ASTM D3385-18 establishes a standard field procedure for measuring soil infiltration rates using a double-ring infiltrometer, essential for engineering applications like waste disposal and stormwater management. It is best suited for uniform, fine-grained soils where a constant head of liquid is maintained to measure downward vertical flow. For complete technical specifications, visit ASTM International.
Introduction
Polybutadiene rubber (BR) is a synthetic rubber used in various applications, including tire manufacturing, industrial products, and consumer goods. The ASTM D3385 standard provides a framework for evaluating the properties of BR to ensure its quality and performance.
Scope
This standard covers the evaluation of properties of polybutadiene rubber (BR) including:
Significance and Use
The evaluation of BR properties is crucial for:
Test Methods
The standard outlines the following test methods:
Report
A report based on the ASTM D3385 standard should include: astm d338518 pdf
Understanding ASTM D3385-18: The Standard for Determining Pore Size Distribution of Geotextiles
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. Among its vast repository of standards, ASTM D3385-18 stands out for its significance in the geosynthetics industry. Specifically, this standard pertains to the determination of pore size distribution of geotextiles, which are permeable fabrics used in civil engineering applications to stabilize and reinforce soil and other materials.
ASTM D3385-18 is a standardized field test method published by ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials). The full title is:
Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer
The double-ring infiltrometer is the core apparatus. It consists of two concentric metal rings driven into the soil. Water is maintained at a constant level in both rings. The inner ring measures the vertical infiltration rate, while the outer ring creates a buffer zone to minimize lateral spread of water, ensuring that flow in the inner ring is predominantly one-dimensional (vertical).
For engineers and technicians who eventually obtain the PDF, here is a condensed procedural overview:
To install the rings without disturbing the soil structure inside the measurement area, ASTM D3385-18 requires the use of a driving cap and a hammer or mallet. A backhoe may be required for larger, heavy-duty rings.
ASTM D3385-18 standard provides a field procedure for measuring the infiltration rate of liquids (typically water) into soils using a double-ring infiltrometer
. This method is primarily used for comparative studies in geotechnical and environmental engineering, such as evaluating potential septic-tank disposal fields, irrigation requirements, and canal or reservoir leakage. Overview of the Method
The test involves driving two concentric open cylinders into the ground and maintaining a constant liquid level in both. Inner Ring ASTM D3385-18 establishes a standard field procedure for
: The volume of liquid added to maintain a constant level in this ring is used to calculate the infiltration rate. Outer Ring : Serves as a buffer to promote one-dimensional, vertical flow directly beneath the inner ring. Infiltration Rate
: Expressed as the volume of liquid per unit area per unit time (usually Key Specifications and Limitations
The ASTM D3385-18 standard provides a rigorous procedure for measuring the infiltration rate of soils in the field using a double-ring infiltrometer. This method is essential for civil engineers, hydrologists, and environmental scientists to determine how quickly water penetrates a site's soil—a critical factor for designing drainage systems, septic fields, and irrigation networks. Overview of ASTM D3385-18
This standard, officially titled "Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer," defines the equipment and methodology required to obtain reliable field data.
Primary Goal: To measure the rate at which a liquid (typically water) enters the soil surface.
Apparatus: Two concentric rings—usually a 12-inch (300 mm) inner ring and a 24-inch (600 mm) outer ring—driven into the soil to a specific depth.
Key Application: Used for evaluating liquid waste disposal sites, septic-tank fields, irrigation requirements, and potential leakage in canals or reservoirs. Scope and Soil Applicability
The ASTM D3385-18 method is highly specialized and not suitable for all soil conditions:
Ideal Soils: Most effective for relatively uniform, fine-grained soils with moderate to low resistance to penetration.
Limitations: It may produce unreliable results in very pervious soils (hydraulic conductivity >10-2is greater than 10 to the negative 2 power cm/s) or very impervious soils ( <10-5is less than 10 to the negative 5 power Mooney Viscosity : A measure of the rubber's
Restrictions: This test cannot be performed if the soil surface is below the groundwater table. For extremely low infiltration rates, experts often refer to ASTM D5093 (sealed inner ring method) instead. The Double-Ring Method: How It Works
The "double-ring" design is critical for accuracy because it forces water in the inner ring to flow one-dimensionally (vertically). The outer ring acts as a buffer, saturating the surrounding soil to prevent lateral (sideways) spreading from the inner measurement area. Requirement under ASTM D3385-18 Method Constant Head Method (water level is kept steady) Ring Depth Driven typically to 150 mm (6 inches) Measurement
Volume of water added to the inner ring over timed intervals Result Unit
Typically expressed in centimeters per hour (cm/h) or inches per hour Practical Procedure Steps
ASTM D3385-18 is the active standard test method for measuring the infiltration rate of soils in the field using a double-ring infiltrometer. It is utilized in geotechnical engineering to assess water penetration using constant, measured flow in two concentric rings, making it best suited for uniform soils with specific hydraulic conductivity. Purchase the official document at ASTM International ASTM International
ASTM D3385-18 is the standard test method for measuring the infiltration rate of soils in the field using a double-ring infiltrometer. It is primarily used for fine-grained soils to determine how quickly water or other liquids penetrate the ground surface. Core Test Methodology
The test involves driving two open cylinders (concentric rings) into the ground and filling them with water.
Constant Head Method: Water is maintained at a fixed level in both the inner and outer rings.
Inner Ring Measurement: Only the volume of water added to the inner ring is used to calculate the infiltration rate. The outer ring acts as a buffer to ensure water from the inner ring flows vertically into the soil, preventing lateral spread.
Standard Dimensions: A typical setup uses a 12-inch (30 cm) inner ring and a 24-inch (60 cm) outer ring. Scope and Applicability
ASTM D3385-18 specifies stringent requirements for the equipment used to ensure data reliability.
