Designation: D 5856 – 95 (Reapproved 2007)

Standard Test Method for

Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Material
Using a Rigid-Wall, Compaction-Mold Permeameter1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5856; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope ter (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

1.1 This test method covers laboratory measurement of the D 2434 Test Method for Permeability of Granular Soils
hydraulic conductivity (also referred to as coeffıcient of per- (Constant Head)
meability) of laboratory-compacted materials with a rigid-wall, D 4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying
compaction-mold permeameter. Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.2 This test method may be used with laboratory- Construction Materials Testing
compacted specimens that have a hydraulic conductivity less D 5084 Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Con-
than or equal to 1 3 10−5 m/s. The hydraulic conductivity of ductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible
compacted materials that have hydraulic conductivities greater Wall Permeameter
than 1 3 10−5 m/s may be determined by Test Method D 2434. E 145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Ventilation Ovens
standard, unless other units are specifically given. By tradition 3. Terminology
in U.S. practice, hydraulic conductivity is reported in centime-
tres per second, although the common SI units for hydraulic 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
conductivity are metres per second. 3.1.1 flux—quantity of flow per unit area per unit time.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.2 hydraulic conductivity, k—the rate of discharge of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the water under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- sectional area of a porous medium under a unit hydraulic
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- gradient and standard temperature conditions (20°C).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.2.1 Discussion—The term coeffıcient of permeability is
often used instead of hydraulic conductivity, but hydraulic
2. Referenced Documents conductivity is used exclusively in this test method. A more
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 complete discussion of the terminology associated with Dar-
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained cy’s law is given in the literature3.
Fluids 3.1.3 pore volume of flow—the cumulative quantity of
D 698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- outflow from a test specimen divided by the volume of pore
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3(600 space in the specimen.
kN-m/m3)) 3.1.4 For definitions of other terms used in this test method
D 854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by see Terminology D 653.
Water Pycnometer
4. Significance and Use
D 1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Charac-
teristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 4.1 This test method applies to one-dimensional, laminar
(2,700 kN-m/m3)) flow of water within laboratory-compacted, porous materials
D 2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Wa- such as soil.
4.2 The hydraulic conductivity of porous materials gener-
ally decreases with an increasing amount of air in the pores of
1 the material. This test method applies to porous materials
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 containing little or no air. The test method is designed to
Properties and Hydraulic Barriers. minimize the amount of air in the test specimen. However, this
Current edition approved May 1, 2007. Published July 2007. Originally approved
in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 5856–95(2002)e1.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Olson, R. E., and Daniel, D. E., “Measurement of the Hydraulic Conductivity
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on of Fine-Grained Soils,” Symposium on Permeability and Groundwater Contaminant
the ASTM website. Transport, ASTM STP 746, ASTM, 1981, pp. 18–64.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 5856 – 95 (2007)
test method does not ensure complete saturation of the test 5.1.2 Falling Head—The system shall allow for measure-
specimen with water. In cases where it is essential to saturate ment of the applied head loss, thus hydraulic gradient, to
the test specimen fully with water, the compacted specimen within6 5 % or better at any time. In addition, the ratio of
may be tested using Test Method D 5084. initial head loss divided by final head loss over an interval of
4.3 This test method applies to permeation of porous mate- time shall be measured such that this computed ratio is accurate
rials with water. Permeation with other liquids, such as to within 6 5 %. The head loss shall be measured with a
chemical wastes, can be accomplished using procedures simi- pressure gage, electronic pressure transducer, engineer’s scale,
lar to those described in this test method. However, this test graduated pipette, or any other device of suitable accuracy.
method is only intended to be used when water is the permeant Falling head tests may be performed with either a constant
liquid. tailwater elevation (Test Method B), rising tailwater elevation
