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
against the screen, which requires that the screen be able to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
withstand pressures generated by the accumulated particles and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the increasing pressure from accumulated fluid. (See Guide
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D5819.)
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.3 sediment retention device (SRD), n—a material,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
product, or device designed to intercept sediment-laden flow,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
screening out suspended solids and reducing the velocity of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
flow, causing transported sediments to settle out. Typical SRDs
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
include silt fences, as well as natural or manmade materials
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
encapsulated in geosynthetic fabrics, meshes, or nettings such
as wattles, filter logs, fiber filtration tubes, fiber rolls, and
2. Referenced Documents
compost socks.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Summary of Test Method
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
4.1 A test specimen is positioned vertically across the mouth
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
of a “box” reservoir, and potable water is introduced upstream
D5819 Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Experimental
and maintained at a predetermined constant head as the water
Evaluation of Geosynthetic Durability
is allowed to seep through the specimen. Once a steady-state
flow condition is established, a discharge volume and the
associated time are measured.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
5. Significance and Use
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.05 on Geosyn-
thetic Erosion Control.
5.1 The test method simulates the flow conditions (without
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
sediment) applicable to sediment retention devices exposed to
approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D8203 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/D8203-18R23.
sheet-flow runoff. Horizontal flow rate is an inherent (index)
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
property of sediment retention devices (SRDs), and can be
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
used to control quality and to assess the effects of product
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. changes.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8203 − 18 (2023)
6. Apparatus 8. Procedure
6.1 Upper “Box” Reservoir, constructed from marine-grade 8.1 Test Setup and Installation of Sediment Retention De-
plywood, plexiglas, aluminum, or other material. The box vice:
should be watertight and constructed as shown in Fig. 1. 8.1.1 SRD Installation—The sediment retention device
(SRD) is installed across the open end of the upper box, using
NOTE 1—The box end opening is approximately the size of a straw bale.
any effective sealing material to seal the bottom and ends
A typical upper box reservoir is 122 cm (48 in.) wide by 244 cm (96 in.)
against the box bottom and walls. The SRD rests against a
long by 61 cm (24 in.) deep.
mesh on the downstream side that provides horizontal support
6.2 Lower “Receiving” Reservoir, constructed from marine-
against deformation during testing.
grade plywood, plexiglas, aluminum, or other material. The
8.1.2 A “door” is placed across the downstream opening of
flume should be watertight and constructed as shown in Fig. 1.
the box to minimize box discharge during initial filling, which
NOTE 2—The lower receiving reservoir is much larger than the upper
permits the water to penetrate and surround the SRD prior to it
reservoir. A typical receiving reservoir is at least 122 cm (48 in.) wide by
experiencing seepage forces.
600 cm (20 ft) long by 122 cm (48 in.) deep. This size reservoir facilitates
8.1.3 Clear water is then allowed to flow
...