Geosynthetics Horizontal Penetration Tester

The geosynthetic material horizontal permeability tester simulates water flow conditions in actual engineering projects to measure the material's horizontal permeability coefficient and hydraulic conductivity, thus evaluating its drainage performance.

Application

Used to determine the horizontal permeability of geosynthetics under constant head flow conditions. Under the conditions of hydraulic gradient and contact material, the normal pressure is changed to measure the water flow in the plane of geotextile and its related products.

Standard

GB/T17633-2019: Geotextiles and geotextile-related products - Determination of water flow capacity in their plane

ISO/FDIS 12958-1998: Geotextiles and geotextile-related products - Determination of water flow capacity in their plane

ASTM D4716-2007: Standard Test Method for Determining the (In-plane) Flow Rate per Unit Width and Hydraulic Transmissivity of a Geosynthetic Using a Constant Head

SL/T 235-9-2012: Test Method for [Specific Property] of Geosynthetics

ISO 11058: Geotextiles and geotextile-related products - Determination of water permeability characteristics normal to the plane, without load

Features

The whole machine is made of acrylic and aluminum profiles, simple and beautiful, not easy to rust;

The instrument is compact in structure and convenient in installation.

The waterway design is reasonable and the operation is simple;

With water tank, high environmental adaptability;

Pressure loading is adopted to apply constant normal pressure to the sample, which is safe and reliable.

Double overflow water level adjustment system, can achieve a wide range of water head difference continuous adjustment:

High precision pressure gauge front mounted, easy and reliable reading;

The instrument is equipped with a variety of specifications closed cell rubber, suitable for different specifications of samples;

The instrument has stable performance and good reproducibility.

Parameters

Accessoriess

Sample holder

Water level measuring cylinder

Time controller

Thermometer

Base and container

Control piping system

Power supply and control circuit

Test Procedures

Cut three samples each in the machine direction and cross-machine direction; thin samples require multiple layers to be stacked.

Installation and Saturation:

Install the sample into the permeameter, apply a pressure of 2-5 kPa to secure it in place, and inject deaerated water to remove air bubbles.

Adjusting the Hydraulic Gradient:

Select the hydraulic gradient based on field conditions and adjust the upstream and downstream water levels.

Data Acquisition:

Measure the amount of water permeated within 15 minutes, record the water temperature, and repeat three times to obtain the average value.

Pressure Increment Test:

Gradually increase the normal pressure and repeat the permeability test.

FAQ

1. What is a Geosynthetics Horizontal Penetration Tester?

The Geosynthetics Horizontal Penetration Tester is a device designed to evaluate the puncture resistance of geosynthetics under horizontal forces, simulating lateral pressure from soil, rocks, or construction activities.

2. How does the horizontal penetration test work?

The tester applies a controlled horizontal force to a probe or piston moving laterally through the geosynthetic sample. It measures the force required to penetrate the material and records deformation and failure characteristics.

3. What types of geosynthetics can be tested?

It can test woven, nonwoven, and knitted geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, and composite geosynthetics used in road construction, embankments, drainage systems, landfills, and erosion control projects.

4. What parameters are measured during testing?

The machine measures horizontal puncture resistance (force at failure), maximum lateral penetration, deformation, and energy absorption. These results help evaluate the geosynthetic’s performance under lateral stress conditions.

5. Why is horizontal penetration testing important?

Testing ensures geosynthetics can withstand lateral loads during installation and service, preventing tears, leaks, or structural failure. It helps engineers and manufacturers select materials that meet durability and safety requirements.