Overview
EN ISO 22282-5:2012 - "Geotechnical investigation and testing - Geohydraulic testing - Part 5: Infiltrometer tests" (CEN adoption of ISO 22282-5:2012) specifies requirements for in situ infiltrometer testing as part of geotechnical investigations (in accordance with EN 1997‑1 and EN 1997‑2). The standard defines terminology, required equipment characteristics, test procedures (open and closed systems) and required test results for determining the water permeability and infiltration capacity of surface and near‑surface formations, treated soils or compacted materials.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Purpose: In situ determination of water permeability (permeability coefficient) and infiltration capacity under steady‑state or transient conditions in saturated or unsaturated soils.
- Test types: Open systems (single or double‑ring infiltrometers) and closed systems (sealed single ring with lid).
- Measurement procedures: Constant‑head and variable‑head procedures; measurements of hydraulic head, infiltrated volume and temperature over time.
- Equipment requirements:
- Ring diameters: inner/single ring ≥ 200 mm; for double ring outer diameter ≥ 2× inner ring.
- Penetration depth of ring into ground ≥ 50 mm.
- Resolution: volume/pressure measurement resolution better than 1% (open); pressure‑volume controller resolution ≥ 0.1 ml (closed constant‑head); displacement monitoring resolution ≥ 0.01 mm; temperature resolution ≥ 0.5 °C; pressure gauge uncertainty ≤ 1 mm.
- Use clean water free of suspended solids; sealing material composition determined by site conditions.
- Permeability ranges: Open systems suited to higher permeabilities (approx. 10‑5 to 10‑8 m/s); closed systems for lower permeabilities (below ~10‑8 m/s).
- Test conduct: Preparation of a clean, horizontal test area; prevention and monitoring of lateral leakage; saturation phase followed by measurement phase. Test duration can range from minutes to days depending on soil and head.
- Reporting: Time‑stamped records of infiltrated volume, head and temperature; graphical presentation recommended.
Applications
- Civil engineering site investigations (foundation design, earthworks, drainage design)
- Hydrogeology and groundwater studies (infiltration, recharge assessments)
- Waste disposal and storage site design (leachate infiltration, barrier performance)
- Environmental and remediation projects requiring near‑surface permeability data
Who should use this standard
- Geotechnical and civil engineers
- Hydrogeologists and environmental consultants
- Construction contractors and field testing teams
- Laboratories and QA managers responsible for field permeability testing
Related standards
- EN 1997‑1 / EN 1997‑2 (geotechnical design and investigations)
- ISO 22282‑1 (Geohydraulic testing - General rules)
- ISO 22282 (other parts covering borehole and pumping tests)
- ISO 22475‑1 (sampling methods and groundwater measurements)
Keywords: EN ISO 22282-5:2012, infiltrometer tests, geohydraulic testing, water permeability, in situ permeability, permeability coefficient, infiltrometer, double-ring, constant head, variable head, geotechnical investigation.
