ASTM D4452-85(1995)e1
(Test Method)Standard Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
Standard Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
SCOPE
1.1 These methods cover the determination of the quality of soil samples by X-ray radiography.
1.2 These methods enable the user to determine the effects of sampling and natural variations within samples as identified by the extent of the relative penetration of X rays through soil samples.
1.3 These methods can only be used to their fullest extent after considerable experience is obtained through many detailed comparisons between the X-ray film and the sample X-rayed.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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. For specific precaution statements, see Section 6.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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e1
Designation: D 4452 – 85 (Reapproved 1995)
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Methods for
X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4452; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in April 1995.
1. Scope obtained by undisturbed sampling methods have inherent
anomalies. Sampling procedures cause disturbances of varying
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
types and intensities. These anomalies and disturbances, how-
quality of soil samples by X-ray radiography.
ever, are not always readily detectable by visual inspection of
1.2 These test methods enable the user to determine the
the undisturbed samples before or after testing. Often test
effects of sampling and natural variations within samples as
results would be enhanced if the presence and the extent of
identified by the extent of the relative penetration of X rays
these anomalies and disturbances are known before testing or
through soil samples.
before destruction of the sample by testing. Such determina-
1.3 These test methods can only be used to their fullest
tions assist the user in detecting flaws in sampling methods, the
extent after considerable experience is obtained through many
presence of natural or induced shear planes, the presence of
detailed comparisons between the X-ray film and the sample
natural intrusions, such as gravels or shells at critical regions in
X-rayed.
the samples, the presence of sand and silt seams, and the
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
intensity of some of the unavoidable disturbances caused by
as the standard.
sampling.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 X-ray radiography provides the user with a picture of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the internal massive structure of the soil sample, regardless of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
whether the soil is X-rayed within or without the sampling
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
tube. X-ray radiography assists the user in identifying the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
following:
precaution statements, see Section 6.
4.2.1 Appropriateness of sampling methods used,
2. Referenced Documents
4.2.2 Effects of sampling in terms of the disturbances
caused by the turning of the edges of various thin layers in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
varved soils, large disturbances caused in soft soils, shear
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
planes induced by sampling, or extrusion, or both, effects of
Fluids
overdriving of samplers, the presence of cuttings in sampling
E 7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
tubes, or the effects of using bent, corroded, or nonstandard
3. Terminology
tubes for sampling,
4.2.3 Naturally occurring fissures, shear planes, and the like,
3.1 Definitions:
4.2.4 The presence of intrusions within the sample, such as
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to soil samples, refer
calcarious nodules, gravel, or shells, and
to Terminology D 653.
4.2.5 Sand and silt seams, organic matter, large voids, and
3.1.2 For definitions of terms relating to X rays, refer to
channels developed by natural or artificial leaching of soils
Definitions E 7.
components.
4. Significance and Use
5. Apparatus
4.1 Many geotechnical tests require the utilization of undis-
5.1 X-Ray Radiography Equipment—The equipment shall
turbed, representative samples of soil deposits. The quality of
have a minimum output voltage of 100 kV. Equipment with a
these samples depends on many factors. Many of the samples
peak current of approximately 15 mA is needed for a wide
range of applications capable of accommodating commercially
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on
available film, suitable for the sample sizes to be X-rayed, and
Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.07 on
suitable for the sample holders. The equipment may be
Identification and Classification of Soils.
Current edition approved Jan. 25, 1985. Published March 1985.
equipped with a fluoroscope.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. NOTE 1—Certain types of samples may require equipment capable of
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4452
performing at lower voltages (for example, 40 kV). In such instances,
equipment with lower voltages can be substituted for that required in 5.1.
For maximum resolution in certain types of applications a fine-focus
X-ray tube may be necessary. Persons inexperienced with X-ray radiog-
raphy should discuss their specific equipment needs and the requirements
of these methods with equipment manufacturers prior to purchasing.
NOTE 2—Equipment with berryllium window X-ray tubes may be
necessary to perform radiography at low voltages.
