Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D5447-17 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Application
ASTM D5447-17 provides a standardized guide for the application and documentation of numerical groundwater flow models to site-specific problems. It specifically addresses saturated, isothermal groundwater flow models, though the concepts may apply to other subsurface processes. This guide is part of a series of ASTM standards including D5981, D5490, D5609, D5610, D5611, and D6033. It is not all-inclusive and should be used with professional judgment.
This guide is particularly useful for practitioners developing site-specific groundwater flow models, but it does not replace education or experience. Always consider the unique aspects of each project.
⚙️ Model Development Process and Referenced Standards
The guide illustrates major steps for developing a groundwater flow model that reproduces or simulates an aquifer system studied in the field. Key referenced standards that support this guide are listed in the table below.
| 🟦 Designation | 📏 Title |
|---|---|
| D653 | Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids |
| D5490 | Guide for Comparing Groundwater Flow Model Simulations to Site-Specific Information |
| D5609 | Guide for Defining Boundary Conditions in Groundwater Flow Modeling |
| D5610 | Guide for Defining Initial Conditions in Groundwater Flow Modeling |
| D5611 | Guide for Conducting a Sensitivity Analysis for a Groundwater Flow Model Application |
| D5981 | Guide for Calibrating a Groundwater Flow Model Application |
| D6033 | Guide for Describing the Functionality of a Groundwater Modeling Code |
Note that D5981, Guide for Calibrating a Groundwater Flow Model Application, has been withdrawn since 2017. Users should check the latest versions of all referenced standards.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Limitations
This guide is specifically for saturated, isothermal groundwater flow models. It does not cover variably saturated flow, flow in fractured media, density-dependent flow, solute transport, or multiphase transport phenomena. However, the concepts are applicable to a wide range of models designed to simulate subsurface processes. The user must document any additional analyses in the model report.
The standard is not intended to replace the standard of care or professional judgment. It offers a collection of information and options without recommending a specific course of action.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the scope of D5447-17?
The scope covers the application and documentation of a numerical groundwater flow model to a site-specific problem, specifically for saturated, isothermal flow. It is part of a series of ASTM standards.
💡 Which referenced standards are included in D5447-17?
Referenced standards include D653 (Terminology), D5490 (Model Comparison), D5609 (Boundary Conditions), D5610 (Initial Conditions), D5611 (Sensitivity Analysis), D5981 (Calibration), and D6033 (Code Functionality).
⚡ Can this guide be applied to all types of groundwater models?
No, it is specifically written for saturated, isothermal groundwater flow models. For other processes like solute transport or fractured media flow, additional details are required and not described in this guide.
📌 Is this guide all-inclusive for model development?
No, it is not all-inclusive. Each groundwater model is unique and may require additional procedures, which should be documented in the model report. The guide should be used with professional experience.