1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers laboratory filter papers as passive sensors to evaluate the soil matric (matrix) and total potential (suction), a measure of the free energy of the pore-water or tension stress exerted on the pore-water by the soil matrix (1, 2) . The term potential or suction is descriptive of the energy status of soil water.
1.2 This test method controls the variables for measurement of the water content of filter paper that is in direct contact with soil or in equilibrium with the partial pressure of water vapor in the air of an airtight container enclosing a soil specimen. The filter paper is enclosed with a soil specimen in the airtight container until moisture equilibrium is established; that is, the partial pressure of water vapor in the air is in equilibrium with the vapor pressure of pore-water in the soil specimen.
1.3 This test method provides a procedure for calibrating different types of filter paper for use in evaluating soil matric and total potential.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pounds units given in parentheses are approximate.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) 
The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1125 Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4542 Test Method for Pore Water Extraction and Determination of the Soluble Salt Content of Soils by Refractometer
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
D6836 Test Methods for Determination of the Soil Water Characteristic Curve for Desorption Using Hanging Column, Pressure Extractor, Chilled Mirror Hygrometer, or Centrifuge
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
E832 Specification for Laboratory Filter Papers
E1137/E1137M Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
Index Terms
Filter paper; Pore-water; Soil; Soil relative humidity; Soil suction; soil matric (matrix)/potential (suction), using filter paper, test;
DOI: 10.1520/D5298-94
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Citing ASTM Standards
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