ASTM D6035/D6035M-13

4.3 The requestor must provide information regarding the effective stresses to be applied during testing, especially for determining the final hydraulic conductivity. Using high effective stresses (that is, 35 kPa [5 psi] as allowed by Test Method D5084) can decrease an already increased hydraulic conductivity resulting in lower final hydraulic conductivity values. The long-term effect of freeze-thaw on the hydraulic conductivity of compacted soils is unknown. The increased hydraulic conductivity caused by freeze-thaw may be temporary. For example, the overburden pressure imparted by the waste placed on a soil liner in a landfill after being subjected to freeze-thaw may reduce the size of the cracks and pores that cause the increase in hydraulic conductivity. It is not known if the pressure would overcome the macroscopically increased hydraulic conductivity sufficiently to return the soil to its original hydraulic conductivity (prior to freeze-thaw). For cases such as landfill covers, where the overburden pressure is low, the increase in hydraulic conductivity due to freeze-thaw will likely be permanent. Thus, the requestor must take the application of the test method into account when establishing the effective stress.