ASTM D3385-94
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer
Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for field measurement of the rate of infiltration of liquid (typically water) into soils using double-ring infiltrometer.
1.2 Soils should be regarded as natural occurring fine or coarse-grained soils or processed materials or mixtures of natural soils and processed materials, or other porous materials, and which are basically insoluble and are in accordance with requirements of 1.5.
1.3 This test method is particularly applicable to relatively uniform fine-grained soils, with an absence of very plastic (fat) clays and gravel-size particles and with moderate to low resistance to ring penetration.
1.4 This test method may be conducted at the ground surface or at given depths in pits, and on bare soil or with vegetation in place, depending on the conditions for which infiltration rates are desired. However, this test method cannot be conducted where the test surface is below the ground water table or perched water table.
1.5 This test method is difficult to use or the resultant data may be unreliable, or both, in very pervious or impervious soils (soils with a hydraulic conductivity greater than about 10 -2 cm/s or less than about 1 X 10 -6 cm/s) or in dry or stiff soils that most likely will fracture when the rings are installed. For soils with hydraulic conductivity less than 1 X 10 -6 cm/s refer to Test Method D5093.
1.6 This test method cannot be used directly to determine the hydraulic conductivity (coefficient of permeability) of the soil (see 5.2).
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: D 3385 – 94
Standard Test Method for
Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring
Infiltrometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3385; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for field mea- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
surement of the rate of infiltration of liquid (typically water) D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
into soils using double-ring infiltrometer. Fluids
1.2 Soils should be regarded as natural occurring fine or D 1452 Practice for Soil Investigation and Sampling by
coarse-grained soils or processed materials or mixtures of Auger Borings
natural soils and processed materials, or other porous materials, D 2216 Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
and which are basically insoluble and are in accordance with (Moisture) Content of Soil, Rock, and Soil-Aggregate
requirements of 1.5. Mixtures
1.3 This test method is particularly applicable to relatively D 2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
uniform fine-grained soils, with an absence of very plastic (fat) (Visual-Manual Procedure)
clays and gravel-size particles and with moderate to low D 5093 Test Method for Field Measurement of Infiltration
resistance to ring penetration. Rate Using a Double-Ring Infiltrometer With a Sealed
1.4 This test method may be conducted at the ground Inner Ring
surface or at given depths in pits, and on bare soil or with
3. Terminology
vegetation in place, depending on the conditions for which
infiltration rates are desired. However, this test method cannot 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 incremental infiltration velocity—the quantity of flow
be conducted where the test surface is below the ground water
table or perched water table. per unit area over an increment of time. It has the same units
as the infiltration rate.
1.5 This test method is difficult to use or the resultant data
may be unreliable, or both, in very pervious or impervious soils 3.1.2 infiltration—the downward entry of liquid into the
−2
soil.
(soils with a hydraulic conductivity greater than about 10
−6
cm/s or less than about 1 3 10 cm/s) or in dry or stiff soils 3.1.3 infiltration rate—a selected rate, based on measured
incremental infiltration velocities, at which liquid can enter the
that most likely will fracture when the rings are installed. For
−6
soils with hydraulic conductivity less than 1 3 10 cm/s refer soil under specified conditions, including the presence of an
to Test Method D 5093. excess of liquid. It has the dimensions of velocity (that is,
3 −2 −1 −1
cm cm h =cm h ).
1.6 This test method cannot be used directly to determine
the hydraulic conductivity (coefficient of permeability) of the 3.1.4 infiltrometer—a device for measuring the rate of entry
of liquid into a porous body, for example, water into soil.
soil (see 5.2).
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1.5 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,
refer to Terminology D 653.
standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 The double-ring infiltrometer method consists of driving
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
two open cylinders, one inside the other, into the ground,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
partially filling the rings with water or other liquid, and then
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
maintaining the liquid at a constant level. The volume of liquid
added to the inner ring, to maintain the liquid level constant is
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil the measure of the volume of liquid that infiltrates the soil. The
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.04 on Hydrologic
Properties of Soil and Rock.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 1994. Published November 1994. Originally
published as D 3385 – 75. Last previous edition D 3385 – 88. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D3385–94
volume infiltrated during timed intervals is converted to an
incremental infiltration velocity, usually expressed in centime-
tre per hour or inch per hour and plotted versus elapsed time.
