ASTM D5073-02(2007)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Depth Measurement of Surface Water
Standard Practice for Depth Measurement of Surface Water
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This is a general practice intended to give direction in the selection of depth measuring procedures and equipment for use under a wide range of conditions encountered in surface water bodies. Physical conditions at the measuring site, the quality of data required, and the availability of appropriate measuring equipment govern the selection process. A step-by-step procedure for actually obtaining a depth measurement is not discussed. This practice is to be used in conjunction with a practice on positioning techniques and another practice on bathymetric survey procedures to obtain horizontal location and bottom elevations of points on a water body. PROCEDURE A—MANUAL MEASUREMENT Top
SCOPE
1.1 This practice guides the user in selection of procedures commonly used to measure depth in water bodies that are as follows:SectionsProcedure A-Manual Measurement6 through 11Procedure B-Electronic Sonic-Echo Sounding12 through 13Procedure C-Electronic Nonacoustic Measurement14 through 15
The text specifies depth measuring terminology, describes measurement of depth by manual and electronic equipment, outlines specific uses of electronic sounders, and describes an electronic procedure for depth measurement other than using sonar.
1.2 The references cited and listed at the end of this practice contain information that may help in the design of a high quality measurement program.
1.3 The information provided on depth measurement is descriptive in nature and not intended to endorse any particular item of manufactured equipment or procedure.
1.4 This practice pertains to depth measurement in quiescent or low-velocity flow. For depth measurement related to stream gaging see Test Method D 3858. For depth measurements related to reservoir surveys see Guide D 4581.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D5073 − 02(Reapproved 2007)
Standard Practice for
Depth Measurement of Surface Water
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5073; 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 D3858 Test Method for Open-Channel Flow Measurement
of Water by Velocity-Area Method
1.1 This practice guides the user in selection of procedures
D4410 Terminology for Fluvial Sediment
commonly used to measure depth in water bodies that are as
D4581 Guide for Measurement of Morphologic Character-
follows:
istics of Surface Water Bodies
Sections
Procedure A—Manual Measurement 6 through 11
3. Terminology
Procedure B—Electronic Sonic-Echo Sounding 12 through 13
Procedure C—Electronic Nonacoustic Measurement 14 through 15
3.1 Definitions—For definition of terms used in this practice
refer to Terminologies D1129 and D4410.
The text specifies depth measuring terminology, describes
measurement of depth by manual and electronic equipment,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
outlines specific uses of electronic sounders, and describes
3.2.1 bar-check,n—amethodfordeterminingdepthbelowa
an electronic procedure for depth measurement other than
survey vessel by means of a long, narrow metal bar or beam
using sonar.
suspended on a marked line beneath a sounding transducer.
1.2 The references cited and listed at the end of this practice 3.2.2 bar sweep, n—a bar or pipes, suspended by wire or
contain information that may help in the design of a high cable beneath a floating vessel, used to search for submerged
quality measurement program. snags or obstructions hazardous to navigation.
3.2.3 beam width, n—theangleindegreesmadebythemain
1.3 The information provided on depth measurement is
lobe of acoustical energy emitted from the radiating face of a
descriptive in nature and not intended to endorse any particular
transducer.
item of manufactured equipment or procedure.
3.2.4 bottom profile, n—a line trace of the bottom surface
1.4 This practice pertains to depth measurement in quies-
beneath a water body.
cent or low-velocity flow. For depth measurement related to
stream gaging see Test Method D3858. For depth measure-
3.2.5 sonar, n—a method for detecting and locating objects
ments related to reservoir surveys see Guide D4581.
submerged in water by means of the sound waves they reflect
or produce.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.6 sound, vt—to determine the depth of water (1).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.7 sounding line, n—a rope or cable used for supporting
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
a weight while the weight is lowered below the water surface
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
to determine depth.
3.2.8 sounding weight, n—a heavy object usually of lead,
2. Referenced Documents
that may be bell-shaped, for use in still water and soft bottom
2.1 ASTM Standards:
materials or torpedo shaped with stabilizing fins, for use in
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
flowing water.
3.2.9 stray, n—spurious marks on the graphic depth records
caused by surfaces other than the bottom surface of a water
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D19 on Water and
body below the sounding vessel.
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.07 on Sediments, Geomorphology,
and Open-Channel Flow. 3.2.10 subbottom profile, n—a trace of a subsurface horizon
Current edition approved June 15, 2007. Published July 2007. Originally
due to a change in the acoustic properties of the medium
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D5073 – 02. DOI:
through which the sound energy has traveled.
10.1520/D5073-02R07.
