Soil Permeameters

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Types & Applications

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PR16 Lab Permeameter, Single Station (Constant Head & Falling Head)

A  permeameter is a laboratory device used to measure the permeability (or hydraulic conductivity) of subsurface soils and other porous materials —typically soils, rocks, or membranes—to water or other fluids. A permeameter measures how easily water passes through a material.  Water flow through soil is measured using a permeameter.  Whereas, an infiltrometer measures how quickly water moves from the surface into the ground and is typically done in the field.  

determines how water can flow through a material is crucial for applications in civil engineering, environmental science, agriculture, and hydrology. 

The Difference Between Permeameters & Infiltrometers
PR40N Automated Aardvark Permeameter Kit (Constant Head)
PR80 Guelph Permeameter, Complete Kit (Falling Head)

Learn More About Each Permeameter

PR16 Lab Permeameters
Aardvark Permeameters
Guelph Permeameters

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Types of Permeameters

Constant Head Permeameter

Used for coarse-grained soils like sand and gravel. Water is allowed to flow through the soil sample under a constant / steady hydraulic head, and the flow rate is measured to determine permeability.

Falling Head Permeameter

Suitable for fine-grained soils like silts and clays. Water is allowed to flow through the soil sample column, and the decreasing water level (head) over time is recorded to calculate permeability. 

Applications

1. Landfill Leachate Management

Scenario: 
A city is planning to build a new sanitary landfill. One major concern is leachate. The liquid that drains from waste risks polluting nearby groundwater. Why it matters: This testing ensures the landfill won’t contaminate groundwater, protecting local drinking water sources and ecosystems. 

Use of a Permeameter: 

  1. Engineers collect soil samples from the proposed landfill site. 
  2. In the lab, they use a falling head permeameter to measure the hydraulic conductivity of the native clay layer beneath the site. 
  3. If the permeability is very low (e.g., < 1×10⁻⁷ cm/s), the clay is considered a good natural barrier to leachate migration. 
  4. If it’s too permeable, they may need to add a synthetic liner or engineer a compacted clay liner to meet environmental safety standards. 
2. Agriculture Irrigation Planning

Scenario: 
A farm in a semi-arid region wants to optimize its drip irrigation system for a new crop. 

Use of a Permeameter: 

  1. Agronomists take soil samples from several zones in the field.
  2. Using a constant head permeameter, they test the soil’s infiltration rate. 
  3. They discover that: 
    1. Sandy zones allow fast water movement. 
    2. Clay-rich zones retain water longer. 

Outcome: 

  • The irrigation system is adjusted: 
    • Less frequent watering in clay zones to avoid overwatering. 
    • More frequent, shorter watering in sandy areas to prevent drying out. 
  • This improves water use efficiency, reduces runoff, and supports better crop yields. 
3. Civil Engineering: Road Construction

Scenario: 
A highway is being constructed through a rural area, and engineers need to ensure proper subgrade drainage beneath the pavement. 

Use of a Permeameter: 

  1. Engineers collect soil samples along the planned route. 
  2. A falling head permeameter test is conducted to evaluate the drainage capacity of subgrade materials. 
  3. Results show that certain sections have low permeability, which could cause water to accumulate under the road. 

Outcome: 

  • Engineers design a drainage layer and include geotextiles in low-permeability areas. 
  • This prevents pavement cracking, frost heave, and road degradation over time.
SectorApplication ExamplesType
Agriculture and Turf

  • Determines how quickly water infiltrates the soil and drains from the soil to avoid under- or over-irrigation.
Both Types
  • Planning subsurface drainage systems to prevent waterlogging in fields.
Constant Head
  • Assesses how quickly nutrients or chemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides) move through the soil

Falling Head
Environmental and Water Resource Management
  • Predicts how pollutants move through soil to groundwater.
Falling Head
  • Estimates infiltration rates for artificial recharge projects or ground water / aquifer studies
Constant Head
  • Determines appropriate hydrology for restoring or creating wetlands.
Both Types
  • Estimating watershed infiltration to model runoff and recharge
Constant Head
  • Ensuring leachate (contaminated liquid) doesn’t seep into groundwater
Falling Head
Land Use and Urban Planning / Research
  • Ensures the soil can adequately absorb effluent in on-site wastewater / septic systems
Falling Head
  • Evaluates how well soil can absorb effluent in leach fields
Falling Head
  • Helps in designing rain gardens, infiltration basins, and permeable surfaces.
Both Types
  • Teaching soil physics, fluid flow, and Darcy’s law in universities and research institutions.
Both Types
  • Help in designing stormwater infiltration systems, swales, and retention basins.
Constant Head
Civil Engineering /Geotechnical Engineering
  • Ensures stable construction by understanding soil behavior under wet conditions
Falling Head
  • Evaluates how water movement may affect landslides, levees, and embankments risk.
Falling Head
  • Assesses water infiltration that could weaken the subgrade or base layers.
Constant Head
  • Designing subsurface drainage based on how fast water moves through soil.
Constant Head
  • Helps assess soil stability, drainage, and foundation safety.
Falling Head
On-site Wastewater Disposal
  • Determine soil suitability for leach fields.
Falling Head
  • Required by building codes to design and approve septic systems in rural areas.
Falling Head

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