4.4 It is assumed that Darcy’s law is valid and that the (Test Method C), or increasing tailwater elevation (Test
hydraulic conductivity is essentially unaffected by hydraulic Method D).
gradient. The validity of Darcy’s law may be evaluated by 5.1.3 Constant Rate of Flow—The system must be capable
measuring the hydraulic conductivity of the specimen at three of maintaining a constant rate of flow through the specimen to
hydraulic gradients; if all measured values are similar (within within 6 5 % or better. Flow measurement or control shall be
25 %), then Darcy’s law may be taken as valid. However, when by calibrated syringe, graduated pipette, or other device of
the hydraulic gradient acting on a test specimen is changed, the suitable accuracy. The head loss across the specimen shall be
state of stress will also change, and, if the specimen or pore measured to an accuracy of 6 5 % or better using an electronic
fluid is compressible, the volume of the test specimen or pore pressure transducer or other device of suitable accuracy. A
fluid will change. Thus, some change in hydraulic conductivity means to ensure that the head being measured is not affected by
may occur when the hydraulic gradient is altered, even in cases sidewall leakage should be included. More information on
where Darcy’s law is valid. testing with a constant rate of flow is given in the literature4.
4.5 One potential problem with this method of testing is the 5.2 Flow Measurement System—Both inflow and outflow
possibility that water will flow along the interface between the volumes shall be measured or controlled. Flow volumes shall
test specimen and the compaction/permeameter ring. The be measured by a graduated accumulator, graduated pipette,
problem tends to be of minimal significance for materials that graduated cylinder, vertical standpipe in conjunction with an
swell when exposed to water (for example, compacted, clayey electronic pressure transducer, marriotte bottle, or other
soils) but can be a very serious problem for materials that volume-measuring device of suitable accuracy. For long-term
might tend to shrink and pull away from the walls of the tests, evaporative losses may be significant and should be
permeameter. Test Method D 5084 is recommended for any accounted for using a suitable correction procedure.
material that tends to shrink when exposed to the permeant 5.2.1 Flow Accuracy—Required accuracy for the quantity
liquid. of flow measured over an interval of time is 6 5 % or better.
4.6 The correlation between results obtained with this test 5.2.2 Head Losses—Head losses in the tubes, valves, po-
method and the hydraulic conductivities of in-place, com- rous end pieces, and filter paper may lead to error. To guard
pacted materials has not been fully investigated. Experience against such errors, the permeameter shall be assembled with
has sometimes shown that flow patterns in small, laboratory- no specimen inside (but with any porous end pieces or sheets
prepared test specimens do not necessarily follow the same of filter paper that will be used) and then the hydraulic system
patterns on large field scales and that hydraulic conductivities filled. If a constant or falling head test is to be used, the
measured on small test specimens are not necessarily the same hydraulic pressures or heads that will be used in testing a
as larger-scale values. Therefore, the results should be applied specimen shall be applied, and the rate of flow measured with
to field situations with caution and by qualified personnel. an accuracy of 6 5 % or better. This rate of flow shall be at
least ten times greater than the rate of flow that is measured
5. Apparatus when a specimen has been compacted inside the permeameter
and the same hydraulic pressures or heads are applied. If a
5.1 Hydraulic System—Constant head (Test Method A), constant rate of flow test is to be used, the rate of flow to be
falling head (Test Methods B, C, and D), or constant rate of used in testing a specimen shall be supplied to the permeameter
flow (Test Method E) systems may be used provided they meet and the head loss measured. The head loss without a specimen
the criteria outlined as follows: shall be less than 0.1 times the head loss when a specimen is
5.1.1 Constant Head—The system must be capable of present.
maintaining a constant hydraulic pressure or head to within 6 5.3 Permeameter Cell—The permeameter cell shall consist
5 % and shall include means to measure hydraulic pressures or of a rigid-wall compaction mold into which the material to be
heads to within the prescribed tolerance. In addition, the head tested is compacted and in which the compacted material is
loss across the test specimen must be held constant to within 6 permeated; and two end plates to control flow into and out of
5 % and shall be measured with the same accuracy or better. the test specimen. A swell ring may be provided as discussed in
Pressures shall be measured by a pressure gage, electronic
pressure transducer, or any other device of suitable accuracy.
Head of liquid in a standpipe may be measured with a 4
Olsen, H. W., Gill, J. D., Willden, A. T., and Nelson, N. R.,“ Innovations in
graduated pipette, ruler, scale, or other device of suitable Hydraulic Conductivity Measurements,” Transportation Research Record No. 1309,
accuracy. Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Washington, DC, 1991.

