Overview
EN ISO 17892-11:2019 - Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 11: Permeability tests (ISO 17892-11:2019) specifies standardized laboratory methods to determine the coefficient of permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of soils. Intended for geotechnical investigations, the standard defines apparatus, specimen preparation, test procedures and reporting for laboratory permeability testing used to characterise water flow through saturated soils.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose
- Laboratory determination of water flow characteristics and the coefficient of permeability for geotechnical investigations.
- Fulfils laboratory permeability requirements referenced in EN 1997-1 and EN 1997-2.
- Test principles
- Tests assume laminar flow under saturated conditions and use Darcy’s law to calculate permeability.
- Notes limitation that specimen size may not fully represent field fabric or heterogeneity.
- Apparatus and specimen types
- Rigid-wall permeameters (cylindrical and oedometer ring types).
- Flexible-wall permeameters (membrane-confined specimens).
- Porous discs, measurement and control devices (head control, displacement/volume and flow measurement), and ancillary apparatus.
- Test methods
- Constant head, falling head, and constant flow measurement procedures are included.
- Requirements for saturation, hydraulic gradient control, and temperature measurement/correction.
- Specimen preparation
- Procedures for undisturbed, remoulded, compacted or reconstituted specimens; specific guidance for rigid- and flexible-wall setups.
- Quality and calibration
- Normative Annex A covers calibration, maintenance and checks of equipment.
- Results and reporting
- Results include coefficient of permeability, hydraulic gradient and test-condition corrections (e.g., temperature), plus sample properties (bulk/dry density, water content, degree of saturation).
- Mandatory and optional reporting items are specified.
Applications and users
EN ISO 17892-11:2019 is used by:
- Geotechnical engineers and consultants performing site characterization and foundation design.
- Laboratory technicians and testing labs seeking accredited, repeatable permeability testing methods.
- Designers and contractors evaluating drainage, seepage, consolidation and groundwater flow issues in earthworks, foundations, tunnels and underground works.
- Researchers comparing hydraulic behavior of soil samples under controlled conditions.
Keywords: EN ISO 17892-11:2019, permeability tests, coefficient of permeability, laboratory testing of soil, geotechnical investigation, permeameter, constant head, falling head, flexible wall, Darcy’s law.
Related standards
- EN 1997‑1 / EN 1997‑2 (geotechnical design and investigation references)
- Other parts of the ISO 17892 series covering complementary laboratory soil tests.
