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Home >> Application >> By Standard >> ASTM >> ASTM D >> ASTM D5887 Permeability coefficient testing, Permeameter of Geosynthetic Clay Liner

ASTM D5887 Permeability coefficient testing, Permeameter of Geosynthetic Clay Liner

ASTM D5887/D5887M: Standard Test Method for Measurement of Index Flux Through Saturated Geosynthetic Clay Liner Specimens Using a Flexible Wall Permeameter

ASTM D5887 test method covers an index test that covers laboratory measurement of flux through saturated geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) specimens using a flexible wall permeameter. It is applicable to GCL products having geotextile backing(s). It is not applicable to GCL products with geomembrane backing(s), geofilm backing(s), or polymer coating backing(s).

This test method provides a measurement of flux under a prescribed set of conditions that can be used for manufacturing quality control. The test method can also be used to check conformance. The flux value determined using this test method is not considered to be representative of the in-service flux of GCLs.

Measurement of Index Flux:

The core of this method is to measure the flux value of water flow through a saturated GCL sample under specific conditions using a flexible wall permeameter.

The obtained flux values are clearly defined as index test results, mainly used for manufacturing quality control and consistency checks, and do not represent the flux under actual usage conditions.

Determination of permeability coefficient:

One of the experimental purposes is to determine the permeability coefficient (usually referring to hydraulic conductivity) of GCL under a specified pressure difference.

The test requires the use of water or other permeable liquids (as described in 6) in a saturated state of the sample, and the permeability coefficient is calculated by measuring parameters such as flow rate and pressure difference.

Examine the impact of effective stress:

This method allows for permeability testing under different effective stress conditions. For example, studying the changes in GCL permeability coefficient at different effective stress levels such as 20 kPa, 60 kPa, 100 kPa, 150 kPa, and 200 kPa

ASTM D5887 Permeability coefficient testing, Permeameter of Geosynthetic Clay Liner

Unitedtest ASTM D5887 Sodium bentonite geosynthetic clay liner Permeameter UT4067A.

Test Method

The testing device for permeability tests with falling hydraulic head. The hydraulic head of the samples can be read from standpipe. The pressure head is maintained constant.

Some water need be refilled into the system because of the sinking head in standpipe with time. The period of time between refilling the standpipe gives rise to some variations in the gradient. For the control of ventilation in every possible time, all of the pipes are made from Plexiglas.

By means of compressed air, additional load at the sample in the Rowe cell can be applied. The normal stress can be read from a manometer.

Main application for Bentonite liners:

Bentonite liners are widely used in geotechnical engineering such as landfills, reservoir and waterproofing. When bentonite is in touch with water, it swells and causes a significant increase of permeability. This paper reports a series of permeability tests on bentonite liners. Six samples could be tested independently.

An test setup similar to the Rowe cell was used for the experiments.

Two types of Bentonite mat were used in the experiments such as powder form and granular form.

The experiments were made with and without 30kN/m2 normal stress and the diameters were varied as 75mm and 150mm.

The permeability was tested under different conditions such as, after wet and dry cycles, after freezing and thawing cycles, and in overlapping region of two bentonites.

Moreover, the effect of punctures was investigated by testing liners with a hole of about 8 mm diameter.

Deep Introduction to permeability test

Permeability test is a fundamental procedure in geotechnical engineering, used to measure the degree of water flow in soil or rock. This key characteristic affects every aspect from basic design to groundwater management, and is crucial for ensuring the safety and lifespan of civil engineering projects. Whether you are a student exploring soil mechanics, an engineer designing drainage systems, or a curious learner, this guide will provide a detailed introduction to permeability testing. We will introduce its purpose, methods, and real-world applications to equip you with the knowledge required to master this key concept.

Penetration testing:

The permeability test determines the rate at which water passes through porous materials such as soil or rock under a pressure gradient. Represented by the permeability coefficient (k), this value quantifies the permeability of the material, which is crucial for understanding its hydraulic behavior in both natural and engineering environments.

Permeability affects soil stability, permeability, and drainage efficiency, playing a critical role in projects such as dams, embankments, and retaining walls. By conducting this test, engineers can gain a deeper understanding of how water interacts with underground materials, enabling smarter and safer designs.

Type of permeability test:

There are various forms of permeability testing, each suitable for specific soil types and project requirements. Below, we will explore the most common methods used in geotechnical engineering to measure this important characteristic.

T1: Fixed head test

The constant head test is suitable for coarse-grained soils with high permeability, such as sand and gravel. Water flows through soil samples at a stable pressure head, and the discharge rate is measured to calculate the permeability coefficient. It is simple, fast, and widely used in granular materials.

T2: Head test

The drop test is used for fine-grained soils, such as silt and clay with low permeability, to track the time required for the water head to drop through the sample. This method is more sensitive to low flow rates and provides accurate results for materials with poor permeability.

T3: On site pumping test

The on-site pumping test is conducted on site to evaluate the permeability of a larger area by pumping water from a well and measuring the water level drop in the surrounding observation wells. This method is crucial for evaluating the properties of aquifers or large-scale site conditions.

Working principle of permeability testing:

The process of permeability testing varies by method, but the core principle remains unchanged: measuring the water flow through the material under controlled conditions. In the laboratory, place the soil sample in a permeameter to saturate it and withstand the water pressure difference. Record the amount of water that has passed over time.

Using Darcy's law - Q=kIA, where Q is flow rate, k is permeability, I is hydraulic gradient, and A is cross-sectional area - engineers calculate the permeability coefficient.

These data reveal how water flows in the soil, providing information for design decisions on drainage and stability.

Application in Geotechnical Engineering:

The results of permeability testing are indispensable in a series of civil engineering projects. They guide the design of effective drainage systems, anti-seepage measures, and foundations by predicting how water interacts with the soil or rocks on site.

For example, in dam construction, permeability data ensures proper permeability management to prevent structural damage. In landfills, it helps to design impermeable liners to protect groundwater. Understanding permeability is key to managing water related risks, from roads to tunnels.

Factors affecting permeability

Permeability is not a fixed attribute, it varies depending on several soil characteristics. Grain size, porosity, and structure all affect the fluidity of water. Coarse soil with large and interconnected pores typically has higher permeability than compacted fine clay.

Other factors include soil saturation, temperature, and the presence of organic matter or voids. Engineers must consider these variables when interpreting test results, as they can have a significant impact on real-world performance and design outcomes.

The Power of Penetration Testing

Permeability testing is an important tool in geotechnical engineering, which reveals the secrets of water movement in soil and rocks. By quantifying this characteristic, engineers can design safer and more efficient structures that can withstand the test of time and environmental challenges.

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