Geosynthetic Clogging Tester

The geosynthetic material clogging test apparatus is a testing instrument used for testing geosynthetic filter layers. It is used to determine the permeability coefficient and permeability ratio of the soil-geotextile system and its interface under specific water flow conditions, as well as to determine the silt content of the geotextile, in order to assess whether the geosynthetic material, when used as a filter layer for a particular type of soil, will experience unacceptable clogging.

Application

The method of gradient ratio is used to measure the permeability coefficient and permeability ratio of soil and geotextile system and its interface under no-pressure conditions, and the mud content of geotextile is measured to determine whether the geosynthetic material is used as a filter layer of some soil, and whether the blockage is not allowed.

Standard

ASTM D5101-2006: Standard Test Method for Measuring the Soil-Geotextile System Clogging Potential by the Gradient Ratio

JTG E50 T1145-2006: Test Method for Clogging of Geosynthetics - Gradient Ratio Method (as part of JTG E50-2006)

SL 235-2012: Specification for Test and Measurement of Geosynthetics

Features

Suitable for all kinds of soil and geotextile;

Floor type design, stable fuselage structure, not easy to deformation:

Plexiglass test chamber can visually observe the silting process of geotextiles:

The seal of the specimen holding device in the test cylinder is good to ensure the feasibility of the test.

The height of the test cylinder is reasonable, and a certain space is reserved above the soil sample to make the water flow uniform and stable.

Manual rotary hand wheel drive, water level regulation, efficient and smooth:

6 pressure gauges for easy pressure observation and high measurement accuracy:

Easy to install, easy to operate.

Parameters

1. Instrument type floor type

2. The inner diameter of the test cylinder is 100mm

3. The sample height is 100mm

4. Head difference adjustment range 0——1050mm

5. Head difference accuracy ±1mm

6. Support net aperture 6mm

7. Overall dimensions 450x400x980mm(LxWxH)

8. Weight 75kg

Accessoriess

1. Drain pipe.

2. Water inlet balance tank.
   

3. Water supply pipe.

4. Time-controlled smart meter.

Test Procedures

Sampling: Samples shall be taken according to the provisions of this standard T1101—2006.

Sample quantity and size: The sample size should be compatible with the dimensions of the permeameter; the number of samples depends on the experimental combination and the number of fabric layers in the designed filter layer.

Weigh the geotextile sample before the test, to an accuracy of 0.01g.

Soil material: After air-drying, the soil material should be sieved to remove particles larger than 5mm in diameter.

Test water: Deaerated water should be used for the test, and the water temperature should be 3°C-4°C higher than room temperature.

Place the fabric sample and sieve together in the clamping device and seal it.

Load the soil sample, with a height of 100mm. For loose soil samples, the air-dried soil can be poured into the permeameter using a funnel and leveled; for dense soil samples, the required density should be achieved by layered compaction. During sample loading, prevent the inlet of the piezometer tube from being blocked.

Saturate the soil sample. Water is introduced through the drainage outlet pipe, allowing water to flow slowly from the bottom of the sample. The water head can be controlled to be less than 25mm until the water level rises to a certain height above the top surface of the soil sample. Then, water can be injected from the inlet pipe, filling the entire container with water (to accelerate soil sample saturation, a vacuum pump can be used).

Adjust the water level: Adjust the hydraulic gradient i to 1.0. and observe the water level changes in the piezometer tubes.

When all piezometer readings are stable, maintain a constant water head in the upstream water container, open the outlet valve, and allow water to flow through the sample. 11. Measure the piezometer water level and seepage volume every hour, and record the seepage time and water temperature simultaneously, continuously for 24 hours. If the readings are not yet stable, the measurement time can be appropriately extended until stable.

After the test at i=1.0 is completed, adjust the hydraulic gradient i. Conduct tests on the same sample at i=2.5. i=4.0. and i=10.0. After each increase in i, the piezometer readings should be stable, and seepage should continue for more than 1.5 hours at that gradient. When i reaches 10.0 and the piezometer reading is stable, repeat steps 10-11.

After the test is completed, remove the geotextile sample, gently remove the surface soil, and weigh the total mass of the geotextile and the soil contained within it after drying, to an accuracy of 0.01g.

FAQ

1. What is a Geosynthetic Clogging Tester?

The Geosynthetic Clogging Tester is a device used to evaluate the susceptibility of geosynthetics, such as geotextiles and geomembranes, to clogging by fine particles or sediments. It helps predict filtration performance and long-term efficiency.

2. How does the clogging test work?

The tester passes a suspension of soil, silt, or fine particles through the geosynthetic sample under controlled flow and pressure. The reduction in permeability or flow rate is measured over time to assess clogging behavior.

3. What types of geosynthetics can be tested?

It can test woven, nonwoven, and knitted geotextiles, drainage composites, and other geosynthetic materials used in civil engineering, drainage systems, erosion control, and landfill liners.

4. What parameters are measured during testing?

The tester measures changes in flow rate, hydraulic conductivity, and permeability before and after exposure to particles. Some models also track time to clogging and sediment retention efficiency.

5. Why is clogging testing important for geosynthetics?

Testing ensures geosynthetics maintain filtration and drainage performance over time, preventing system failure due to sediment accumulation. It helps engineers select suitable materials for sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure.