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ASTM D 6639 : 2018

Current
Current

The latest, up-to-date edition.

Standard Guide for Using the Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Method for Subsurface Site Characterizations
Available format(s)

Hardcopy , PDF

Language(s)

English

Published date

02-01-2018

CONTAINED IN VOL. 04.09, 2018 Describes the equipment, field procedures, and interpretation methods for the assessment of subsurface conditions using the frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) method.

1.1Purpose and Application:

1.1.1This guide summarizes the equipment, field procedures, and interpretation methods for the assessment of subsurface conditions using the frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) method.

1.1.2FDEM measurements as described in this standard guide are applicable to mapping subsurface conditions for geologic, geotechnical, hydrologic, environmental, agricultural, archaeological and forensic site characterizations as well as mineral exploration.

1.1.3The FDEM method is sometimes used to map such diverse geologic conditions as depth to bedrock, fractures and fault zones, voids and sinkholes, soil and rock properties, and saline intrusion as well as man-induced environmental conditions including buried drums, underground storage tanks (USTs), landfill boundaries and conductive groundwater contamination.

1.1.4The FDEM method utilizes the secondary magnetic field induced in the earth by a time-varying primary magnetic field to explore the subsurface. It measures the amplitude and phase of the induced field at various frequencies. FDEM instruments typically measure two components of the secondary magnetic field: a component in-phase with the primary field and a component 90° out-of-phase (quadrature component) with the primary field (Kearey and Brook 1991). Generally, the in-phase response is more sensitive to metallic items (either above or below the ground surface) while the quadrature response is more sensitive to geologic variations in the subsurface. However, both components are, to some degree, affected by both metallic and geologic features. FDEM measurements therefore are dependent on the electrical properties of the subsurface soil and rock or buried man-made objects as well as the orientation of any subsurface geological features or man-made objects. In many cases, the FDEM measurements can be used to identify the subsurface structure or object. This method is used only when it is expected that the subsurface soil or rock, man-made materials or geologic structure can be characterized by differences in electrical conductivity.

1.1.5The FDEM method may be used instead of the Direct Current Resistivity method (Guide D6431) when surface soils are excessively insulating (for example, dry or frozen) or a layer of asphalt or plastic or other logistical constraints prevent electrode to soil contact.

1.2Limitations:

1.2.1This standard guide provides an overview of the FDEM method using coplanar coils at or near ground level and has been referred to by other names including Slingram, HLEM (horizontal loop electromagnetic) and Ground Conductivity methods. This guide does not address the details of the electromagnetic theory, field procedures or interpretation of the data. References are included that cover these aspects in greater detail and are considered an essential part of this guide (Grant and West, 1965; Wait, 1982; Kearey and Brook, 1991; Milsom, 1996; Ward, 1990). It is recommended that the user of the FDEM method review the relevant material pertaining to their particular application. ASTM standards that should also be consulted include Guide D420, Terminology D653, Guide D5730, Guide D5753, Practice D6235, Guide D6429, and Guide D6431.

1.2.2This guide is limited to frequency domain instruments using a coplanar orientation of the transmitting and receiving coils in either the horizontal dipole (HD) mode with coils vertical, or the vertical dipole (VD) mode with coils horizontal (Fig. 2). It does not include coaxial or asymmetrical coil orientations, which are sometimes used for special applications (Grant and West 1965).

FIG. 1Principles of Electromagnetic Induction in Ground Conductivity Measurements (Sheriff, 1989)

Principles of Electromagnetic Induction in Ground Conductivity Measurements (Sheriff, 1989)Principles of Electromagnetic Induction in Ground Conductivity Measurements (Sheriff, 1989)

FIG. 2Relative Response of Horizontal and Vertical Dipole Coil Orientations (McNeill, 1980)

Relative Response of Horizontal and Vertical Dipole Coil Orientations (McNeill, 1980)Relative Response of Horizontal and Vertical Dipole Coil Orientations (McNeill, 1980)

1.2.3This guide is limited to the use of frequency domain instruments in which the ratio of the induced secondary magnetic field to the primary magnetic field is directly proportional to the ground's bulk or apparent conductivity (see 5.1.4). Instruments that give a direct measurement of the apparent ground conductivity are commonly referred to as Ground Conductivity Meters (GCMs) that are designed to operate within the “low induction number approximation.” Multi-frequency instruments operating within and outside the low induction number approximation provide the ratio of the secondary to primary magnetic field, which can be used to calculate the ground conductivity.

