Accurate definition of boundary conditions is an essential part of conceptualizing and modeling groundwater flow systems. This guide describes the properties of the most common boundary conditions encountered in groundwater systems and discusses major aspects of their definition and application in groundwater models. It also discusses the significance and specification of boundary conditions for some field situations and some common errors in specifying boundary conditions in groundwater models.

1.1 This guide covers the specification of appropriate boundary conditions that are an essential part of conceptualizing and modeling groundwater systems. This guide describes techniques that can be used in defining boundary conditions and their appropriate application for modeling saturated groundwater flow model simulations.

1.2 This guide is one of a series of standards on groundwater flow model applications. Defining boundary conditions is a step in the design and construction of a model that is treated generally in Guide D5447.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.