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 D 5856 – 95 (2007)
5.3.2. The permeameter shall be designed and operated so that
permeant water flows downward through the test specimen,
although upward flow may be used if the top of the specimen
is protected from upward movement by a rigid porous element.
5.3.1 Compaction Mold/Permeameter Ring—The compac-
tion mold/permeameter ring shall be constructed of a rigid
material that will not be damaged during compaction of the test
specimen and that will not undergo adverse chemical reactions
with the test material or permeant water. Materials such as
steel, aluminum, brass, plastic, and glass have been used. The
mold shall be sufficiently rigid so that its expansion when the
permeameter is pressurized is negligibly small. The mold can
be any cylindrical shape so long as: the cross-sectional area
along the direction of flow does not vary by more than 6 2 %;
height and diameter are each $ 25 mm; height does not vary
by more than 6 1 %, and the largest particle and clod size in
the compacted specimen is # 1⁄6 the lesser of the height or
diameter.
5.3.2 Swell Ring—The top of the permeameter may be FIG. 2 Compaction-Mold Permeameter in Which Test Specimen
designed to function in one of three ways: (1) to allow no Cannot Swell
restraint against swelling (see Fig. 1), in which case a swell
ring separates the compaction mold/permeameter ring from the
top plate; (2) to allow no swelling of the test specimen (see Fig.
2), in which case no swell ring is provided; or (3) to control the
vertical stress that is applied to the test specimen (see Fig. 3),
in which case a swell ring may or may not be needed,
depending upon how the top plate is designed and how the
vertical stress is applied. If a swell ring is used, it shall be
constructed of a rigid material that will not react adversely with
the test material or permeant water, shall have the same
diameter or width as the compaction mold/permeameter ring,
and shall be sufficiently high to allow free swelling of the test
specimen or to accommodate stress-control apparatus. Sand
may be placed in the swell ring to minimize erosion of the

