PERMEABILITY TESTING OF GEOTEXTILES

In recent years, geotextiles (filter fabrics) have been used extensively as filters for drainage systems. Unfortunately, the increase in use has not been accompanied by the development of suitable testing methods or specifications. This paper investigates fabric permeability tests and factors that affect the measurement of permeability and provides recommendations for a method to measure permeability. Both water and air permeability tests were evaluated by using nine geotextiles. For the water tests, a falling-head permeameter was used. The results indicated that the permeability of geotextiles was quite variable both within and between lots and the effect of the hydraulic gradient in the water test was significant. Data were also obtained to show the effects of sample size and operator and the number of samples needed to ensure a given level of accuracy. The term "permittivity," or permeability divided by fabric thickness, is presented. Fabrics that have high permeability do not always have high permittivity. Also, there is a linear relation between permittivity measured by the air and by the water tests. Because of its simplicity, the falling-head permeameter is recommended for adoption. The air-permeability test also shows potential for providing accurate results. (Author)

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    • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Subsurface Drainage. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
  • Authors:
    • Blair, J C
    • Bell, J R
    • Hicks, R G
  • Conference:
  • Publication Date: 1981

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 1-6
  • Monograph Title: General soils problems
  • Serial:

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00348889
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309032695
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Oct 30 1982 12:00AM