ASTM D4404-18 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Pore Volume and Pore Volume Distribution of Soil and Rock by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (ASTM D4404-18). This test method describes procedures for measuring pore volume and pore‑volume distribution in soil and rock specimens by mercury intrusion porosimetry, including the applicable pore size (apparent entrance diameter) range, safety considerations for handling mercury, and reporting conventions (SI units and significant digits).

Abstract

ASTM D4404-18 provides a standardized laboratory procedure for determining the volume of intrudable pores and the pore‑volume distribution in soil and rock using mercury intrusion porosimetry. The method covers instrument pressure limits and the corresponding measurable apparent pore entrance diameters (typically ~400 µm down to ~2.5 nm), cautions about potential specimen alteration under high pressure, and health/environmental warnings related to mercury handling. Results are reported in SI units and calculated according to the significant‑digits guidance in Practice D6026.

General information

• Status: Superseded (ASTM D4404-18 has been revised and replaced by ASTM D4404-25).
• Publication date: 1 February 2018.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks; Excavations; Foundation construction; Underground works.
• Edition / version: Designation D4404-18 (2018 edition).
• Number of pages: 8 pages.

Scope

This test method covers determination of pore volume and pore‑volume distributions of soils and rocks by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The measurable apparent pore entrance diameters are limited by the instrument pressure range (typically about 400 µm down to about 2.5 nm). The method measures only pores that are open to the specimen exterior (intrudable pores) and may not detect completely enclosed pores; high pressures used may alter pore geometry; and mercury handling requires special safety and regulatory consideration. Reporting is in SI units and follows Practice D6026 for significant digits and rounding.

Key topics and requirements

• Mercury intrusion porosimetry technique for soil and rock pore‑volume measurement.
• Applicable pore size range determined by instrument pressure (typical range ~400 µm to ~2.5 nm).
• Distinction that only pores open to the specimen exterior are measured (no closed‑pore detection).
• Potential specimen alteration due to high pressure and limitations such as ink‑bottle pore effects.
• Safety and regulatory warnings regarding mercury handling and disposal.
• Reporting conventions: SI units and significant‑digits/rounding practices (Practice D6026 referenced).

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and geoenvironmental laboratories, university and research groups, materials scientists, and consultants to characterize pore structure, porosity and pore‑size distribution of soils, rocks, and geo‑materials. Typical applications include assessing permeability/hydraulic behavior, evaluating material suitability for engineering purposes, and supporting research on soil/rock microstructure. Users must have appropriate lab facilities, trained personnel, and procedures for safe mercury handling.

Related standards

Referenced or commonly associated standards/practices include ASTM Practice D6026 (significant digits and rounding guidance), Practice D3740 (minimum requirements for testing agencies), and other ASTM test methods for porosity and permeability measurements. The standard has been maintained within ASTM Committee D18 (soil and rock). Note: D4404-18 was later superseded by D4404-25 (see Status).

Keywords

mercury intrusion porosimetry, pore volume, pore‑volume distribution, porosity, pore size, soil, rock, porosimetry, permeability, mercury safety, D4404, ASTM.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4404-18 is an ASTM test method that specifies how to determine pore volume and pore‑volume distribution in soil and rock specimens using mercury intrusion porosimetry.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation considerations, the operational pressure range of porosimeters and corresponding measurable pore entrance diameters (typically ~400 µm to ~2.5 nm), data reporting in SI units, limitations of the technique (e.g., only intrudable pores are measured, possible pore alteration under pressure, ink‑bottle effects), and safety warnings for mercury handling.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and geoenvironmental testing laboratories, researchers in soil and rock mechanics, materials scientists, and engineering consultants use this method to quantify pore structure relevant to hydraulic, mechanical, and transport properties.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ASTM D4404-18 was published 1 February 2018. It has since been superseded by ASTM D4404-25 (designation D4404-25), which is the current revision of the test method. Users should reference the most recent designation for current requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D4404 is part of a suite of ASTM standards and practices addressing soil and rock testing (Book of Standards volume/section covering soil and rock) and is maintained by ASTM Committee D18. It also cross‑references general laboratory and reporting practices such as Practice D6026 and agency competence practices such as D3740.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Mercury intrusion porosimetry; pore volume; pore‑volume distribution; porosity; pore size distribution; soil; rock; permeability; porosimetry; mercury safety.