Summary
Why it matters
Test principle and equipment
Procedure (condensed, practical steps)
Key limitations and sources of error
Data interpretation and reporting
Alternatives and complements
Practical recommendations (field best practices)
Precision, bias, and revisions
Where to obtain the full standard
Concise takeaway
If you want, I can: provide a one‑page printable cheat sheet for performing a D3385 test in the field, or produce the sample calculation and an example infiltration‑vs‑time plot from realistic measurement data. Which would you prefer?
ASTM D3385-18, the "Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer," outlines a field procedure using a 12-inch inner and 24-inch outer ring to determine soil permeability. The constant-head method is suitable for measuring liquid infiltration in various soils, excluding those with high gravel content or excessive shrinkage. The full standard can be purchased directly from the ASTM Store.
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).
While ASTM D3385-18 provides a valuable tool for evaluating geotextiles, there are challenges and limitations, including variability in testing results and the influence of test conditions on the measured pore size distribution. Additionally, field performance can sometimes differ from laboratory results due to installation conditions, soil properties, and long-term degradation.
A primary challenge in field infiltration testing is the divergence of flow lines. In a single-ring infiltrometer, water infiltrates vertically but also spreads laterally due to capillary forces and the geometry of the wetting front. This lateral spreading artificially inflates the measured infiltration rate because the wetted area increases with depth.
The double-ring infiltrometer addresses this through the "buffer ring" principle. An outer ring is used to saturate the soil around an inner ring. The theory posits that the water flowing laterally from the inner ring is countered by the hydraulic head of the water in the outer ring. Consequently, the flow from the inner ring is forced to move primarily in a vertical direction. Therefore, the measurement of water level drop within the inner ring provides a more accurate estimation of vertical infiltration capacity. astm d338518 pdf
The ASTM D3385-18 PDF is an essential document for geotechnical engineers, environmental consultants, and construction quality control personnel. It provides a standardized, repeatable, and defensible method for measuring soil infiltration rate in the field.
To summarize:
Once you have your licensed PDF, combine it with proper field training and quality control (per ASTM D3740) to produce reliable infiltration data that will stand up to peer review and regulatory scrutiny.
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What is ASTM D3385-18?
ASTM D3385-18 is a standard test method developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) that covers the determination of the infiltration rate of soil in the field using a double-ring infiltrometer.
Summary of the Report:
The ASTM D3385-18 PDF report provides a detailed methodology for conducting infiltration tests using a double-ring infiltrometer. The test method involves driving two concentric rings into the soil surface, with the inner ring serving as the test area and the outer ring acting as a buffer zone to minimize lateral flow.
The report outlines the requirements for:
Key Findings and Applications:
The ASTM D3385-18 test method is widely used in various fields, including:
Significance of the Report:
The ASTM D3385-18 PDF report provides a standardized approach for determining the infiltration rate of soil, which is essential for:
Overall, the ASTM D3385-18 PDF report provides a valuable resource for professionals and researchers working in the fields of hydrology, soil science, and environmental engineering.
Note: ASTM also offers a "READ ONLY" access for a lower fee (approx. $15) via their ASTM Reading Room, but printing or saving is restricted.
The movement of water through the soil surface, known as infiltration, is a fundamental hydrologic process. It governs the partitioning of rainfall into surface runoff and subsurface storage, influencing everything from flood forecasting and irrigation efficiency to the design of stormwater management systems and landfill liners. Accurate quantification of the infiltration rate is essential for civil engineers, hydrologists, and environmental scientists. Summary
ASTM D3385-18, officially titled “Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometers,” serves as the industry benchmark for this measurement. By utilizing a concentric ring apparatus, the method aims to minimize lateral flow divergence, thereby providing a more accurate representation of the vertical hydraulic conductivity of the soil. This paper dissects the standard, offering guidance on its practical application and theoretical basis.
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