FIG. 3 Compaction-Mold Permeameter With a Controlled Vertical

Stress Applied to the Top of the Test Specimen

specimen from influent flow provided that the sand is included

in the measurement of head losses in the permeameter (see
5.2.2).
5.3.3 Stress-Control Apparatus—If the upper surface of the
compacted test specimen is subjected to a controlled vertical
stress, the stress shall be applied through a rigid plate using any
means that maintains the stress within 6 5 % of the desired
value.
5.3.4 Bottom Plate—The bottom plate shall be constructed
of rigid material that does not react adversely with the test
material or permeant liquid. The plate shall serve the purpose
of preventing the test specimen from swelling downward,
supporting the test specimen, collecting effluent liquid from the
base of the test specimen, and ensuring one-dimensional flow
FIG. 1 Compaction-Mold Permeameter with No Restraint Against near the effluent end of the test specimen. The base plate shall
Swelling at Top of Test Specimen be sealed to the compaction mold/permeameter ring, for

3
 D 5856 – 95 (2007)
example, with an O-ring, to prevent leakage. Checks for leaks, sheets of filter paper shall be placed between the top and
conducted without soil in the cell, are helpful to ensure bottom porous end pieces and the specimen. The paper shall
adequacy of the seals. Careful examination of the seal is have a negligibly small hydraulic impedance. The require-
particularly important when the apparatus is disassembled and ments outlined in 5.2.2 ensure that the impedance is small.
re-assembled during the test. The bottom plate shall contain a 5.5 Equipment for Compacting a Specimen—Equipment
porous material (such as porous plastic, porous metal, porous (including compactor and mold) suitable for the method of
corundum, or well-compacted sand) that is far more permeable compaction specified by the requester shall be used. Examples
than the test specimen (5.2.2 ensures that this is the case) and of compaction equipment/procedures are Test Methods D 698
that has the same overall diameter or width as the test and D 1557.
specimen. Two base plate designs are acceptable: 5.6 Devices for Measuring the Dimensions of the
5.3.4.1 Single-Ring—This design (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3) Specimen—Devices used to measure the dimensions of the
consists of a single porous material with the same diameter or specimen shall be capable of measuring to the nearest 0.3 mm
width as the test specimen. (0.01 in.) or better and shall be constructed such that their use
5.3.4.2 Double Ring—With this design (see Fig. 4), outflow will not disturb the specimen.
from the central part of the test specimen is separated from 5.7 Balances—The balance shall be suitable for determin-
flow near the sidewalls in the base plate. The system shall be ing the mass of the specimen and shall be selected as discussed
designed so that the collector ring (see Fig. 4) protrudes in Specification D 4753. The mass of specimens less than 100
approximately 3 mm into the test specimen and completely g shall be determined to the nearest 0.01 g. The mass of
separates flow entering the base plate through the inner zone specimens 100 g or larger shall be determined to the nearest 0.1
from flow entering the outer zone. A thin ring with a sharp edge g. The mass of specimens > 1000 g shall be determined to the
should be used to prevent disturbance of the soil during nearest 1.0 g.
installation.
5.8 Temperature Maintaining Device—The temperature of
NOTE 1—The double ring is preferred over the single ring because the the permeameter, test specimen, and reservoir of permeant
double ring provides a means for identifying erroneous measurements liquid shall not vary more than 63°C (65.7°F). Normally, this
caused by side-wall leakage. Unless the requestor specifically requests a is accomplished by performing the test in a room with a
single-ring base plate, the double-ring base plate shall be used.
relatively constant temperature. If such a room is not available,
5.3.5 Top Plate—The top plate shall be constructed from the apparatus shall be placed in a water bath, insulated
rigid materials that do not react adversely with the test material chamber, or other device that maintains a temperature within
or permeant water. The top plate shall be sealed to the the tolerance specified above. The temperature shall be peri-
compaction mold/permeameter ring or swell ring (if present) in odically measured and recorded.
a way that prevents leakage. Tests for leaks, conducted without 5.9 Water Content Containers—The containers shall be in
soil in the cell, are helpful to ensure the adequacy of the seals. accordance with Test Method D 2216.
The plate shall be designed to ensure that flow through the test 5.10 Drying Oven—The oven shall be in accordance with
specimen is one-dimensional. Specification E 145.
5.4 Filter Paper—If necessary to prevent intrusion of ma-
terial into the pores of the porous end pieces, one or more
6. Reagents
6.1 Permeant Water:
6.1.1 The permeant water is the liquid used to permeate the
test specimen. Any liquid introduced into the test specimen,
porous elements, filter paper, or other portions of the per-
meameter shall be permeant water.
6.1.2 The type of permeant water shall be specified by the
requestor. If no specification is made, de-aired tap water shall
be used for the permeant liquid. The type of water used shall be
indicated in the report. Regardless of the type of permeant
water requested, the water shall be de-aired water (see 6.1.3),
unless the requestor specifically requests that the water not be
de-aired.
NOTE 2—Chemical interactions between a permeant liquid and the
porous material may lead to variations in hydraulic conductivity. Distilled
water can significantly lower the hydraulic conductivity of clayey soils.3
For this reason, distilled water is not usually recommended as a permeant
liquid. A permeant liquid used by some is 0.005 N CaSO4, that can be
obtained, for example, by dissolving 6.8 g of non-hydrated, reagent-grade
CaSO4 in 10 L of de-aired, distilled (or de-ionized) water. This CaSO4
solution is thought to neither increase nor decrease significantly the
FIG. 4 Compaction-Mold Permeameter With Double Ring in Base hydraulic conductivity of clayey soils. In areas with extremely brackish
Plate tap water, the CaSO4 solution is recommended.

4
 D 5856 – 95 (2007)
6.1.3 To aid in removing as much air from the test specimen where:
as possible, de-aired water shall be used. The water is usually Gs = the specific gravity of solids, that shall either be
de-aired by boiling, by spraying a fine mist of water into an measured according to Test Method D 854 or esti-
evacuated vessel attached to a vacuum source, or by forceful mated.
agitation of water in a container attached to a vacuum source.
NOTE 3—Accurate measurement of the specific gravity of solids of
If boiling is used, care shall be taken not to evaporate an
many materials is difficult. The specific gravity of solids shall be
excessive amount of water, which can lead to a larger salt determined with an estimated accuracy of 60.05. For many materials, it
concentration in the permeant water than desired. To prevent is possible to estimate Gswithin this accuracy.
dissolution of air back into the water, de-aired water shall not
7.5 Calculate the volume of the pores in the test specimen
be exposed to air for prolonged periods.
(Vp) as follows:
7. Test Specimen Vp 5 nV (4)

