ASTM D6391-11(2020)
Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Using Borehole Infiltration

Standard No.

ASTM D6391-11(2020)

Release Date

2020

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D6391-11(2020)

Scope

1.1 This test method covers field measurement of hydraulic conductivity (also referred to as coeffıcient of permeability) of porous materials using a cased borehole technique. When isotropic conditions can be assumed and a flush borehole is employed, the method yields the hydraulic conductivity of the porous material. When isotropic conditions cannot be assumed, the method yields limiting values of the hydraulic conductivity in the vertical direction (upper limit) if a single stage is conducted and the horizontal direction (lower limit) if a second stage is conducted. For anisotropic conditions, determination of the actual hydraulic conductivity requires further analysis by qualified personnel. 1.2 This test method may be used for compacted fills or natural deposits, above or below the water table, that have a mean hydraulic conductivity less than or equal to 1×10–5 m/s (1×10–3 cm/s). 1.3 Hydraulic conductivity greater than 1×10–5 m/s may be determined by ordinary borehole tests, for example, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 7310 (1)2 ; however, the resulting value is an apparent conductivity. 1.4 For this test method, a distinction must be made between “saturated” (Ks) and “field-saturated” (Kfs) hydraulic conductivity. True saturated conditions seldom occur in the vadose zone except where impermeable layers result in the presence of perched water tables. During infiltration events or in the event of a leak from a lined pond, a “field-saturated” condition develops. True saturation does not occur due to entrapped air (2). The entrapped air prevents water from moving in air-filled pores, which may reduce the hydraulic conductivity measured in the field by as much as a factor of two compared with conditions when trapped air is not present (3). This test method develops the “field-saturated” condition. 1.5 Experience with this test method has been predominantly in materials having a degree of saturation of 70 % or more, and where the stratification or plane of compaction is relatively horizontal. Its use in other situations should be considered experimental. 1.6 As in the case of all tests for hydraulic conductivity, the results of this test pertain only to the volume of soil permeated. Extending the results to the surrounding area requires both multiple tests and the judgment of qualified personnel. The number of tests required depends on among other things: the size of the area, the uniformity of the material in that area, and the variation in data from multiple tests. 1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. 1.8.1 The procedures in this standard that are used to specify how data are collected, recorded, and calculated are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the objectives of the user. Increasing or reducing the significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations is common practice. Consideration of the significant digits to be used in analysis methods for engineering design is beyond the scope of this standard. 1.9 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. This test method does not purport to address environmental protection problems, as well. 1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the 1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.04 on Hydrologic Properties and Hydraulic Barriers. Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2020. Published March 2020. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D6391–11. DOI: 10.1520/D6391-11R20. 2 The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this standard. Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States This 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. Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D6391-11(2020) Referenced Document

• ASTM D1452/D1452M Standard Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings
• ASTM D1587/D1587M Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes*， 2024-04-22 Update
• ASTM D2937 Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Soil Density by the Pushing Cylinder Method*， 2024-04-22 Update
• ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D5084 Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible Wall Permeameter
• ASTM D5092/D5092M Standard Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

ASTM D6391-11(2020) history

• 2020 ASTM D6391-11(2020) Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Using Borehole Infiltration
• 2011 ASTM D6391-11 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Using Borehole Infiltration
• 2006 ASTM D6391-06 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Limits of Porous Materials Using Two Stages of Infiltration from a Borehole
• 1999 ASTM D6391-99(2004) Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Limits of Porous Materials Using Two Stages of Infiltration from a Borehole
• 1999 ASTM D6391-99 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Limits of Porous Materials Using Two Stages of Infiltration from a Borehole