ASTM D5334-22ae1 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Soil and Rock by Thermal Needle Probe Procedure — designation ASTM D5334-22ae1. This edition (22ae1) is the 2022 revision of D5334 that includes amendment e1 (released after initial 2022 publication) and documents the transient needle-probe technique for measuring thermal conductivity of soils, soft rock and similar engineered porous materials in laboratory and field conditions.

Abstract

ASTM D5334-22ae1 defines a transient line-source (needle probe) test method and associated procedures for determining thermal conductivity (λ) of intact or reconstituted soil and rock specimens and for in‑situ measurements where a probe can be inserted. The method emphasizes SI reporting, recommended apparatus and data-treatment procedures, and highlights factors that can bias results (moisture redistribution, phase changes, probe construction and calibration).

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: October 1, 2022 (amendment e1 incorporated subsequently; edition referenced as 22ae1 with amendment changes document dated October 10, 2023 where noted).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 13.080.20 — Physical properties of soils.
• Edition / version: D5334-22ae1 (2022 revision with amendment e1).
• Number of pages: 10 pages (typical PDF/print length for this designation).

Scope

This test method covers the determination of thermal conductivity of soil and rock using a transient heat (needle-probe) method. It applies to intact and reconstituted specimens and can be used in laboratory and field settings for materials that will accept a probe hole. The standard is suitable for dry, unsaturated or saturated materials and is applicable over a wide temperature range (practical use reported from below 0 °C to above 100 °C depending on probe construction), but it warns about measurement errors arising from water redistribution, hydraulic gradients, or phase changes near freezing/boiling points. The procedures specify SI units and refer users to Practice D6026 for rules on significant digits and rounding.

Key topics and requirements

• Transient needle-probe (infinite line-source approximation) measurement principle and data analysis.
• Suitable sample conditions: intact specimens, reconstituted specimens, and in-situ soils/soft rock where a probe can be inserted.
• Temperature applicability and probe construction limits (practical range extending below 0 °C to above 100 °C depending on probe design).
• Reporting in SI units and following significant‑digit/rounding practice (reference to Practice D6026).
• Apparatus requirements, probe calibration, recommended measurement duration and data fitting procedures.
• Controls and cautions for sources of bias: moisture redistribution, hydraulic gradients, specimen heterogeneity, and phase changes (ice/water/vapor).
• Guidance for laboratory versus field testing and notes on typical uncertainty contributors.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and geothermal engineers, research laboratories, environmental and civil engineering consultants, probe manufacturers and quality control laboratories. Typical applications include characterizing ground thermal properties for ground‑source heat pump design, assessing thermal grouts/backfills, and research into soil thermal behavior.

Related standards

Closely related ASTM documents and practices referenced in or useful alongside D5334-22ae1 include earlier editions of D5334 (for historical comparison), Practice D3740 (evaluating competence of testing agencies), and Practice D6026 (guidance on significant digits and rounding). Other ASTM methods for thermal-property measurement and laboratory practices may be referenced depending on application and reporting requirements.

Keywords

thermal conductivity, needle probe, thermal probe, transient line-source, heat flow, soil thermal properties, rock thermal properties, geothermal, thermal grout, SI units.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5334-22ae1 is a standard test method that specifies how to determine the thermal conductivity of soils and rock using a transient thermal needle-probe technique; it is the 2022 revision with amendment e1 incorporated.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the transient needle-probe procedure, required apparatus and calibration, recommended data‑treatment and reporting practices (SI units), typical temperature applicability, and cautions about measurement biases such as moisture movement and phase changes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and geothermal engineers, testing laboratories, researchers studying ground thermal properties, consultants designing ground‑source heat systems, and manufacturers of thermal probes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published, D5334-22ae1 is the active current designation (2022 revision with amendment e1); users should note the edition date October 1, 2022 and any subsequent amendment date(s) (e.g., amendment e1 changes noted in October 2023 where applicable). For compliance or procurement, reference the exact designation D5334-22ae1.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The standard is produced by ASTM Committee D18 (Soil and Rock) and Subcommittee D18.12 and relates to other ASTM standards and practices that address thermal-property measurement, laboratory practices and data reporting (see Related standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Heat flow; needle probe; thermal conductivity; thermal probe; soil; rock; transient method; SI units.