Overview
EN ISO 22282-4:2021 - "Geotechnical investigation and testing - Geohydraulic testing - Part 4: Pumping tests" - sets out requirements for conducting pumping tests as part of geotechnical investigation services in accordance with EN 1997-1 and EN 1997-2. It applies to pumping tests on aquifers (soils and rock) whose permeability allows a measurable lowering of the piezometric head within hours or days. The standard is the ISO/CEN reference for planning, executing, recording and reporting pumping (well) tests used to characterise groundwater flow and well performance.
Key topics and requirements
- Test scope and objectives: Evaluating hydrodynamic and well parameters such as permeability, radius of influence, pumping rate, drawdown behaviour, skin effect, well storage and recovery response.
- Equipment and instrumentation: Guidance on pumps, discharge measurement, level gauges and piezometers (referencing ISO 18674-4 for piezometer measurement).
- Test planning and preparation: Determining suitable discharge rates, arranging discharge disposal, and preparing the test and monitoring wells.
- Execution procedures: Stepwise procedures for pre-pumping monitoring, preliminary pumping, main pumping phase, post-pumping recovery monitoring, handling interruptions and uncertainty assessment.
- Data handling and reporting: Requirements for field records, installation logs, measured values and a structured test report (including example record formats in annexes).
- Applicability: Tests covered are for aquifers where pumping effects are measurable within hours to days; applies to both soils and rock.
- Normative references: Links to related ISO standards (e.g., ISO 22282-1, ISO 22475-1, ISO 14688-1) for general rules, sampling and classification.
Applications
Pumping tests under EN ISO 22282-4:2021 are used to:
- Determine aquifer transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity for foundation design and geotechnical risk assessments.
- Design and size dewatering systems for excavations, tunnels and underground works.
- Assess well performance and optimize well construction or rehabilitation.
- Support groundwater resource assessments, contaminant transport studies and hydrological modelling.
- Inform slope stability, settlement and long-term groundwater control measures required by EN 1997 design processes.
Who should use this standard
- Geotechnical and hydrogeological engineers
- Engineering consultancies and site investigation contractors
- Well designers, groundwater modellers and environmental consultants
- Public authorities and clients specifying site investigation work under EN 1997
Related standards
- ISO 22282-1 (General rules for geohydraulic testing)
- ISO 18674-4 (Piezometer measurement)
- ISO 22475-1 (Sampling and groundwater measurements)
- EN 1997-1 / EN 1997-2 (Geotechnical design standards)
Keywords: EN ISO 22282-4:2021, pumping tests, geohydraulic testing, geotechnical investigation, aquifer permeability, piezometric head, well testing, hydrodynamic parameters.