The maximum-steady state or average incremental infiltration
velocity, depending on the purpose/application of the test is
equivalent to the infiltration rate.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is useful for field measurement of the
infiltration rate of soils. Infiltration rates have application to
such studies as liquid waste disposal, evaluation of potential
septic-tank disposal fields, leaching and drainage efficiencies,
irrigation requirements, water spreading and recharge, and
canal or reservoir leakage, among other applications.
5.2 Although the units of infiltration rate and hydraulic
conductivity of soils are similar, there is a distinct difference
between these two quantities. They cannot be directly related
unless the hydraulic boundary conditions are known, such as
hydraulic gradient and the extent of lateral flow of water, or can
be reliably estimated.
5.3 The purpose of the outer ring is to promote one-
dimensional, vertical flow beneath the inner ring.
5.4 Many factors affect the infiltration rate, for example the FIG. 1 Infiltrometer Construction
soil structure, soil layering, condition of the soil surface,
degree of saturation of the soil, chemical and physical nature of
the soil and of the applied liquid, head of the applied liquid,
50 by 100 mm or 100 by 100 mm (2 by 4 in. or 4 by 4 in.), or
temperature of the liquid, and diameter and depth of embed-
a jack and reaction of suitable size.
ment of rings. Thus, tests made at the same site are not likely
6.4 Depth Gage—A hook gage, steel tape or rule, or length
to give identical results and the rate measured by the test
of steel or plastic rod pointed on one end, for use in measuring
method described in this standard is primarily for comparative
and controlling the depth of liquid (head) in the infiltrometer
use.
ring, when either a graduated Mariotte tube or automatic flow
5.5 Some aspects of the test, such as the length of time the
control system is not used.
tests should be conducted and the head of liquid to be applied,
6.5 Splash Guard—Several pieces of rubber sheet or burlap
must depend upon the experience of the user, the purpose for
150 mm (6 in.) square.
testing, and the kind of information that is sought.
6.6 Rule or Tape—Two-metre (6-ft) steel tape or 300-mm
(1-ft) steel rule.
6. Apparatus
6.7 Tamp—Any device that is basically rigid, has a handle
6.1 Infiltrometer Rings—Cylinders approximately 500 mm not less than 550 mm (22 in.) in length, and has a tamping foot
2 2
(20 in.) high and having diameters of about 300 and 600 mm with an area ranging from 650 to 4000 mm (1 to 6 in. ) and a
(12 and 24 in.). Larger cylinders may be used, providing the
maximum dimension of 150 mm (6 in.).
ratio of the outer to inner cylinders is about two. Cylinders can 6.8 Shovels—One long-handled shovel and one trenching
be made of 3-mm ( ⁄8-in.), hard-alloy, aluminum sheet or other
spade.
material sufficiently strong to withstand hard driving, with the 6.9 Liquid Containers:
bottom edge bevelled (see Fig. 1). The bevelled edges shall be
6.9.1 One 200-L (55-gal) barrel for the main liquid supply,
kept sharp. Stainless steel or strong plastic rings may have to along with a length of rubber hose to siphon liquid from the
be used when working with corrosive fluids. barrel to fill the calibrated head tanks (see 6.9.3).
6.2 Driving Caps—Disks of 13-mm ( ⁄2-in.) thick hard-alloy 6.9.2 A 13-L (12-qt) pail for initial filling of the infiltrom-
aluminum with centering pins around the edge, or preferably eters.
having a recessed groove about 5 mm (0.2 in.) deep with a 6.9.3 Two calibrated head tanks for measurement of liquid
width about 1 mm (0.05 in.) wider than the thickness of the flow during the test. These may be either graduated cylinders or
ring. The diameters of the disks should be slightly larger than Mariotte tubes having a minimum volume capacity of about
those of the infiltrometer rings. 3000 mL (see Note 1 and Note 2 and Fig. 2).
6.3 Driving Equipment—A 5.5-kg (12-lb) mall or sledge
NOTE 1—It is useful to have one head tank with a capacity of three
and a 600 or 900-mm (2 or 3-ft) length of wood approximately
times that of the other because the area of the annular space between the
rings is about three times that of the inner ring.
NOTE 2—In many cases, the volume capacity of these calibrated head
tanks must be significantly larger than 3000 mL, especially if the test has
Discussion of factors affecting infiltration rate is contained in the following
to continue overnight. Capacities of about 50 L (13 gal) would not be
reference: Johnson, A. I., A Field Method for Measurement of Infiltration, U.S.
Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1544-F, 1963, pp. 4–9. uncommon.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D3385–94
NOTE 1—Constant-level float valves have been eliminated for simplification of the illustration
FIG. 2 Ring Installation and Mariotte Tube Details
6.10 Liquid Supply—Water, or preferably, liquid of the 7.1.1 Determine the area of each ring and the annular space
same quality and temperature as that involved in the problem between rings before initial use and before reuse after anything
being examined. The liquid used must be chemically compat- has occurred, including repairs, which may affect the test
ible with the infiltrometer rings and other equipment used to results significantly.
contain the liquid. 7.1.2 Determine the area using a measuring technique that
will provide an overall accuracy of 1 %.
NOTE 3—To obtain maximum infiltration rates, the liquid should be free
7.1.3 The area of the annular space between rings is equal to
from suspended solids and the temperature of the liquid should be higher
the internal area of the 600-mm (24-in.) ring minus the external
than the soil temperature. This will tend to avoid reduction of infiltration
from blockage of voids by particles or gases coming out of solution. area of the 300-mm (12-in.) ring.
7.2 Liquid Containers—For each graduated cylinder or
6.11 Watch or Stopwatch—A stopwatch would only be
graduated Mariotte tube, establish the relationship between the
required for high infiltration rates.
change in elevation of liquid (fluid) level and change in volume
6.12 Level—A carpenter’s level or bull’s-eye (round) level.
of fluid. This relationship shall have an overall accuracy of
6.13 Thermometer—With accuracy of 0.5°C and capable of
1%.
measuring ground temperature.
6.14 Rubber Hammer (mallet).
8. Procedure
6.15 pH Paper, in 0.5 increments.
6.16 Recording Materials—Record books and graph paper,
8.1 Test Site:
or special forms with graph section (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).
8.1.1 Establish the soil strata to be tested from the soil
6.17 Hand Auger—Orchard-type (barrel-type) auger with
profile determined by the classification of soil samples from an
75-mm (3-in.) diameter, 225-mm (9-in.) long barrel and a
adjacent auger hole.
rubber-headed tire hammer for knocking sample out of the
NOTE 4—For the test results to be valid for soils below the test zone, the
auger. This apparatus is optional.
soil directly below the test zone must have equal or greater flow rates than
6.18 Float Valves—Two constant level float valves (carbu-
the test zone.
retors or bob-float types) with support stands. This apparatus is
8.1.2 The test requires an area of approximately 3 by 3 m
optional.
(10 by 10 ft) accessible by a truck.
6.19 Covers and Dummy Tests Set-Up—For long-term tests
8.1.3 The test site should be nearly level, or a level surface
in which evaporation of fluid from the infiltration rings and
should be prepared.
unsealed reservoirs can occur (see 8.2.1).
8.1.4 The test may be set up in a pit if infiltration rates are
7. Calibration
desired at depth rather than at the surface.
7.1 Rings: 8.2 Technical Precautions:
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D3385–94
FIG. 3 Data Form for Infiltration Test with Sample Data
NOTE 5—Driving rings with a jack is preferred; see 8.4.
8.2.1 For long-term tests, avoid unattended sites where
interference with test equipment is possible, such as sites near
8.3.1 Place the driving cap on the outer ring and center it
children or in pastures with livestock. Also, evaporation of
thereon. Place the wood block (see 6.3) on the driving cap.
fluid from the rings and unsealed reservoirs can lead to errors
8.3.2 Drive the outer ring into the soil with blows of a heavy
in the measured infiltration rate. Therefore, in such tests,
sledge on the wood block to a depth that will (a) prevent the
completely cover the top of the rings and unsealed reservoirs
test fluid from leaking to the ground surface surrounding the
with a relatively airtight material, but vented to the atmosphere
ring, and (b) be deeper than the depth to which the inner ring
through a small hole or tube. In addition, make measurements
will be driven. A depth of about 150 mm (6 in.) is usually
to verify that the rate of evaporation in a similar test configu-
adequate. Use blows of medium force to prevent fracturing of
ration (without any infiltration into the soil) is less than 20% of
the soil surface. Move the wood block around the edge of the
the infiltration rate being measured.
driving cap every one or two blows so that the ring will
8.2.2 Make provisions to protect the test apparatus and fluid
penetrate the soil uniformly. A second person standing on the
from direct sunlight and temperature variations that are large
wood block and driving cap will usually facilitate driving the
enough to affect the slow measurements significantly,
...
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