ASTM D 5220/D5220M : 2021

1.1This test method covers the measurement of the water mass per unit volume of soil and rock by thermalization or slowing of fast neutrons, where the neutron source and the thermal neutron detector are placed at the desired depth in the bored hole lined by an access tube.

1.2The water mass per unit volume, expressed as mass per unit volume of the material under test, is determined by comparing the thermal neutron count rate with previously established calibration data (see Annex A1).

1.3Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. Within the text of this standard, SI units appear first followed by the inch-pound (or other non-SI) units in brackets.

1.4All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.5This 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards are given in Section 8.

1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.