7.1 Preparation of Compaction/Permeameter Ring—Prior 8. Procedure

to compaction, determine the inside dimensions of the
compaction/permeameter ring to the tolerances given in 5.3.1, 8.1 Specimen Set-Up:
and determine the mass of the compaction/permeameter ring to 8.1.1 If filter paper is used to prevent clogging of porous end
the tolerances given in 5.7. If desired, the inside of the pieces, cut filter paper sheets to approximately the same shape
permeameter may be coated with a thin layer of sodium as the cross section of the test specimen.
bentonite paste to minimize the possibility of side-wall leak- 8.1.2 Soak any porous end pieces (discs) and filter paper
age. sheets to be used in a container of permeant water and place the
7.2 Compaction—Prepare the material to be tested and filter paper sheets on the porous end pieces.
compacted inside the compaction/permeameter ring in a man- 8.1.3 Assemble the permeameter cell and fill it with de-aired
ner specified by the requestor. If the specimen is placed and permeant water. Flush permeant water through the influent line
compacted in layers, lightly scarify the surface of each to remove any entrapped gas.
previously-compacted layer (roughen) with a fork, ice pick, or NOTE 4—Care should be exercised when assembling permeameters
other suitable object, unless the requester specifically states with a double ring in the base plate to ensure seating of the ring in the
that scarification is not to be performed. Test Methods D 698 specimen. A restraining ring can be placed on top of the specimen during
and D 1557 describe two methods of compaction, but any other assembly to prevent slippage of the specimen as it is pressed into the ring.
Alternatively, the specimen can be compacted directly on the base of the
method specified by the requestor may be used as long as the
permeameter. If this latter procedure is used, then the base plate and ring
method is described in the report. Large clods of material should be sturdy enough to prevent breakage during compaction.
should not be broken down prior to compaction unless it is
known that they will be broken in field construction, as well, or 8.1.4 If a controlled stress is to be applied to the upper
the requestor specifically requests that the clod size be reduced. surface of a test specimen, apply it at this stage.
Neither hard clods nor individual particles of the material shall 8.2 Permeation:
exceed 1⁄6 of either the height or diameter of the specimen. 8.2.1 Hydraulic Gradient—When possible, the hydraulic
After compaction, determine the mass of the compaction/ gradient used for hydraulic conductivity measurements should
permeameter ring containing the compacted specimen and be similar to that expected to occur in the field. In general,
immediately mount the compaction/permeameter ring contain- hydraulic gradients from < 1 to 5 cover most field conditions.
ing the test specimen in the permeameter. Determine the water However, the use of small hydraulic gradients can lead to very
content of the trimmings or excess material in accordance with long testing times for materials having low hydraulic conduc-
Test Method D 2216. Determine the mass (M) of the test tivity (less than about 1 3 10−8 m/s). Somewhat larger hydrau-
specimen by subtracting the mass of the compaction/ lic gradients are usually used in the laboratory to accelerate
permeameter ring from the mass of the compaction/ testing, but excessive gradients must be avoided because high
permeameter ring plus test specimen. seepage pressures may consolidate the material, material may
7.3 Calculate the total volume of the test specimen (V) from be washed from the specimen, channeling along the sidewall
the length (L) and diameter (D) of the test specimen as follows: may occur, or fine particles may be washed downstream and
plug the effluent end of the test specimen. These effects could
pD 2L increase or decrease hydraulic conductivity. For high hydraulic
V5 4 (1)
gradients (> 20), a base plate with a double ring (see Fig. 4) is
7.4 Calculate the initial dry density (rdi) of the compacted recommended to avoid anomalous measurements caused by
specimen and porosity (n) of the test specimen from the mass channeling along the sidewall. If no hydraulic gradient is
(M) and volume of the specimen (V) and from the approximate specified by the requestor, the following guidelines may be
water content (w, in decimal form) of the specimen as follows: followed:
M Recommended Maximum
Hydraulic Conductivity (m/s)
rdi 5 (2) Hydraulic Gradient
~1 1 w!V 1 3 10−5 to 1 3 10−6 2
and: 1 3 10−6 to 1 3 10−7 5
1 3 10−7 to 1 3 10−8 10
rdi 1 3 10−8 to 1 3 10−9 20
n512Gr (3) < 1 3 10−9 30
s w

