Full Description

1.1This test method covers laboratory determination of the coefficient of permeability for the flow of air through unsaturated porous materials.

1.2This test method may be used with intact or compacted coarse grained soils, silts, or lean cohesive soils that have a low degree of saturation and that have permeability between 1.0 10^-15 m (1.01 millidarcy) and 1.0 10^-10 m (101 darcy).

1.3The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.3.1By tradition in U.S. practice, the permeability of porous media is reported in units of darcy, although the SI unit for permeability is m.

1.4All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.4.1For the purpose of comparing a measured or calculated value with specified limits, the measured or calculated value shall be rounded to the same precision as the specified limits.

1.4.2The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the users objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.

1.5This 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.