ASTM D2434-22

5.1These test methods are used to measure one-dimensional vertical flow of water through initially saturated coarse-grained, pervious (that is, free-draining) soils under an applied hydraulic gradient. Hydraulic conductivity of coarse-grained soils is used in various civil engineering applications. These test methods are suitable for determination of hydraulic conductivity for soils with k > 10⁷ m/s.

5.2Coarse-grained soils are to be tested at a void ratio representative of field conditions. For engineered fills, compaction specification can be used to provide target test conditions, whereas for natural soils, field testing of in-situ density can be used to provide target test conditions.

5.3Use of a dual-ring permeameter is included in these test methods in addition to a single-ring permeameter for the rigid wall test apparatus. The dual-ring permeameter allows for reducing potential adverse effects of sidewall leakage on measured hydraulic conductivity of the test specimens. The use of a plate at the outflow end of the specimen that contains a ring with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the permeameter and the presence of two outflow ports (one from the inner ring, one from the annular space between the inner ring and the permeameter wall) allows for separating the flow from the central region of the test specimen from the flow near the sidewall of the permeameter.

1.1These test methods cover laboratory measurement of the hydraulic conductivity (also referred to as coefficient of permeability) of water-saturated coarse-grained soils (for example, sands and gravels) with 1.2This standard describes two methods (A and B) for determining hydraulic conductivity of coarse-grained soils. Method A incorporates use of a rigid wall permeameter and Method B incorporates the use of a flexible wall permeameter. A single- or dual-ring rigid wall permeameter may be used in Method A. A dual-ring permeameter may be preferred over a single-ring permeameter when adverse effects from short-circuiting of permeant water along the sidewalls of the permeameter (that is, prevent sidewall leakage) are suspected by the user of this standard.

1.3The test methods are used under constant head conditions.

1.4The test methods are used under saturated soil conditions.

1.5Water is used to permeate the test specimen with these test methods.

1.6UnitsThe values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7The observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.8This 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.

1.9This 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.