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
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
the ASTM website. this practice.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5073 − 02 (2007)
3.2.11 towfish, n—a streamlined container, containing sufficient for acoustic sounding. Manual procedures continue
acoustical equipment for sounding depth, and designed to be to serve several useful purposes such as the following:
pulled behind or beneath a survey vessel. 7.1.1 To search for and confirm the minimum depths over
shallow area of sunken obstacles.
3.2.12 transducer, n—a device for translating electrical
7.1.2 To confirm bottom soundings in areas with submerged
energy to acoustical energy and acoustical energy back to
vegetation, or other soft bottom materials.
electrical energy.
7.1.3 To assist in obtaining bottom samples.
3.2.13 transducer draft, n—the distance from the water
7.1.4 To calibrate electronic sounding equipment.
surface to the radiating face of a transducer.
7.1.5 To suspend other measuring instruments to known
3.2.14 vertical control, n—a horizontal plane of reference
depths for making various physical or chemical water quality
used to convert measured depth to bottom elevation.
measurements (2).
4. Summary of Practices
8. Sounding Rod (Manual Procedure)
4.1 These practices include the following three general
8.1 The sounding rod (or sounding pole) can be used to
techniques for acquiring depth measurements in surface water:
measure depth over extensive flat, shallow areas more easily
4.1.1 The first general technique is to determine depth by
and more accurately than by other means. Use of the sounding
manual procedures. The equipment to perform these proce-
rod should be restricted to still water or where the velocity is
dures may be most readily available and most practical under
relatively low, and to depths less than 12 ft (3.7 m). Sounding
certain conditions.
rods are usually not used in depths over 6 ft (1.8 m) except to
4.1.2 Thesecondgeneraltechniqueistodeterminedepthby
provide supplemental soundings to aid in interpreting analog
electronic sonic-echo sounding procedures. These procedures
depth records. A weighted, flat shoe (see Fig. 1) should be
are most commonly used because of their reliability and the
attached to the bottom of the rod to prevent it from penetration
variety of instruments available that meet specific measuring
of the bottom sediments.The rod may be graduated in feet and
requirements.
tenths of a foot; zero being at the bottom of the shoe (3).
4.1.3 The third general technique is to determine depth by
8.2 Modern sounding rods may be made of light-weight
an electronic procedure other than acoustic sounding. A pro-
metals for strength, neutral buoyancy, and sound transmitting
cedure using ground penetrating radar is currently being used
capability. An experienced operator can measure the water
for measuring water depth for specific applications.
depth and can distinguish the relative firmness of the bottom
material by the feel of the rod and the tone produced by the
5. Significance and Use
metal pole as it contacts the bottom (4).
5.1 This is a general practice intended to give direction in
the selection of depth measuring procedures and equipment for
use under a wide range of conditions encountered in surface
water bodies. Physical conditions at the measuring site, the
quality of data required, and the availability of appropriate
measuring equipment govern the selection process. A step-by-
step procedure for actually obtaining a depth measurement is
not discussed. This practice is to be used in conjunction with a
practice on positioning techniques and another practice on
bathymetric survey procedures to obtain horizontal location
and bottom elevations of points on a water body.
PROCEDURE A—MANUAL MEASUREMENT
6. Scope
6.1 Thisprocedureexplainsthemeasurementofwaterdepth
using manual techniques and equipment.These include the use
of sounding rods, sounding lines, sounding reels, or a bar
sweep.
6.2 Description of techniques and equipment are general in
nature.Techniques and equipment may need to be modified for
use in specific field conditions.
7. Significance and Use
7.1 Prior to the development of acoustic sounding equip-
ment, manual techniques provided the only means of depth
measurement. Some circumstances may still require sounding
by manual techniques such as shallow areas where depth is not FIG. 1 Graduated Sounding Rod with Shoe Attached
D5073 − 02 (2007)
8.3 When sounding in still water the operator should lower depths are obtained from the difference in readings at an index
therodintothewateruntilthebottomplatemakescontactwith point on the bridge or boat rail, when the base of the sounding
the bottom surface. After determining that a firm bottom weight is at the water surface, and when it is at the bottom. A
material has been encountered, the water surface level is short steel tape or folding rule is usually employed to measure
visually read on the rod. When sounding in flowing water, to the fractional distance from the line markers to the reference
achieve vertical sounding, a long wire or cable anchored point. Within the minimum 0.5-ft markings depths are esti-
upstream and attached to the lower end of the rod may be mated and recorded to the nearest 0.1 ft. For sounding in deep
necessary. water, a sounding reel with depth indicator and an unmarked
high-strength steel cable is recommended (4).
