Grain size analysis
Revision as of 18:27, 29 May 2020 by Dean Young (talk | contribs)
This method of determining design infiltration rate is only suitable for coarse-textured native soils with d10 between 0.1 - 2.5 mm (i.e. soils to which the Hazen formula is applicable)[1].
This method must not be applied within areas of fill or in regions where hydraulic conductivity is controlled by vertical fractures in the soil matrix.
Procedure[edit]
- Collect soil samples for each defined soil layer below the bottom of the proposed infiltration facility. Layers must be evaluated to the following depths, depending upon facility type:
- For bioretention facilities, analyze each defined layer below the proposed facility bottom to a depth of at least 3 times the maximum ponding depth, but not less than 1 m.
- For permeable paving, analyze each defined layer below the proposed facility bottom to a depth of at least 3 times the maximum depth of water within the base course, but not less than 1 m.
- For other types of infiltration facilities serving drainage areas up to 4 Ha, analyze each defined layer below the proposed facility bottom to a depth of at least 2.5 times the water storage reservoir depth, but not less than 3 m.
- Submit the soil samples to a certified soil testing laboratory for grain-size, or particle-size distribution analysis according to ASTM D422 Standard Test Method for Particle-size Analysis of Soils.
Data Analysis[edit]
NB: The Hazen formula method of estimating soil permeability based on grain size distribution analysis is only suitable for coarse-textured soils with d10 between 0.1 and 2.5 millimeters [2]. The soil permeability value estimated using the Hazen method can be considered to be the measured infiltration rate of the soil, f, in mm/h
Where:
- d10 = the soil particle diameter for which 10% of all soil particles are finer (smaller) by weight (mm), median value of all samples tested.
- C = is a shape factor (see below)
| Shape factors (C) to yield f in mm/h | |
|---|---|
| Very fine to fine sand | 144000 |
| Medium to coarse sand | 288000 |
Don't forget to apply a safety correction factor before beginning your sizing calculations[edit]
- ↑ San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. (2017). Determination of Design Infiltration Rates for the Sizing of Infiltration‐based Green Infrastructure Facilities. Retrieved from http://sfwater.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=9681
- ↑ Hazen, A. (1893). Some physical properties of sand and gravel with special reference to the use in filtration. 4th Annual Report, State Board of Health, Boston.