ASTM F1815-11 (R2018) PDF Download

Saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention, porosity, and bulk density of sand-based root zone mixtures used in the construction and topdressing of golf course putting greens, golf course tees, sand-based sports fields, and other heavily used turfgrass areas are measured using the ASTM F1815-11 (R2018) set of standard test methods. These test procedures are not appropriate for fine or medium grained soils like sandy loams and loams because they were created primarily for sand-based mixes.

In this standard, four test techniques are described. By measuring the continuous flow rate of water through a core while maintaining a constant hydraulic head, Test Method A is used to calculate the saturated hydraulic conductivity. By removing water from a prepared core and weighing it after oven drying, Test Method B calculates bulk density and water retention. While Test Method D determines the capillary and air-filled porosities, Test Method C uses the bulk density and particle density to determine the total porosity. The bulk density and data on water retention are used to calculate capillary porosity, and the difference between total and capillary porosities is used to calculate air-filled porosity.

These test procedures offer vital data for assessing the physical characteristics of sand-based root zone mixes, which are crucial for determining how well they function on athletic fields. These tests provide information about the hydraulic conductivity, water retention, porosity, and bulk density of the root zone mixtures, which can be used to assess their suitability and quality for different applications.