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 D 5856 – 95 (2007)
The constant flow rate method may be advantageous if low requirement of 5.1.2 that the ratio of initial to final head loss be
gradients and short testing times are desired for testing determined with an accuracy of 6 5 % or better. When the initial and final
saturated materials with very low hydraulic conductivity.4 head losses over an interval of time do not differ very much, it may be
possible to comply with the requirements of 8.2.3 and to treat the test as
8.2.2 Initialization—Initiate permeation of the specimen by a constant head test.
increasing the influent pressure. The pressure at the effluent end
of the test specimen is normally atmospheric pressure (see 8.2.4.1 Test with Constant Tailwater Level (Test Method
Note 5). If restraint against upward movement of the specimen B)—If the water pressure at the downstream (tailwater) end of
is provided, initially flowing the permeant upward may assist the test specimen is kept constant, periodically measure and
in saturation. record either the quantity of inflow or the level of water in the
influent standpipe; measure and record the quantity of outflow
NOTE 5—Backpressure is normally not applied in this type of test. If from the test specimen.
backpressure is used, the flexible wall permeameter (see Test Method 8.2.4.2 Test with Constant Headwater and Rising Tailwater
D 5084) is recommended. If backpressure is specifically requested with
this test method, the requestor shall specify the magnitude of the
Level (Test Method C)—If the water pressure at the upstream
backpressure. If backpressure is used, use a double-ring effluent collector (headwater) end of the test specimen is kept constant, periodi-
(see Fig. 5) or employ some other suitable methodology to ensure that the cally measure and record either the quantity of outflow or the
backpressure has not expanded the permeameter ring and caused spurious level of water in the effluent standpipe; measure and record the
sidewall leakage. quantity of inflow into the test specimen. A marriotte bottle is
8.2.3 Constant Head Test (Test Method A)—Measure and a convenient device to measure the quantity of inflow while
record the head loss across the test specimen and keep this head maintaining a constant head.
loss constant 6 5 %. Measure and record periodically the 8.2.4.3 Test with Decreasing Headwater Level and Increas-
quantity of inflow as well as the quantity of outflow. If a ing Tailwater Level (Test Method D)—If the water pressure at
double-ring effluent collector is used, record the quantity of the downstream end of the test specimen rises during an
outflow from both collector rings. Continue permeation until at interval of time, periodically measure and record either the
least four values of hydraulic conductivity are obtained over an quantity of inflow and outflow or the changes in water levels in
interval of time in which: the ratio of outflow to inflow rate is the influent and effluent standpipes.
between 0.75 and 1.25, the hydraulic conductivity is steady, 8.2.5 Constant Rate of Flow Tests (Test Method E)—Initiate
and if a double-ring collector is used, the ratio of the flux from permeation of the specimen by imposing a constant flow rate.
the outer ring to that from the inner ring is between 0.75 and Choose the flow rate so the hydraulic gradient does not exceed
1.25. Consider the hydraulic conductivity steady if four or the value specified, or if none is specified, the value recom-
more consecutive hydraulic conductivity determinations fall mended in 8.2.1. Periodically measure the head loss across the
within 6 25 % of the mean value for k $ 1 3 10−10 m/s or test specimen. Continue permeation until at least four values of
within6 50 % for k < 1 3 10−10 m/s, and a plot of the hydraulic conductivity are obtained over an interval of time in
hydraulic conductivity versus time shows no significant up- which hydraulic conductivity is steady (see 8.2.3) and, if a
ward or downward trend. See Note 6. double-ring collector is used, the ratio of the flux from the
outer ring to that from the inner ring is between 0.75 and 1.25
NOTE 6—If the test specimen has been prepared using a dry, highly (see Note 6). The user shall also ensure that the system is
expandable material such as sodium bentonite or has very low hydraulic
conductivity (< 1 3 10−10 m/s), hydration may not be complete even when
devoid of leaks and that rate of inflow and outflow are similar.
the requirements in 8.2.3 are met. If incomplete hydration is of concern, One method to verify these conditions is to periodically
a suitable method of soaking the sample can be conducted prior to compare the rate of inflow and outflow and determine if the
permeation. ratio of inflow to outflow rates is between 0.75 and 1.25. Other
8.2.4 Falling Head Tests (Test Methods B, C, and D)— suitable methods also can be used.
Measure and record the head loss across the test specimen. At NOTE 9—Volume measurements should be made after sufficient time
no time shall the applied head loss across the specimen be less has elapsed to permit flow in the measurement reservoirs that is at least ten
than 75 % of the initial (maximum) head loss during each times the finest graduation on the reservoir. Measurements may be made
at shorter time intervals only if it can be ensured that accurate measure-
individual hydraulic conductivity determination. Continue per-
ments of rate of flow or change in head can be made, or both.
meation until at least four values of hydraulic conductivity are
obtained over an interval of time in which: the ratio of outflow 8.3 Final Dimensions of the Specimen—After completion of
to inflow rate is between 0.75 and 1.25, the hydraulic conduc- permeation, reduce the applied pressures, carefully disas-
tivity is steady (see 8.2.3), and if a double-ring collector is semble the permeameter cell, and examine the specimen. If the
used, the ratio of the flux from the outer ring to that from the specimen is free to swell, measure the height of the specimen.
inner ring is between 0.75 and 1.25. See Note 6, Note 7, and If the length of the specimen is more than 1.15 times the
Note 8. original length, trim the specimen and repeat the hydraulic
conductivity measurement (see Note 10). Take care when
NOTE 7—When the water pressure in a test specimen changes, the trimming the specimen not to smear material across the surface
volume of the pore fluid (especially gas bubbles) can change and the test
specimen itself may expand or contract. The requirement that the head loss
of the test specimen. After trimming, scarify the surface of the
not decrease very much during a falling head test is intended to minimize specimen. Once the test is complete, measure and record the
these potential sources of volume change. final height, diameter, and total mass of the specimen. Then
NOTE 8—When the initial and final head losses across the test specimen determine the final water content of the specimen by the
do not differ by much, great accuracy is needed to comply with the procedure of Test Method D 2216.

