ISO 17313:2004 PDF

Overview

ISO 17313:2004 defines a laboratory test method for measuring the hydraulic conductivity of water‑saturated porous materials using a flexible wall permeameter. The standard applies to undisturbed or compacted specimens with hydraulic conductivities between 1 × 10^-5 m/s (1 × 10^-3 cm/s) and 1 × 10^-11 m/s (1 × 10^-9 cm/s). Typical materials include clay, tills (clay and sand), silt, peat, mud and similar low‑permeability soils. ISO 17313:2004 is prepared under ISO/TC 190 (Soil quality).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test methods: Constant head (Method A), falling head - constant tail (Method B) and rising tail (Method C), and constant flow rate (Method D).
• Apparatus: Flexible wall permeameter cell, porous end pieces (e.g., silicon carbide, aluminium oxide), membrane and O‑ring seals, flow measurement devices (graduated accumulator, pipette, vertical standpipe) and pressure transducers.
• Specimen requirements: Minimum diameter 70 mm and minimum height 25 mm; specimen diameter and height should each be at least six times the largest particle size. Both undisturbed and laboratory‑compacted specimens are covered.
• Saturation and fluids: Use de‑aerated water as the permeant to avoid entrained air; back‑pressure saturation is required to remove air. Type of permeant water must be reported.
• Measurement controls: Ability to apply and measure back‑pressure, maintain temperature within ±3 °C, and ensure head/flow control within specified tolerances (constant flow ±5% for Method D). Head losses in tubing and end pieces should be