ISO 22282-1:2012

Overview

ISO 22282-1:2012 - Geotechnical investigation and testing - Geohydraulic testing - Part 1: General rules - establishes the general rules and principles for in situ geohydraulic testing in soil and rock as part of geotechnical investigation services referenced in EN 1997‑1 and EN 1997‑2. The standard defines concepts and requirements for permeability measurement, transmissivity, storage coefficient and hydrodynamic parameters of aquifers. It is focused on tests carried out with groundwater (other fluids may be considered only by adjusting for viscosity and related relations).

Keywords: ISO 22282-1, geohydraulic testing, permeability measurement, transmissivity, storage coefficient, in situ permeability.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: clear terms (flow rate, hydraulic head, transmissivity, storage coefficient, steady/transient states, rising/falling/constant head tests, etc.) and symbols used for interpretation.
• Equipment requirements:
  • Measuring tube: known cross‑section, structurally stable (no deformation), minimal joints and appropriate diameter for expected water level changes; valves must not induce pressure/volume changes that bias results.
  • Test section support: filter or gravel packs to support borehole geometry; filter permeability must be markedly higher than the ground being tested and chemically compatible with groundwater.
  • Isolation systems: casing, sealing plugs, single/double/multiple packers. Packer guidance includes recommended sealed length (at least five times borehole diameter, minimum 0.5 m) and effective pressure (≥30% above maximum test pressure).
  • Measuring and recording devices and calibration procedures.
• Planning and execution:
  • Selection of test locations and procedures (rising/falling/variable head, constant head, constant rate, pumping tests).
  • Preparation, installation (filters, packers), checking, safety, decommissioning and factors influencing test results (mud cake, clogging, washing, skin effects).
• Interpretation tools: shape factors and models for converting measurements to permeability/transmissivity/intrinsic permeability.

Practical applications

ISO 22282-1 supports reliable assessment of groundwater flow and ground permeability for:

• Evaluating grouting absorption and effectiveness in rock masses.
• Assessing seepage, drainage and groundwater lowering strategies.
• Predicting effects of cut-offs for dams, tunnels and shaft sinking.
• Verifying fill or cover tightness, and planning remedial measures.
• Determining aquifer parameters for design and environmental impact assessment.

Typical users: geotechnical engineers, hydrogeologists, site investigation contractors, tunnel and dam designers, environmental consultants and researchers involved in ground‑water and subsurface flow studies.

Related standards

• ISO 22282 series: Parts 2–6 (borehole open/closed systems, rock pressure tests, pumping tests, infiltrometer tests)
• ISO 14688-1, ISO 14689-1 (soil/rock identification)
• ISO 22475-1 (sampling and groundwater measurements)
• EN 1997‑1, EN 1997‑2, EN 1990 (Eurocodes and geotechnical investigation/testing)