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 D 5856 – 95 (2007)
NOTE 10—If the specimen swells into a swell ring, the boundary a1 = cross-sectional area of the reservoir containing the effluent liquid
conditions at the influent end are uncertain. This problem is considered from the inner ring, m2, and
negligible if the amount of swell is less than or equal to 15 % of the a2 = cross-sectional area of the reservoir containing the effluent liquid
original length of the specimen. If the swell is more than 15 %, the from the outer ring, m2.
material that swelled into the swell ring must be trimmed away. If it is
known prior to permeation that a large amount of swell will occur, the 9.2.2 Decreasing Headwater and Increasing Tailwater
specimen may be trimmed at some intermediate point in the test, that is, Pressure (Test Method D)—Calculate the hydraulic conductiv-
it is not necessary to wait until all the requirements of Section 8 are ity, k, as follows:
satisfied prior to dismantling the cell and trimming away the material that
swelled into the swell ring. However, all requirements must be met before ainaoutL
k5 ln ~h1/h2! (7)
a test is complete. Even if the height of the specimen is # 1.15 times the A t~ain 1 aout!
original height, measure the entire length of specimen and then trim the
specimen prior to determining the final length, mass, and water content where:
(the final length, mass, and water content are to be determined on that ain = cross-sectional area of the reservoir containing the
portion of the test specimen contained within the compaction mold/ influent liquid, m2,
permeameter ring). Use the length measured prior to trimming for the aout = cross-sectional area of the reservoir containing the
calculation of hydraulic conductivity. effluent liquid, m2,
NOTE 11—For some gap-graded materials, migration of particles may L = length of the specimen, m,
affect the measured hydraulic conductivity. Reversing the direction of flow A = cross-sectional area of the specimen, m2,
may be useful in assessing the effect of particle migration. t = elapsed time between determination of h1 and h2, s,
h1 = head loss across the specimen at time t1, m, and
9. Calculation h2 = head loss across the specimen at time t2, m.
9.1 Constant Head and Constant Rate of Flow Tests (Test NOTE 14—For the case in Test Method D where aout = ain = a, the
Methods A and E)—Calculate the hydraulic conductivity, k, as equation for calculating k for a falling head test with a rising tailwater
follows: level is:
QL
k5Ath (5) aL
SD
h1
k 5 2 A t ln h
2
(8)

where: Also, Test Method D only shall be used for tests conducted in a single
ring permeameter (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) unless the set-up for a double ring
k = hydraulic conductivity, m/s,
test (see Fig. 4) ensures the tailwater elevations in the effluent reservoirs
Q = quantity of flow, taken as the average of inflow and remain equal throughout the test. Provided the elevations remain equal,
outflow, m3, then aout = a1 + a2
L = length of specimen along path of flow, m,
A = cross-sectional area of specimen, m2, where:
t = interval of time, s, over which the flow Q occurs, and a1 = cross-sectional area of the reservoir containing the effluent liquid
h = difference in hydraulic head across the specimen, m of from the inner ring, m[sup]2[reset], and
water. a2 = cross-sectional area of the reservoir containing the effluent liquid
from the outer ring, m2.
NOTE 12—If a double-ring effluent collector is used, the outflow
quantity shall be taken as the total quantity from both rings.
9.3 Correct the hydraulic conductivity to that for 20°C
(68°F), k20, by multiplying k by the ratio of the viscosity of
9.2 Falling Head Tests: water at test temperature, T, to the viscosity of water at 20°C
9.2.1 Constant Tailwater Pressure (Test Method B) and (68°F), RT, from Table 1, as follows:
Constant Headwater and Rising Tailwater (Test Method C)— k20 5 RTk (9)
Calculate the hydraulic conductivity, k, as follows:
9.4 Let Ms denote the oven dried mass (in kilograms) of
aL
SD
h1
k 5 At ln h
2
(6) material comprising the test specimen, V, the final volume of
the test specimen contained in the compaction mold/
where: permeameter ring (in cubic metres), w (dimensionless) the final
a = cross-sectional area of the reservoir containing the water content of the test specimen, and Gsthe dimensionless
influent liquid, m2, specific gravity of solids (see Note 4). Determine the final dry
L = length of the specimen, m, density (rdf in kg/m3) of the test specimen as follows:
A = cross-sectional area of the specimen, m2, Ms
t = elapsed time between determination of h1 and h2, s, rdf 5 V (10)
h1 = head loss across the specimen, at time t1, m, and
h2 = head loss across the specimen at time t2, m. and the final degree of saturation (S, expressed as a percent-
age):
NOTE 13—Test Method C only shall be used for tests conducted in a
single ring permeameter (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) unless the set-up for a w
S5r 1 3 100 (11)
double ring test (see Fig. 4) ensures the tailwater elevations in the effluent w
2
reservoirs remain equal throughout the test. Provided the elevations rs G s
remain equal, then a = a1 + a2
where:
where: rw = is the density of water (998.2 kg/m3 at 20°C).

