ASTM D4452/D4452M-22
Standard Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples

Standard No.

ASTM D4452/D4452M-22

Release Date

2022

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)  US  /  ASTM

Latest

ASTM D4452/D4452M-22

Introduction

Analysis of the core content of the standard

ASTM D4452/D4452M-22 specifies a standardized method for testing the quality of thin-walled pipes or extruded soil samples using X-ray technology. This technology can identify structural features in samples with a diameter range of 50-150mm, including:

• Natural bedding deformation (such as curved mud edges)
• Shear surface and fracture development characteristics
• Organic matter clusters and root distribution
• Sand/silt interlayers (detectable ≥3mm thickness)

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Technical Parameter Comparison

Detection Objects	Resolution Requirements	Typical Voltage	Applicable Scenarios
Large Diameter Tube Samples (≥100mm)	30-100μm	100kV	Macrostructural Analysis
Small diameter tube samples (＜100mm)	10-30μm	40-60kV	Micro feature identification
Extruded samples	5-15μm	30-50kV	High precision research

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Key points for standard implementation

Equipment selection recommendations

The standard recommends the use of X-ray equipment with a peak current of 15mA. For samples with high organic matter content, the following configuration is required:

• Beryllium window X-ray tube (low voltage detection)
• Digital imaging system (resolution ≥ 350μm)
• Lead intensifying screen (to improve image contrast)

Sample processing specifications

Different types of samples require different processing:

1. Tube samples: Keep in original state and use the fixed slot shown in Figure 3
2. Extruded samples: Need to be placed in the sample slot shown in Figure 2, with slice thickness ≤10mm
3. Special samples: Samples containing shell layers need to reduce the voltage to 40kV

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Image interpretation guide

The standard provides X-ray image atlases with typical characteristics (Figure 4-14), with the following highlights:

• Pore identification: Black irregular areas (Figure 4)
• Bedding deformation: The gray gradient band is wavy (Figure 6)
• Shear plane: A linear anomaly that runs through multiple bedding layers (Figure 11)

Note: Professional interpretation is required in conjunction with the D653 terminology standard

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Standard Evolution Analysis

Main updates compared to the 2014 version:

• Added digital imaging system specifications (Clause 6.1.1)
• Clarified vertical detection requirements (New Note 3)
• Updated sample report template (Appendix X1)

ASTM D4452/D4452M-22 Referenced Document

• ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM E7 Standard Terminology Relating to Metallography*， 2025-12-01 Update

ASTM D4452/D4452M-22 history

• 2022 ASTM D4452/D4452M-22 Standard Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
• 2014 ASTM D4452-14 Standard Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
• 2006 ASTM D4452-06 Standard Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
• 1985 ASTM D4452-85(2002)e1 Standard Test Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
• 1995 ASTM D4452-85(1995)e1 Standard Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
• 1995 ASTM D4452-85 Standard Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples

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