1.1 This test method covers the determination of the hydraulic conductivity, or the permeability relative to water, of any porous medium in the laboratory, in particular, the hydraulic conductivity for water in subsurface materials, for example, soil, sediment, rock, concrete, and ceramic, either natural or artificial, especially in relatively impermeable materials or materials under highly unsaturated conditions. This test method covers determination of these properties using any form of steady-state centrifugation (SSC) in which fluid can be applied to a specimen with a constant flux or steady flow during centrifugation of the specimen. This test method only measures advective flow on core specimens in the laboratory.

1.2 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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.