Designation: D3385 – 09

Standard Test Method for

Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring
Infiltrometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3385; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for field mea- bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
surement of the rate of infiltration of liquid (typically water) 2. Referenced Documents
into soils using double-ring infiltrometer.
1.2 Soils should be regarded as natural occurring fine or 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
coarse-grained soils or processed materials or mixtures of D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
natural soils and processed materials, or other porous materials, Fluids
and which are basically insoluble and are in accordance with D1452 Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger
requirements of 1.5. Borings
1.3 This test method is particularly applicable to relatively D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Wa-
uniform fine-grained soils, with an absence of very plastic (fat) ter (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
clays and gravel-size particles and with moderate to low D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
resistance to ring penetration. (Visual-Manual Procedure)
1.4 This test method may be conducted at the ground D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
surface or at given depths in pits, and on bare soil or with Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
vegetation in place, depending on the conditions for which Used in Engineering Design and Construction
infiltration rates are desired. However, this test method cannot D5093 Test Method for Field Measurement of Infiltration
be conducted where the test surface is below the ground water Rate Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer with Sealed-Inner
table or perched water table. Ring
1.5 This test method is difficult to use or the resultant data 3. Terminology
may be unreliable, or both, in very pervious or impervious soils
(soils with a hydraulic conductivity greater than about 10−2 3.1 Definitions: For common definitions of terms in this
cm/s or less than about 1 3 10−6 cm/s) or in dry or stiff soils standard, refer to Terminology D653.
that most likely will fracture when the rings are installed. For 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
soils with hydraulic conductivity less than 1 3 10−6 cm/s refer 3.2.1 incremental infiltration velocity—the quantity of flow
to Test Method D5093. per unit area over an increment of time. It has the same units
1.6 This test method cannot be used directly to determine as the infiltration rate.
the hydraulic conductivity (coefficient of permeability) of the 3.2.2 infiltration—the downward entry of liquid into the
soil (see 5.2). soil.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.2.3 infiltration rate—a selected rate, based on measured
standard. incremental infiltration velocities, at which liquid can enter the
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the soil under specified conditions, including the presence of an
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the excess of liquid. It has the dimensions of velocity (that is,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- cm3cm−2 h−1 = cm h−1).
3.2.4 infiltrometer—a device for measuring the rate of entry
of liquid into a porous body, for example, water into soil.
1
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
2
Properties and Hydraulic Barriers. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D3385 – 03. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D3385-09. the ASTM website.