7
 D 5856 – 95 (2007)
TABLE 1 Correction Factor RT for Viscosity of Water at Various 10.1.6 The type of permeant liquid used,
Temperatures 10.1.7 Type of permeameter used, including type (if any) of
Temperature (°C) RT Temperature (°C) RT confinement against swelling, single- or double-ring base plate,
1 1.723 26 0.869 and any non-standard test arrangement such as use of back-
2 1.664 27 0.850 pressure,
3 1.611 28 0.832
4 1.560 29 0.814 10.1.8 The test method (A, B, C, D or E) used,
5 1.511 30 0.797 10.1.9 Hydraulic gradient (report the range, if variable),
6 1.465 31 0.780
10.1.10 The total number of pore volumes of permeant
7 1.421 32 0.764
8 1.379 33 0.749 liquid that came out of the test specimen and the duration of the
9 1.339 34 0.733 test, measured from initiation of permeation to the end of the
10 1.301 35 0.719
11 1.265 36 0.705
last set of readings used to determine hydraulic conductivity,
12 1.230 37 0.692 10.1.11 The final length, diameter, water content, dry den-
13 1.197 38 0.678 sity, and degree of saturation of the test specimen. Also report
14 1.165 39 0.665
15 1.135 40 0.653
the specific gravity of solids used for computations and
16 1.106 41 0.641 indicate whether this value was measured or assumed,
17 1.077 42 0.629 10.1.12 The amount of swelling that was measured and
18 1.051 43 0.618
19 1.025 44 0.607
whether or not material was trimmed away from the swell ring
20 1.000 45 0.598 (if applicable) prior to permeation,
21 0.976 46 0.585 10.1.13 The average hydraulic conductivity for the last four
22 0.953 47 0.575
23 0.931 48 0.565
determinations of hydraulic conductivity, reported with two
24 0.910 49 0.556 significant figures, for example, 7.1 3 10−10 m/s, and reported
in units of m/s (plus additional units, if requested or custom-
ary),
9.5 Determine the number of pore volumes of inflow (NPV) 10.1.14 A graph or table of hydraulic conductivity versus
at the end of the test as follows: time or pore volumes of flow and a graph or table of the ratio
Qin of outflow to inflow flow rate versus time or pore volume of
NPV 5 V (12)
p flow, and
10.1.15 If a double-ring effluent collector was used, report a
where: graph or table of the ratio of flux from the outer ring to that
Qin = is the cumulative quantity of inflow from the test
from the inner ring versus time or pore volumes of flow.
specimen and Vp is the initial volume of the pore
space within the test specimen (see 7.5). 11. Precision and Bias
11.1 Precision—Data are being evaluated to determine the
10. Report precision of this test method. In addition, Subcommittee
10.1 Report the following information: D18.04 on Hydrologic Properties of Soil and Rocks, is seeking
10.1.1 Sample identifying information, pertinent data from users of the test method.
10.1.2 Any special selection and preparation process, such 11.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
as removal of stones or other materials, method; therefore, bias cannot be determined.
10.1.3 Descriptive information on method of compaction,
10.1.4 The initial dimensions of the specimen, 12. Keywords
10.1.5 The initial water content and dry density of the 12.1 coefficient of permeability; ground water; hydraulic
specimen, barriers; hydraulic conductivity; liner; permeameter

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