9. Sounding Line (Manual Procedure)
9.2.1 When the metric system of units is used, the sounding
line for use in shallow depths is usually marked at 0.5-m
9.1 The sounding line (see Fig. 2) can be used to measure
intervals with different colors to identify the 1 and 2-m
depthsoflargemagnitudebutisseldomusedfordepthsgreater
intervals. Depths are recorded to the nearest 0.01 m.
than 15 ft (4.57 m). The sounding line should be of a material
that does not shrink or stretch, or lengthen from wear or
9.3 Weightsusedinsoundingareusuallyoflead,aluminum,
corrosion of the material as will occur in chain links over
or brass. For application in still water, the weights are
several years of use. Though manila rope and cotton, or other
bell-shaped (see Fig. 3a) and made of cast aluminum or lead.
materials that require prestretching before use, have been
Theamountofweightshouldbefrom5to10lb(2.3to4.5kg).
employed for large depths, small-diameter high-strength steel
9.3.1 For application in flowing water, the weight should be
cable wound and released from a reel with a gear driven depth
of circular cross section and steamlined with fins (see Fig. 3b)
indicator are readily available and greatly simplify the work
toturntheweightnosefirstintothecurrenttoofferaminimum
(1). The stretch of the high-strength cable is very small for its
of resistance to the flow. The amount of weight should be
intended use, and therefore, a considerable length of cable may
varied, depending on the water depth and flow velocity at a
be used without introducing significant error. Depth indicators,
cross section. A rule of thumb is that the weight in pounds
calibrated in either inch-pound or metric units, or both, are
should be greater than the maximum product of velocity and
available (5).
depth in the cross section. If debris or ice is flowing or the
stream is shallow or swift, use a heavier weight than the rule
9.2 Markingsonthesoundinglineshouldbeeasytoseeand
designates. A variety of sizes of sounding weights from 15 to
understand to avoid making errors in determining the readings.
300 lb (7 to 136 kg) should be available with appropriate
For sounding relatively shallow depths, marking at 0.5-ft
means of attaching to the sounding line (1). Sounding weights
intervals with different colors to identify the 1, 2, and 10-ft
should always be attached to the sounding line using a hanger
intervals is recommended. Care must be exercised so that the
bar, clevis, snap hook, or thimble of brass or stainless steel to
first marker is the correct distance from the bottom of the
protect the line from wear or damage.
sounding weight when the weight is attached. When sounding,
9.4 The procedure for making soundings will vary depend-
ing on depth, current velocity, and means of locating where the
soundings are taken. Once at the location where a depth
measurement is needed, the basic procedure is to lower the
weight until the bottom of the weight is at the water surface.
When using a marked sounding line, the distance is read from
thesoundinglineatareferencepointonthebridgeorboatafter
which the weight is lowered to the bottom, and a new distance
is read from the line and recorded.When using a sounding reel
the indicator is set to zero after which the weight is lowered to
the bottom and the depth is read and recorded. It is usually of
someimportance,especiallywhensoundinganunevenbottom,
to have the locations of the soundings accurately known
relative to the surroundings. When sounding from a boat using
weighted line, the boat should be stationary and should remain
at that position until the sounding has been completed and the
location is determined.
9.5 Soundingthroughtheicecoverofalakeorrivermaybe
taken after boring holes in the ice with an ice auger. In this
case, a marked sounding line with an appropriate sounding
weight attached at the end, is lowered through the hole and the
determined depth is recorded.
10. Sounding Reels (Manual Procedure)
10.1 Sounding reels (see Fig. 4) are used with high strength
FIG. 2 Sounding Line Used from Small Boat cable where heavy weights are required or where depths are
D5073 − 02 (2007)
FIG. 4 Hand-operated Sounding Reel (1)
depth that may present a hazard to navigation. It augments the
(a) Bell Shaped Sounding Weight (4)
hydrographic survey in navigable waters by locating shallow
submerged areas that may go undetected by the usual hydro-
graphicprocedures.Thebarsweep(seeFig.5)consistsofabar
(steel pipe) suspended beneath the survey vessel by graduated
wire or cable from hand operated drums. The drums may be
mounted either off the stern or at the port and starboard
gunwale.Eachendofthebarshouldbepackedwithleadtoadd
weight and to reduce lift when underway. Pipe weight is the
major factor in allowable vessel speed. Trial and error varia-
tions are usually necessary to determine the best combination.
(b) Torpedo Columbus-Type Sounding Weight
FIG. 3 Typical Weights
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.