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ISO 12958 In-Plane Water Flow Tester

Fully Automatic Geotextile horizontal permeability tester

Model: UT4071E; ISO 12958, ASTM D4716

The Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Tester is a professional geosynthetic testing instrument designed and manufactured by UnitedTest, strictly complying with GB/T 17633 and ISO 12958, ASTM D4716 international and national standards. It is specially developed for testing the in-plane water flow capacity and hydraulic transmissivity of various geotextiles and geocomposite drainage materials. Different from vertical permeability testing equipment, this machine focuses on evaluating the horizontal drainage performance of geosynthetics under simulated actual engineering overburden pressure, which is the core testing index for geotextile drainage, filtration and anti-seepage engineering applications.

Conform with standard:

ISO 12958-1 Index test for determination of in-plane water flow capacity

ASTM D4716 Standard test method for in-plane flow of geotextiles under constant head

General Introduction

Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Tester (ASTM D4716, ISO 12958) | UnitedTest


The Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Tester is a professional geosynthetic testing instrument designed and manufactured by UnitedTest, strictly complying with GB/T 17633 and ISO 12958, ASTM D4716 international and national standards. It is specially developed for testing the in-plane water flow capacity and hydraulic transmissivity of various geotextiles and geocomposite drainage materials. Different from vertical permeability testing equipment, this machine focuses on evaluating the horizontal drainage performance of geosynthetics under simulated actual engineering overburden pressure, which is the core testing index for geotextile drainage, filtration and anti-seepage engineering applications.


In geotechnical engineering, landfill drainage, highway and railway roadbed drainage, and hydraulic engineering projects, geotextiles bear long-term horizontal water conduction pressure. The horizontal permeability parameter directly determines the stability and service life of the entire engineering structure. UnitedTest’s geotextile horizontal permeability tester accurately simulates on-site working conditions through constant water head and pressurized testing, providing reliable and repeatable test data for material quality inspection, factory delivery testing, laboratory research and third-party authoritative detection.


To meet the diversified testing needs and budget requirements of different customers, UnitedTest independently develops and produces two complete series models: the General Manual Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Tester and the Full Automatic Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Tester. Both models fully meet GB/T 17633 and ISO 12958, ASTM D4716 standard specifications in terms of test principle, structural design and test accuracy, while the automatic model adds intelligent control, automatic data acquisition and one-click report output functions on the basis of the basic model.


Geotextile horizontal permeability tester, Longitudinal water flow tester



Main features

  • Key Features
  • Standards Compliance
  • Test Principle
  • Applications
  • Test Procedure
  • Keywords

UnitedTest provides two configurable models for geotextile horizontal permeability testing. The basic mechanical structure, test stroke, pressure range and standard compliance of the two models are completely consistent. The core difference lies in operation mode, control system, data acquisition and intelligent functions.


Automatic Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Tester (Intelligent Upgraded Model)

The automatic model fully inherits all basic functions of the general model and meets GB/T 17633 and ISO 12958 standards. It is upgraded with a full closed-loop intelligent control system, realizing full-process automation from parameter setting, testing operation, data collection to result output. It is a high-end intelligent testing equipment for professional laboratories and large-scale enterprises.


1. Hydraulic gradient digital setup, automatic positioning.

2. Normal pressure digital setup, automatic maintenance.

3. Test results automatically collected and calculated, no manual intervention needed.

4. All stainless steel fixtures, corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.

Fully Automatic Closed-Loop Control: The system automatically stabilizes and locks the preset normal pressure and water head height, eliminating manual adjustment errors and ensuring ultra-high test repeatability.

High-Precision Automatic Flow Monitoring: Equipped with imported high-sensitivity flow sensors, real-time continuous monitoring of water flow, no manual water collection and timing required.

Intelligent Data Export & Report Printing: Automatically calculate core indicators such as in-plane water flow capacity and transmissivity, support one-click export of PDF/Excel formal test reports, meeting laboratory data archiving and certification requirements.

All UnitedTest geotextile horizontal permeability testers are strictly designed, calibrated and verified in accordance with the following authoritative standards to ensure test result validity and international recognition:
  • GB/T 17633: Geosynthetics — Test method for water flow capacity in plane of geotextiles

  • ISO 12958: Geotextiles and geotextile-related products — Determination of water flow capacity in their plane

The equipment can complete standard constant-head horizontal flow tests under specified normal pressure, and automatically convert test data to standard 20°C temperature conditions, fully meeting the data calibration requirements of national and international standards.


