Overview
ISO 10318-2:2015 - "Geosynthetics - Part 2: Symbols and pictograms" specifies the property symbols, graphical symbols and pictograms used across EN and ISO geosynthetics standards. Published by ISO/TC 221, this second edition standardizes how material properties, product types and functions are represented in technical documents, drawings and labels for geosynthetic materials and systems.
Key topics
The standard groups symbols and pictograms into clear categories:
- Property symbols (physical, hydraulic and mechanical)
- Physical: e.g., d (thickness), b (width), l (length), ρ (mass per unit area)
- Hydraulic (GTX/GTP): k (coefficient of permeability), ψ (permittivity), θ (transmissivity), q (in-plane flow capacity), O90 (characteristic opening size)
- Mechanical: tensile and loading parameters such as σy (tensile stress at yield), σf (tensile stress at failure), T (tensile strength), modulus J, puncture/pullout loads and friction angles φ
- Graphical symbols and pictograms
- Product identification: GTX (geotextile), GBR (geosynthetic barrier), GGR (geogrid), GCO (geocomposite), GNT (geonet), GBR‑C (clay geosynthetic barrier), GCE (geocell), GMA (geomat)
- Function pictograms: separation, barrier, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, surface erosion control, protection, stress relief
- Application pictograms: reservoirs & dams, canals, transportation infrastructure and roads, foundations & retaining walls, railways, tunnels, coastal erosion control, drainage systems, landfill (liquid/solid waste), asphalt reinforcement
Note: detailed definitions for specific symbols and pictogram terms referenced by test methods are provided in the individual international standards that describe the corresponding test procedures.
Applications and users
ISO 10318-2:2015 is practical for:
- Civil and geotechnical engineers specifying geosynthetic performance in design documents
- Manufacturers and suppliers labelling products and datasheets consistently
- Procurement and quality assurance teams verifying compliance with standardized symbols
- Test laboratories and certification bodies using consistent property notation
- Technical writers and drawing offices preparing construction drawings and specifications
Adoption of these standardized symbols improves clarity in cross-border projects, reduces ambiguity in specifications, and streamlines communication among designers, contractors and regulators.
Related standards
- ISO 10318‑1 (Terms and definitions) - companion document defining terms used with symbols
- Relevant ISO/EN test standards (referenced within ISO 10318‑2) for precise measurement methods and definitions of specific properties
Keywords: ISO 10318-2:2015, geosynthetics symbols, pictograms, geotextile symbols, geogrid, geocomposite, permeability, tensile strength, geosynthetics standard.