5.2 Soild Slice Trough, as shown in Fig. 1 or, other suitable
L 5 variable length to suit the length of sampling tube
W 5 d + 2 in. (51 mm)
H 5 d + 0.25 in. (6.4 mm)
d 5 outside diameter of sampling tube used
NOTE 1—Aluminum sheet or pipe section is optional. Samples in tubes
can be placed in the box and sand can be packed around and under it to
conform with the dimensions shown.
FIG. 3 Thin Wall Tube Holder
5.7 Small Hand Tools, such as wire saws, spatulas, and
knives.
5.8 Industrial Type X-Ray Film, or equivalent.
5.9 Intensifying Screens, made of sheets of thin lead.
h 5 d− ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm)
5.10 Alphanumeric Lead Markers.
d 5 diameter of the sample to be sliced
L 5 varies to suit sample length
6. Safety Precautions
FIG. 1 Soil Slice Trough and Holder
6.1 Radiation safety and policies for the use of X-ray
radiography machines applicable to these methods should be
trough.
established based on federal, state, and institutional require-
5.3 Extruded Tube Sample Holder, as shown in Fig. 2, or
ments meeting acceptable radiation safety standards, such as
other suitable holders.
those established by the National Council on Radiation Pro-
5.4 Thin Wall Tube Holders, as shown in Fig. 3, or other 4
tection and Measurements (NCRP).
suitable holders.
5.5 Measuring Tape, minimum 36 in. (914 mm) long.
7. Test Method for Tubes and Liners
5.6 Personal Dosimeters or Film Badges.
7.1 Scope—This test method can be used to X-ray cores (or
observe their features on a fluoroscope) in thin wall tubes or
liners ranging from approximately 2 to 6 in. (51 to 152 mm) in
diameter. X rays of samples in the larger diameter tubes
provide a radiograph of major features of soils and distur-
bances, such as large scale bending of edges of varved clays,
shear planes, the presence of large concretions, silt and sand
seams thicker than ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm), large lumps of organic
matter, and voids or other types of intrusions. X rays of the
smaller diameter cores provide higher resolution of soil fea-
tures and disturbances, such as small concretions ( ⁄8 in. (3.2
mm) diameter or larger), solution channels, slight bending of
edges of varved clays, thin silt or sand seams, narrow solution
channels, plant root structures, and organic matter. The
X-raying of samples in thin wall tubes or liners requires
minimal preparation.
7.2 Procedure:
L 5 variable length to suit the length of the sample
d 5 inside diameter of sampling tube used
W 5 d + 2 in. (51 mm)
H 5 d + 0.25 in. (6.4 mm)
See the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report
FIG. 2 Extruded Tube Sample Holder No. 33, 1973; Report No. 49, 1976; and Report No. 51, 1977.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4452
7.2.1 Place the thin wall tube or liner holding the soil specimen. Turn the thin wall tube segment, the specimen, and
sample in the appropriate size sample holder, such as the one the slicing trough upside down in unison, so that the sliced
shown in Fig. 3. If such a holder is not available, pack the tube specimen rests in the thin wall tube segment.
sample in sand, clay, or plaster of paris, forming an approxi- 8.2.4 Remove the slicing trough and the portion of the
mately rectangular cross-section, as shown in Fig. 3. specimen contained within. Discard the portion of the speci-
7.2.2 Load suitable X-ray film. Place the intensifying lead men removed from the slicing trough.
screen in contact with the film. 8.2.5 Wipe the slicing trough clean.
7.2.3 Position the sample and adjust the equipment so that 8.2.6 Place the portion of the specimen held in the thin wall
the distance from the X-ray source to the film provides the best tube segment in the trough with the sliced plane facing up.
possible radiograph. Experience has shown that a distance of 8.2.7 Repeat 8.2.2.
not less than 30 in. (762 mm) is appropriate for most samples. 8.2.8 Place a ⁄4-in. (6.4-mm) thick window glass or clear
Place the alphanumeric lead identification markers next to, or acrylic plate over
...
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