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: The outer ring acts as a buffer zone, limiting the lateral spread of water so that the liquid in the inner ring infiltrates primarily in a vertical, one-dimensional direction. Standardized Apparatus
The test specifically measures the surface over time. It is primarily used for soils with a hydraulic conductivity between
Evaluating potential septic-tank disposal fields and liquid waste disposal sites. astm d338518 pdf
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
. It is primarily conducted at the ground surface or in shallow trenches, making it ideal for relatively uniform soils without large rocks or high gravel content. Why the "Double-Ring" Design Matters
ASTM D3385-18, titled the "Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer," provides a standardized procedure for this measurement.
Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer1 15 Apr 2018 — It is crucial to purchase standards only from
It dictates explicit corrections for environmental factors, such as ambient evaporation losses during hot weather testing and temperature-dependent water viscosity shifts.
Testers maintain a constant water level (head) throughout the duration of the test.
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Continue the test until a steady-state infiltration rate is achieved—typically requiring 4 to 6 hours or until consecutive readings yield identical infiltration velocities. Data Analysis and Calculation The incremental infiltration velocity ( ) is calculated using the following formula: Authorized copies in PDF or hardcopy format can
Repeat the process for the inner ring, driving it to the same depth. Step 3: Pre-Wetting and Setup Place splash guards on the soil surface inside both rings.
Civil engineers use the data to size septic tank leach fields and soil absorption systems safely.
| Error | Consequence | Prevention | |-------|-------------|------------| | | Overestimates infiltration | Ensure outer ring water level equals inner ring level at all times. | | Ring driving smearing | Reduces vertical permeability | Drive rings smoothly, avoid over-hammering. Use sharpened ring edges. | | Temperature variation | Changes water viscosity | Record water temp; apply viscosity correction (provided in the standard). | | Trapped air | Hinders infiltration | Pre-saturate surface or use de-aired water. | | Insufficient test duration | Reads transient, not steady-state rate | Continue until rate stabilizes (can take hours in clays). |
To quantify the flux of water moving vertically into a soil surface.
| Vendor | Format Options | Approximate Price (USD) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | PDF, Print | $57.00 - $71.00 | | Accuris (formerly IHS) | PDF, Print | ~$63.00 | | Techstreet | PDF, Print | $60.00 - $75.00 | | Intertek Inform | PDF, Print | ~$67.00 |