Civil Engineering Testing Laboratory ¡¤ SANAS T1018
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Public test guide

Constant-head permeability

Measures water flow through a relatively permeable soil while a constant hydraulic head is maintained.

Plain-language explanation

What the test tells you.

The project specification controls the exact method and acceptance requirement.

01

What it is

A steady difference in water level is applied across a saturated specimen and the flow volume is measured.

02

What is used

Prepared specimen, constant-head permeameter, water supply, measuring cylinder, timer and thermometer.

03

What it determines

The coefficient of permeability under steady-flow conditions.

04

Why it matters

Commonly used for sands and gravels in drainage, filter and seepage assessments.

Typical test sequence

From sample
to result.

  1. 01

    Prepare and saturate the specimen

  2. 02

    Establish steady flow at the specified head

  3. 03

    Measure flow, time and geometry to calculate permeability

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