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

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 D3385 – 09
4. Summary of Test Method ratio of the outer to inner cylinders is about two. Cylinders can
4.1 The double-ring infiltrometer method consists of driving be made of 3-mm (1⁄8-in.), hard-alloy, aluminum sheet or other
two open cylinders, one inside the other, into the ground, material sufficiently strong to withstand hard driving, with the
partially filling the rings with water or other liquid, and then bottom edge bevelled (see Fig. 1). The bevelled edges shall be
maintaining the liquid at a constant level. The volume of liquid kept sharp. Stainless steel or strong plastic rings may have to
added to the inner ring, to maintain the liquid level constant is be used when working with corrosive fluids.
the measure of the volume of liquid that infiltrates the soil. The 6.2 Driving Caps—Disks of 13-mm (1⁄2-in.) thick hard-alloy
volume infiltrated during timed intervals is converted to an aluminum with centering pins around the edge, or preferably
incremental infiltration velocity, usually expressed in centime- having a recessed groove about 5 mm (0.2 in.) deep with a
tre per hour or inch per hour and plotted versus elapsed time. width about 1 mm (0.05 in.) wider than the thickness of the
The maximum-steady state or average incremental infiltration ring. The diameters of the disks should be slightly larger than
velocity, depending on the purpose/application of the test is those of the infiltrometer rings.
equivalent to the infiltration rate. 6.3 Driving Equipment—A 5.5-kg (12-lb) mall or sledge
and a 600 or 900-mm (2 or 3-ft) length of wood approximately
5. Significance and Use 50 by 100 mm or 100 by 100 mm (2 by 4 in. or 4 by 4 in.), or
5.1 This test method is useful for field measurement of the a jack and reaction of suitable size.
infiltration rate of soils. Infiltration rates have application to 6.4 Depth Gage—A hook gage, steel tape or rule, or length
such studies as liquid waste disposal, evaluation of potential of steel or plastic rod pointed on one end, for use in measuring
septic-tank disposal fields, leaching and drainage efficiencies, and controlling the depth of liquid (head) in the infiltrometer
irrigation requirements, water spreading and recharge, and ring, when either a graduated Mariotte tube or automatic flow
canal or reservoir leakage, among other applications. control system is not used.
5.2 Although the units of infiltration rate and hydraulic 6.5 Splash Guard—Several pieces of rubber sheet or burlap
conductivity of soils are similar, there is a distinct difference 150 mm (6 in.) square.
between these two quantities. They cannot be directly related 6.6 Rule or Tape—Two-metre (6-ft) steel tape or 300-mm
unless the hydraulic boundary conditions are known, such as (1-ft) steel rule.
hydraulic gradient and the extent of lateral flow of water, or can 6.7 Tamp—Any device that is basically rigid, has a handle
be reliably estimated. not less than 550 mm (22 in.) in length, and has a tamping foot
5.3 The purpose of the outer ring is to promote one- with an area ranging from 650 to 4000 mm2 (1 to 6 in.2) and a
dimensional, vertical flow beneath the inner ring. maximum dimension of 150 mm (6 in.).
5.4 Many factors affect the infiltration rate, for example the 6.8 Shovels—One long-handled shovel and one trenching
soil structure, soil layering, condition of the soil surface, spade.
degree of saturation of the soil, chemical and physical nature of 6.9 Liquid Containers:
the soil and of the applied liquid, head of the applied liquid, 6.9.1 One 200-L (55-gal) barrel for the main liquid supply,
temperature of the liquid, and diameter and depth of embed- along with a length of rubber hose to siphon liquid from the
ment of rings.3 Thus, tests made at the same site are not likely barrel to fill the calibrated head tanks (see 6.9.3).
to give identical results and the rate measured by the test
method described in this standard is primarily for comparative
use.
5.5 Some aspects of the test, such as the length of time the
tests should be conducted and the head of liquid to be applied,
must depend upon the experience of the user, the purpose for
testing, and the kind of information that is sought.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D5093 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D5093 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D5093
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Infiltrometer Rings—Cylinders approximately 500 mm
(20 in.) high and having diameters of about 300 and 600 mm
(12 and 24 in.). Larger cylinders may be used, providing the

3
Discussion of factors affecting infiltration rate is contained in the following
reference: Johnson, A. I., A Field Method for Measurement of Infiltration, U.S.
Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1544-F, 1963, pp. 4–9. FIG. 1 Infiltrometer Construction

2
 D3385 – 09
6.9.2 A 13-L (12-qt) pail for initial filling of the infiltrom- 6.17 Hand Auger—Orchard-type (barrel-type) auger with
eters. 75-mm (3-in.) diameter, 225-mm (9-in.) long barrel and a
6.9.3 Two calibrated head tanks for measurement of liquid rubber-headed tire hammer for knocking sample out of the
flow during the test. These may be either graduated cylinders or auger. This apparatus is optional.
Mariotte tubes having a minimum volume capacity of about 6.18 Float Valves—Two constant level float valves (carbu-
3000 mL (see Note 2 and Note 3 and Fig. 2). retors or bob-float types) with support stands. This apparatus is
NOTE 2—It is useful to have one head tank with a capacity of three optional.
times that of the other because the area of the annular space between the 6.19 Covers and Dummy Tests Set-Up—For long-term tests
rings is about three times that of the inner ring. in which evaporation of fluid from the infiltration rings and
NOTE 3—In many cases, the volume capacity of these calibrated head unsealed reservoirs can occur (see 8.2.1).
tanks must be significantly larger than 3000 mL, especially if the test has
to continue overnight. Capacities of about 50 L (13 gal) would not be
7. Calibration
uncommon.
6.10 Liquid Supply—Water, or preferably, liquid of the 7.1 Rings:
same quality and temperature as that involved in the problem 7.1.1 Determine the area of each ring and the annular space
being examined. The liquid used must be chemically compat- between rings before initial use and before reuse after anything
ible with the infiltrometer rings and other equipment used to has occurred, including repairs, which may affect the test
contain the liquid. results significantly.
7.1.2 Determine the area using a measuring technique that
NOTE 4—To obtain maximum infiltration rates, the liquid should be free will provide an overall accuracy of 1 %.
from suspended solids and the temperature of the liquid should be higher
than the soil temperature. This will tend to avoid reduction of infiltration 7.1.3 The area of the annular space between rings is equal to
from blockage of voids by particles or gases coming out of solution. the internal area of the 600-mm (24-in.) ring minus the external
area of the 300-mm (12-in.) ring.
6.11 Watch or Stopwatch—A stopwatch would only be
required for high infiltration rates. 7.2 Liquid Containers—For each graduated cylinder or
6.12 Level—A carpenter’s level or bull’s-eye (round) level. graduated Mariotte tube, establish the relationship between the
6.13 Thermometer—With accuracy of 0.5°C and capable of change in elevation of liquid (fluid) level and change in volume
measuring ground temperature. of fluid. This relationship shall have an overall accuracy of
6.14 Rubber Hammer (mallet). 1 %.
6.15 pH Paper, in 0.5 increments.
6.16 Recording Materials—Record books and graph paper, 8. Procedure
or special forms with graph section (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). 8.1 Test Site:

NOTE 1—Constant-level float valves have been eliminated for simplification of the illustration
FIG. 2 Ring Installation and Mariotte Tube Details

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 D3385 – 09

FIG. 3 Data Form for Infiltration Test with Sample Data

8.1.1 Establish the soil strata to be tested from the soil to verify that the rate of evaporation in a similar test configu-
profile determined by the classification of soil samples from an ration (without any infiltration into the soil) is less than 20% of
adjacent auger hole. the infiltration rate being measured.
NOTE 5—For the test results to be valid for soils below the test zone, the 8.2.2 Make provisions to protect the test apparatus and fluid
soil directly below the test zone must have equal or greater flow rates than from direct sunlight and temperature variations that are large
the test zone. enough to affect the slow measurements significantly, espe-
8.1.2 The test requires an area of approximately 3 by 3 m cially for test durations greater than a few hours or those using
(10 by 10 ft) accessible by a truck. a Mariotte tube. The expansion or contraction of the air in the
8.1.3 The test site should be nearly level, or a level surface Mariotte tube above the water due to temperature changes may
should be prepared. cause changes in the rate of flow of the liquid from the tube
8.1.4 The test may be set up in a pit if infiltration rates are which will result in a fluctuating water level in the infiltrometer
desired at depth rather than at the surface. rings.
8.2 Technical Precautions: 8.3 Driving Infiltration Rings with a Sledge:
8.2.1 For long-term tests, avoid unattended sites where NOTE 6—Driving rings with a jack is preferred; see 8.4.
interference with test equipment is possible, such as sites near
children or in pastures with livestock. Also, evaporation of 8.3.1 Place the driving cap on the outer ring and center it
fluid from the rings and unsealed reservoirs can lead to errors thereon. Place the wood block (see 6.3) on the driving cap.
in the measured infiltration rate. Therefore, in such tests, 8.3.2 Drive the outer ring into the soil with blows of a heavy
completely cover the top of the rings and unsealed reservoirs sledge on the wood block to a depth that will (a) prevent the
with a relatively airtight material, but vented to the atmosphere test fluid from leaking to the ground surface surrounding the
through a small hole or tube. In addition, make measurements ring, and (b) be deeper than the depth to which the inner ring

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 D3385 – 09

FIG. 4 Report Form for Infiltration Test With Sample Data

will be driven. A depth of about 150 mm (6 in.) is usually tioned end of a truck body and apply force to the ring by means
adequate. Use blows of medium force to prevent fracturing of of the jack and truck reaction. Also, tamp near the edges or near
the soil surface. Move the wood block around the edge of the the center of the ring with the rubber mallet, as slight tamping
driving cap every one or two blows so that the ring will and vibrations will reduce hang-ups and tilting of the ring.
penetrate the soil uniformly. A second person standing on the 8.4.3 Add additional weight to the truck if needed to
wood block and driving cap will usually facilitate driving the develop sufficient force to drive the ring.
ring, and reduce vibrations and disturbance. 8.4.4 Check the rings with the level, correcting the attitude
8.3.3 Center the smaller ring inside the larger ring and drive of the rings to be vertical, as needed.
to a depth that will prevent leakage of the test fluid to the 8.5 Tamping Disturbed Soil:
ground surface surrounding the ring, using the same technique 8.5.1 If the surface of the soil surrounding the wall of the
as in 8.3.2. A depth of between about 50 and 100 mm (2 and 4 ring(s) is excessively disturbed (signs of extensive cracking,
in.) is usually adequate. excessive heave, and the like), reset the ring(s) using a
8.4 Driving Infiltration Rings with Jacks: technique that will minimize such disturbance.
8.4.1 Use a heavy jack under the back end of a truck to drive 8.5.2 If the surface of the soil surrounding the wall of the
rings as an alternative to the sledge method (see 8.3). ring(s) is only slightly disturbed, tamp the disturbed soil
8.4.2 Center the wood block across the driving cap of the adjacent to the inside and outside wall of the ring(s) until the
ring. Center a jack on the wood block. Place the top of the jack soil is as firm as it was prior to disturbance.
and the assembled items vertically under the previously posi- 8.6 Maintaining Liquid Level:

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 D3385 – 09
8.6.1 There are basically three ways to maintain a constant event, the volume of liquid used in any one reading interval
head (liquid level) within the inner ring and annular space should not be less than approximately 25 cm3.
between the two rings: manually controlling the flow of liquid, 8.7.5 Place the driving cap or some other covering over the
the use of constant-level float valves, or the use of a Mariotte rings during the intervals between liquid measurements to
tube. minimize evaporation (see 8.2.1).
8.6.2 When manually controlling the flow of liquid, a depth 8.7.6 Upon completion of the test, remove the rings from
gage is required to assist the investigator visually in maintain- the soil, assisted by light hammering on the sides with a rubber
ing a constant head. Use a depth gage such as a steel tape or hammer.
rule for soils having a relatively high permeability; for soils
having a relatively low permeability use a hook gage or simple 9. Calculations
point gage.
9.1 Convert the volume of liquid used during each measured
8.6.3 Install the depth gages, constant-level valves, or Mari-
time interval into an incremental infiltration velocity for both
otte tubes as shown in Fig. 2, and in such a manner that the
the inner ring and annular space using the following equations:
reference head will be at least 25 mm (1 in.) and not greater
than 150 mm (6 in.). Select the head on the basis of the 9.1.1 For the inner ring calculate as follows:
permeability of the soil, the higher heads being required for VIR 5 DVIR/~AIR·Dt! (1)
lower permeability soils. Locate the depth gages near the
center of the center ring and midway between the two rings. where:
VIR = inner ring incremental infiltration velocity, cm/h,
8.6.4 Cover the soil surface within the center ring and
DVIR = volume of liquid used during time interval to
between the two rings with splash guards (150-mm (6-in.)
maintain constant head in the inner ring, cm3,
square pieces of burlap or rubber sheet) to prevent erosion of AIR = internal area of inner ring, cm2, and
the soil when the initial liquid supply is poured into the rings. Dt = time interval, h.
8.6.5 Use a pail to fill both rings with liquid to the same 9.1.2 For the annular space between rings calculate as
desired depth in each ring. Do not record this initial volume of follows:
liquid. Remove the splash guards.
8.6.6 Start flow of fluid from the graduated cylinders or VA 5 DVA/~AA·Dt! (2)
Mariotte tubes. As soon as the fluid level becomes basically where:
constant, determine the fluid depth in the inner ring and in the VA = annular space incremental infiltration velocity,
annular space to the nearest 2 mm (1⁄16 in.) using a ruler or tape cm/h,
measure. Record these depths. If the depths between the inner DVA = volume of liquid used during time interval to
ring and annular space varies more than 5 mm (1⁄4 in.), raise the maintain constant head in the annular space be-
depth gage, constant-level float valve, or Mariotte tube having tween the rings, cm3, and
the shallowest depth. AA = area of annular space between the rings, cm2.
8.6.7 Maintain the liquid level at the selected head in both
the inner ring and annular space between rings as near as 10. Report
possible throughout the test, to prevent flow of fluid from one
10.1 Report the following information in the report or field
ring to the other.
records, or both:
NOTE 7—This most likely will require either a continuing adjustment of 10.1.1 Location of test site.
the flow control valve on the graduated cylinder, or the use of constant-
10.1.2 Dates of test, start and finish.
level float valves. A rapid change in temperature may eliminate use of the
Mariotte tube. 10.1.3 Weather conditions, start to finish.
10.1.4 Name(s) of technician(s).
8.7 Measurements:
10.1.5 Description of test site, including boring profile, see
8.7.1 Record the ground temperature at a depth of about 300
10.1.12.
mm (12 in.), or at the mid-depth of the test zone.
10.1.6 Type of liquid used in the test, along with the liquid’s
8.7.2 Determine and record the volume of liquid that is
pH. If available, a full analysis of the liquid also should be
added to maintain a constant head in the inner ring and annular
recorded.
space during each timing interval by measuring the change in
elevation of liquid level in the appropriate graduated cylinder 10.1.7 Areas of rings and the annular space between rings
or Mariotte tube. Also, record the temperature of the liquid (nearest 1 cm2 or better).
within the inner ring. 10.1.8 Volume constants for graduated cylinders or Mariotte
8.7.3 For average soils, record the volume of liquid used at tubes (nearest 0.01 cm3 or better).
intervals of 15 min for the first hour, 30 min for the second 10.1.9 Depth of liquid in inner ring and annular space
hour, and 60 min during the remainder of a period of at least 6 (nearest 2 mm or better).
h, or until after a relatively constant rate is obtained. 10.1.10 Record of ground and liquid temperatures (nearest
8.7.4 The appropriate schedule of readings may be deter- 0.5°C), incremental volume measurements (nearest 1 cm3 or
mined only through experience. For high-permeability materi- better), and elapsed time (nearest 1 min. or better).
als, readings may be more frequent, while for low-permeability 10.1.11 Incremental infiltration velocities (use 3 significant
materials, the reading interval may be 24 h or more. In any digits) for inner ring and annular space. The rate of the inner

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 D3385 – 09
ring should be the value used if the rates for inner ring and 11. Precision and Bias
annular space differ. The difference in rates is due to divergent 11.1 No statement on precision and bias can be made due to
flow. the variability in soils tested and in the types of liquids that
10.1.12 If available, depth to the water table and a descrip- might be used in this test method. Because of the many factors
tion of the soils found between the rings and the water table, or related to the soils, as well as the liquids that may affect the
to a depth of about 1 m (3 ft). results, the recorded infiltration rate should be considered only
10.1.13 A plot of the incremental infiltration rate versus as an index value.
total elapsed time (see Fig. 4).
10.2 An example field records form is given in Fig. 3. 12. Keywords
10.3 See Appendix X1 for information on the determination 12.1 coefficient of permeability; hydraulic conductivity;
of the moisture pattern. infiltration rate; infiltrometer; in-situ testing; Mariotte tube

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE PATTERN

X1.1 Although not considered a required part of the test of the former position of the rings. Orient the trench so that the
method, the determination of the moisture pattern in the other wall is illuminated by the sun, if the day is sunny. If
moistened soil beneath the infiltration rings commonly pro- feasible, dig the trench large enough to include all of the newly
vides information useful in interpreting the movement of liquid moistened area. Collect samples from the shaded wall of the
through the soil profile. For example, horizontal liquid move- trench for determination of water content. If preferred, an
ment may be caused by lower-permeability layers and will be auger, such as the orchard barrel type, may be used to
identified by a lateral spreading of the wetted zone. Thus, the determine the approximate outline of the moistened area below
exploration of the soil moisture pattern below an infiltration the rings and to collect samples for water content.
test in an unfamiliar area may identify subsurface conditions
that may have affected the test and later applications of the X1.3 Plot the visibly moistened area on graph paper or on
data. the cross-section part of the report form (see Fig. 4). If samples
X1.2 If the investigator wishes to make such a study, dig a were collected and water contents were determined, contours
trench so that one wall of the trench passes along the center line of water content also can be plotted on the graph.

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