ISO 12958-1 Index test for determination of in-plane water flow capacity

ISO 12958-2 Performance test under simulated boundary conditions

GB/T 17633 Geotextiles and geotextile-related products — Determination of water flow capacity in their plane

SL/T 235 Specification for geosynthetic testing (China Water Conservancy)

JTG E50 T1143 Highway engineering geosynthetic test protocol

ASTM D4716 Standard test method for in-plane flow of geotextiles under constant head

The core test principle of both general and automatic models is consistent, adhering to standard constant-head horizontal permeability testing logic:


First, fix and seal the standard geotextile test specimen in the precision test chamber to prevent edge water leakage and air bubble interference. Then apply specified normal compressive stress (simulating soil overburden pressure in actual engineering) on the surface of the specimen through the pneumatic loading system. After the pressure and specimen state are stable, form a stable constant water head difference at both ends of the geotextile plane. Water flows horizontally along the fabric plane, and the system collects and calculates the stable water flow rate within a unit time. Finally, the in-plane flow capacity and hydraulic transmissivity of the geotextile are calculated through standard formula conversion.


The whole test process truly restores the horizontal water conduction state of geotextiles buried in soil, ensuring the test data is highly consistent with actual engineering application performance.

UnitedTest Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Testers are widely deployed for:

Highway & Railway Engineering: Drainage performance validation of geosynthetics in subgrade and retaining structures

Landfill & Environmental Engineering: Leachate drainage layer design

Water Conservancy: Dam filtration and drainage blankets

Coastal & River Protection: Revetment and erosion control systems

Manufacturing QC: Geotextile production line quality verification

Independent Testing Institutes: Third-party certification per GB/T 17633, ISO 12958, ASTM D4716


Suitable for large-scale geosynthetic production enterprises, CNAS accredited third-party testing laboratories, professional geotechnical engineering research institutes, and high-frequency batch testing scenarios that require standardized data traceability and formal test reports.


Applicable Test Materials

This series of testing machines is widely applicable to all types of geosynthetic drainage materials in civil engineering, environmental protection and water conservancy projects:

- Nonwoven & Woven Geotextiles

- Geocomposite Drainage Materials

- Plastic Geonets & 3D Drainage Nets

- Composite Drainage Boards

- Other Planar Geosynthetic Drainage Products


Specimen Preparation: Cut geotextile specimens of appropriate dimensions; saturate in water containing 0.1% non-ionic surfactant for ≥12 hours to remove air bubbles

Assembly: Place closed-cell foam rubber → specimen → upper foam rubber → pressure plate

Initial Seating Pressure: Apply 2 kPa normal pressure; flush with de-aired water to expel residual air

Stabilization: Adjust normal pressure to 20 kPa and hold for 360 s

Gradient Setting: Set hydraulic gradient to 0.1 (or as specified); allow flow for 120 s

Measurement: Collect outflow in a graduated cylinder over a timed interval

Calculation: Compute in-plane flow rate, permeability coefficient, and transmissivity

Multi-pressure Testing: Repeat at 20 kPa, 100 kPa, 200 kPa (per ISO 12958-1) or project-specified stresses

Geotextile horizontal permeability tester, ISO 12958 geotextile flow tester, GB/T 17633 horizontal permeameter, automatic geotextile horizontal permeability tester, geosynthetic in-plane water flow capacity tester, geotextile transmissivity test machine, drainage geonet horizontal permeability test equipment

Main Technical Specification

DisplayTouch screen, menu operation
Hydraulic gradientAdjustable from 0.1 to 1.0 (water head height: 0-300mm)
Sample sizeWidth: 200mm, Length: 300mm (customizable based on specific samples)
Thermometer display range0-100℃
TimerCan be set from 0 to 99999.9 seconds, control accuracy 0.1s
Water head measurement accuracy1 mm
Normal pressure loading range0–500kPa, servo-driven, continuously adjustable
Normal pressure accuracy1%
Planar flow calculationAutomatic calculation
Power supply220V (50HZ±1%)
Dimensions1600*600*1750 mm
Weight260 kg


Advantages of UnitedTest Geotextile Horizontal Permeability Tester

- Standard Strict Compliance: Independently developed and manufactured in full accordance with GB/T 17633 and ISO 12958, with authoritative calibration and accurate test data.

- Dual Model Customization: General and automatic two models cover low-budget basic testing and high-end intelligent batch testing scenarios to meet all customer demands.

- Excellent Sealing Performance: Optimized sealed test chamber structure, effectively solving the problem of edge leakage and air bubble interference in traditional test equipment.

- Stable & Durable Performance: High-quality industrial-grade materials and precision pneumatic components, long service life and low maintenance cost.

- Professional Manufacturer Support: UnitedTest is a professional geosynthetic testing equipment manufacturer, providing one-stop services including equipment customization, installation debugging, technical training and global after-sales service.

- Customized Service Available: Support OEM/ODM customized parameters and structural design to meet special testing requirements of customers.


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Beijing United Test Co., Ltd.