1.2.4The FDEM (inductive) method has been adapted for a number of special uses within a borehole, on water, or airborne. Discussions of these adaptations or methods are not included in this guide.

1.2.5The approaches suggested in this guide for the frequency domain method are the most commonly used, widely accepted and proven; however other lesser-known or specialized techniques may be substituted if technically sound and documented.

1.2.6Technical limitations and cultural interferences that restrict or limit the use of the frequency domain method are discussed in section 5.4.

1.2.7This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education, experience, and professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word standard in the title of this document means that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.3Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.

1.4Precautions:

1.4.1If the method is used at sites with hazardous materials, operations, or equipment, it is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulations prior to use.

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.

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.

Committee
D 18
DocumentType
Guide
Pages
14
PublisherName
American Society for Testing and Materials
Status
Current
Supersedes

ASTM D 7046 : 2011 Standard Guide for Use of the Metal Detection Method for Subsurface Exploration (Withdrawn 2020)
ASTM D 5092/D5092M : 2016 Standard Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells

ASTM D 6431 : 2018 Standard Guide for Using the Direct Current Resistivity Method for Subsurface Site Characterization
ASTM D 5730 : 2002 Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone and Ground Water
ASTM D 653 : 2007 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
ASTM D 5730 : 1998 Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone and Ground Water
ASTM D 6235 : 2004 Standard Practice for Expedited Site Characterization of Vadose Zone and Ground Water Contamination at Hazardous Waste Contaminated Sites
ASTM D 6429 : 1999 : R2011 : EDT 1 Standard Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods (Withdrawn 2020)
ASTM D 6235 : 2004 : R2010 Standard Practice for Expedited Site Characterization of Vadose Zone and Groundwater Contamination at Hazardous Waste Contaminated Sites
ASTM D 6429 : 1999 Standard Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods
ASTM D 6429 : 2020 Standard Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods
ASTM D 5753 : 2005 Standard Guide for Planning and Conducting Borehole Geophysical Logging
ASTM D 653 : 2022 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
ASTM D 420 : 1998 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering, Design, and Construction Purposes
ASTM D 6429 : 1999 : R2006 Standard Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods
ASTM D 653 : 2020 : EDT 1 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
ASTM D 6235 : 1998 : REV A Standard Practice for Expedited Site Characterization of Vadose Zone and Ground Water Contamination at Hazardous Waste Contaminated Sites
ASTM D 653 : 2021 : REV A Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
ASTM D 6235 : 2018 Standard Practice for Expedited Site Characterization of Vadose Zone and Groundwater Contamination at Hazardous Waste Contaminated Sites
ASTM D 653 : 2021 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
ASTM D 6431 : 1999 : R2005 Standard Guide for Using the Direct Current Resistivity Method for Subsurface Investigation
ASTM D 6431 : 1999 : R2010 Standard Guide for Using the Direct Current Resistivity Method for Subsurface Investigation
ASTM D 653 : 2021 : REV B Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
ASTM D 5753 : 2005 : R2010 Standard Guide for Planning and Conducting Borehole Geophysical Logging
ASTM D 6429 : 2023 Standard Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods
ASTM D 5753 : 2018 Standard Guide for Planning and Conducting Geotechnical Borehole Geophysical Logging
ASTM D 6431 : 1999 Standard Guide for Using the Direct Current Resistivity Method for Subsurface Investigation
ASTM D 5730 : 2004 Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone and Groundwater (Withdrawn 2013)
ASTM D 5753 : 1995 : EDT 1 Standard Guide for Planning and Conducting Borehole Geophysical Logging (Withdrawn 2005)
ASTM D 653 : 2014 : REDLINE Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

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