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[[File:Perc_test.png|thumb|Schematic of percolation test setup]]
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A percolation test is one way of determining a [[design infiltration rate]]. If a site disturbance must be minimized, this test can be performed in a small augered well. Adding a [[permeameter]] may speed up analysis.
==Calculations==
Percolation test results cannot be translated into field saturated hydraulic conductivity (''K<sub>fs</sub>'') by simple manuipulation of the units. However, an acceptable approximation can be made by accounting for the soil texture and by making measurements under non-saturated conditions<ref name = 'Reynolds'>Reynolds, W.D., Galloway, K., and Radcliffe, D.E. (2015). "The relationship between perc time and field-saturated hydraulic conductivity for cylindrical test holes.", National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) 2015 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference, Virginia Beach, VA, USA, November 3-6, 2015</ref>.
The required calculations have been written into an easy to use spreadsheet, formatted for printing:
{{Clickable button|[[Media:Perc test.xlsx|Download Percolation test spreadsheet(.xlsx)]]}}
For reference, the relationship between measured percolation test (''PT'') and field saturated hydraulic conductivity (''K<sub>fs</sub>'') used in the spreadsheet is:
<math>K_{fs}=\frac{\bar{C_{i}a^{2}}}{PT_{i}\left [ 2\bar{H_{i}^{2}}+\bar{C_{i}}a^{2}+\left ( \frac{2\bar{H_{i}}}{a^*} \right ) \right ]}</math>
{{Plainlist|1=Where:
*''{{overline|H}}'' = Mean water depth during a test
*''a'' = the radius of the test pit
*''α*'' = the representative soil sorptive number, and
*''{{overline|C}}'' = is a shape function.}}
Additional details may be found in the original paper<ref name = 'Reynolds'/>.
==Measurement procedure==
==Measurement procedure==
{{float right|{{#widget:YouTube|id=yum8uiPmfMs}}}}
Adapted from<ref>Registered Onsite Wastewater Professional Program BC, PERCOLATION TEST PROCEDURE & FORM (2016) https://owrp.asttbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Percolation-Test-Procedure-and-Form.pdf</ref>.
Packing list:
Packing list:
* Record sheets for field measurements
* Record sheets for field measurements
* Pens
* Pens
===Setting up===
===Setting up===
# Place 5 cm of clean fine gravel in the bottom of the hole. If the sidewalls are likely to collapse, use a paper basket to support the sidewalls.
# Place 5 cm of clean fine gravel in the bottom of the hole. If the sidewalls are likely to collapse, use a paper basket to support the sidewalls.
#Place a piece of white plastic or similar provided with clear marks at 12.5 and 15 cm (5" and 6") from the bottom of the test hole prior to adding the gravel. For greater accuracy a float and pointer arrangement can be set up.
#Place a piece of white plastic or similar provided with clear marks at 12.5 and 15 cm (5" and 6") from the bottom of the test hole prior to adding the gravel. For greater accuracy a float and pointer arrangement can be set up.
# If the soil contains considerable amounts of silt or clay, and certainly for any soil with “clay” as part of the texture description, the test holes should be pre-soaked before proceeding with the test. Pre-soaking is accomplished by keeping the hole filled with water for 4 hours or more. The water should be added carefully and slowly to avoid disturbing the soil (including the sidewall soils). The test should be carried out immediately after pre-soaking;
# If the soil contains considerable amounts of silt or clay, and certainly for any soil with “clay” as part of the [[Soil groups|texture description]], the test holes should be pre-soaked before proceeding with the test. Pre-soaking is accomplished by keeping the hole filled with water for 4 hours or more. The water should be added carefully and slowly to avoid disturbing the soil (including the sidewall soils). The test should be carried out immediately after pre-soaking;
===Making measurements===
===Making measurements===
# To undertake the test, fill the test hole (the accurately sized test hole) with water. The water should be added carefully and slowly to avoid disturbing the soil (including the sidewall soils). When the water level falls anywhere below the 27.5 cm mark, refill the hole to the top. No recording of time needs be done for these 2 fillings.
# To undertake the test, fill the test hole (the accurately sized test hole) with water. The water should be added carefully and slowly to avoid disturbing the soil (including the sidewall soils). When the water level falls anywhere below the 27.5 cm mark, refill the hole to the top. No recording of time needs be done for these 2 fillings.
# After the second filling, when the water level falls below 27.5 cm, add enough water to bring the depth of water to 30 cm or slightly more. Note that these measurements are from the base of the soil bottom (using the installed marker), not the gravel layer.
# After the second filling, when the water level falls below 27.5 cm, add enough water to bring the depth of water to 15 cm or slightly more. Note that these measurements are from the base of the soil bottom (using the installed marker), not the gravel layer.
# Observe the water level until it drops to the 15 cm depth, at precisely 15 cm, commence timing, when the water level reaches the 12.5 cm depth, stop timing, record the time in minutes.
# Observe the water level until it drops to the 15 cm depth, at precisely 15 cm, commence timing, when the water level reaches the 12.5 cm depth, stop timing, record the time in minutes.
# Repeat the procedure until the last 2 rates of fall do not vary more than 2 minutes or by more than 10% (whichever is less).
# Repeat the procedure until the last 2 rates of fall do not vary more than 2 minutes or by more than 10% (whichever is less).
# Open the tube until the paper is in contact with the sidewalls of the test hole, then roll the top of the tube over to stiffen it.
# Open the tube until the paper is in contact with the sidewalls of the test hole, then roll the top of the tube over to stiffen it.
# After placing the tube in the hole, place the plastic marker and add the base gravel layer.
# After placing the tube in the hole, place the plastic marker and add the base gravel layer.
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