ASTM D4511-92(1996) - 10.11.2000
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of essentially saturated, intact cylindrical specimens of peat when the hydraulic conductivity is greater than 1 10-7 m/s (1 10-5 cm/s). During the test, the specimens are contained in the core holder, or in right, regular cylindrical sections cut from the sampling tube in which they were originally obtained in the field.

1.2 Hydraulic conductivity is calculated on the basis of the measured constant flow rate through the specimen under constant head. For verification, flow rate determinations may be made at two or more values of constant head with corresponding calculations of hydraulic conductivity.

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

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

1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's 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.

1.5 This 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D653-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).

D2434-26

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Coarse-Grained Soils

D2974-25e1

Standard Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other Organic Soils (Includes all amendments and changes 12/9/2025).

D3740-26

Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D1587-08

Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes

Peat Testing Manual National Research Council of Canada, Publications Section, Building R–88, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0R6. Out of print.

D6026-21

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data

D4753-25

Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing

D4220-95(2000)

Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples