In 1975, ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock published the first version of , titled Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer . The method was deceptively simple: drive two concentric metal rings into the ground, fill both with water, and measure how fast the water level drops in the inner ring. The outer ring created a buffer zone so water flowed vertically from the inner ring, not horizontally. This gave a true infiltration rate—how fast rainwater, irrigation, or runoff enters the soil.
The data points are plotted on a graph (Infiltration Rate vs. Elapsed Time) to visually pinpoint the moment the soil reaches its steady-state infiltration capacity. Practical Applications of the Data
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The test area must be cleared of debris, excessive vegetation, and loose topsoil. The surface should be as level as possible. Avoid disturbing the natural structure of the soil during preparation, as compaction will skew the results. 2. Driving the Rings Center the inner ring inside the outer ring.
The apparatus consists of two concentric rings that are driven into the ground to a specified depth. The primary function of the outer ring is to promote one-dimensional, vertical flow beneath the inner ring, effectively preventing lateral water spread during the measurement. The standard provides detailed specifications for the required dimensions and materials of these rings. In 1975, ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
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Driving heavy metal rings into brittle or sensitive soils can fracture the soil matrix or compact the sidewalls, yielding artificially high or low readings. This gave a true infiltration rate—how fast rainwater,
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the ASTM D3385-18 standard, breaking down its principles, necessary equipment, step-by-step procedures, and applications. What is ASTM D3385-18?
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