ASTM D4452-85(2002)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
Standard Test Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the quality of soil samples by X-ray radiography.
1.2 These test 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 test 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 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. For specific precaution statements, see Section 6.
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Designation:D4452–85 (Reapproved 2002)
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 in August 2002.
1. Scope * 4. Significance and Use
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the 4.1 Many geotechnical tests require the utilization of undis-
quality of soil samples by X-ray radiography. turbed, representative samples of soil deposits. The quality of
1.2 These test methods enable the user to determine the these samples depends on many factors. Many of the samples
effects of sampling and natural variations within samples as obtained by undisturbed sampling methods have inherent
identified by the extent of the relative penetration of X rays anomalies. Sampling procedures cause disturbances of varying
through soil samples. types and intensities. These anomalies and disturbances, how-
1.3 These test methods can only be used to their fullest ever, are not always readily detectable by visual inspection of
extent after considerable experience is obtained through many the undisturbed samples before or after testing. Often test
detailed comparisons between the X-ray film and the sample results would be enhanced if the presence and the extent of
X-rayed. these anomalies and disturbances are known before testing or
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded before destruction of the sample by testing. Such determina-
as the standard. tions assist the user in detecting flaws in sampling methods, the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the presence of natural or induced shear planes, the presence of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the natural intrusions, such as gravels or shells at critical regions in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- the samples, the presence of sand and silt seams, and the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- intensity of some of the unavoidable disturbances caused by
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific sampling.
precaution statements, see Section 6. 4.2 X-ray radiography provides the user with a picture of
the internal massive structure of the soil sample, regardless of
2. Referenced Documents
whether the soil is X-rayed within or without the sampling
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tube. X-ray radiography assists the user in identifying the
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained following:
Fluids
4.2.1 Appropriateness of sampling methods used,
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies 4.2.2 Effects of sampling in terms of the disturbances
Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
caused by the turning of the edges of various thin layers in
as Used in Engineering Design and Construction varved soils, large disturbances caused in soft soils, shear
E 7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
planes induced by sampling, or extrusion, or both, effects of
overdriving of samplers, the presence of cuttings in sampling
3. Terminology
tubes, or the effects of using bent, corroded, or nonstandard
3.1 Definitions:
tubes for sampling,
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to soil samples, refer
4.2.3 Naturallyoccurringfissures,shearplanes,andthelike,
to Terminology D 653.
4.2.4 The presence of intrusions within the sample, such as
3.1.2 For definitions of terms relating to X rays, refer to
calcarious nodules, gravel, or shells, and
Definitions E 7.
4.2.5 Sand and silt seams, organic matter, large voids, and
channels developed by natural or artificial leaching of soils
components.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on
NOTE 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard is
Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.07 on
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
Identification and Classification of Soils.
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
Current edition approved Jan. 25, 1985. Published March 1985.
criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally cojsidered capable of competent
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. and objective testing/sampling/inspection/and the like. Users of this
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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D4452–85 (2002)
method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in
itself assure reliable testing. Reliable testing depeds on many factors;
Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5. Apparatus
5.1 X-Ray Radiography Equipment—The equipment shall
have a minimum output voltage of 100 kV. Equipment with a
peak current of approximately 15 mA is needed for a wide
range of applications capable of accommodating commercially
available film, suitable for the sample sizes to be X-rayed, and
suitable for the sample holders. The equipment may be
equipped with a fluoroscope.
NOTE 2—Certain types of samples may require equipment capable of
performing at lower voltages (for example, 40 kV). In such instances,
equipment with lower voltages can be substituted for that required in 5.1.
L = variable length to suit the length of the sample
For maximum resolution in certain types of applications a fine-focus
d = inside diameter of sampling tube used
X-ray tube may be necessary. Persons inexperienced with X-ray radiog-
W =d+2 in. (51 mm)
raphy should discuss their specific equipment needs and the requirements
H =d+0.25 in. (6.4 mm)
of these methods with equipment manufacturers prior to purchasing.
FIG. 2 Extruded Tube Sample Holder
NOTE 3—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 = variable length to suit the length of sampling tube
W =d+2 in. (51 mm)
H =d+0.25 in. (6.4 mm)
d = 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
h =d− ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm)
conform with the dimensions shown.
d = diameter of the sample to be sliced
FIG. 3 Thin Wall Tube Holder
L = varies to suit sample length
FIG. 1 Soil Slice Trough and Holder
established based on federal, state, and institutional require-
trough.
ments meeting acceptable radiation safety standards, such as
5.3 Extruded Tube Sample Holder, as shown in Fig. 2, or
those established by the National Council on Radiation Pro-
other suitable holders. 4
tection and Measurements (NCRP).
5.4 Thin Wall Tube Holders, as shown in Fig. 3, or other
suitable holders. 7. Test Method for Tubes and Liners
5.5 Measuring Tape, minimum 36 in. (914 mm) long.
7.1 Scope—This test method can be used to X-ray cores (or
5.6 Personal Dosimeters or Film Badges.
observe their features on a fluoroscope) in thin wall tubes or
5.7 Small Hand Tools, such as wire saws, spatulas, and
liners ranging from approximately 2 to 6 in. (51 to 152 mm) in
knives.
diameter. X rays of samples in the larger diameter tubes
5.8 Industrial Type X-Ray Film, or equivalent.
provide a radiograph of major features of soils and distur-
5.9 Intensifying Screens, made of sheets of thin lead.
bances, such as large scale bending of edges of varved clays,
5.10 Alphanumeric Lead Markers.
shear planes, the presence of large concretions, silt and sand
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 Radiation safety and policies for the use of X-ray
See the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report
radiography machines applicable to these methods should be No. 33, 1973; Report No. 49, 1976; and Report No. 51, 1977.
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D4452–85 (2002)
seams thicker than ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm), large lumps of organic representative nature of soil samples, or anomalies in soils.
matter, and voids or other types of intrusions. X rays of the This method requires that either duplicate samples be obtained
smaller diameter cores provide higher resolution of soil fea- or already tested specimens be X-rayed.
tures and disturbances, such as small concretions ( ⁄8 in. (3.2 8.2 Specimen Preparation:
mm) diameter or larger), solution channels, slight bending of
8.2.1 Place the specimen horizontally on the soil slicing
edges of varved clays, thin silt or sand seams, narrow solution trough.
channels, plant root structures, and organic matter. The
8.2.2 Slice the specimen using a clean wire saw or other
X-raying of samples in thin wall tubes or liners requires acceptable cutting device.
minimal preparation.
8.2.3 Remove the top portion of the specimen by placing a
7.2 Procedure:
180° segment of appropriate diameter thin wall tube over the
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 unis
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