PERMEABILITY APPARATUS (FALLING HEAD PERMEABILITY) AZA0876

Description

Principle of Operation

In the falling head test, a soil specimen is confined within a permeameter mould, and water is allowed to flow vertically through the sample from a standpipe. As water percolates through the soil, the water level in the standpipe gradually falls.

By measuring:

• the initial and final water head,

• the time taken for the head to fall,

• the dimensions of the soil specimen and standpipe,

the coefficient of permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of the soil is calculated. This method is highly sensitive and well suited for soils where flow rates are too low for constant head testing.

Key Features

• Specifically designed for falling head permeability testing

• Ideal for fine-grained soils such as silts and clays

• Accurate determination of hydraulic conductivity

• Complete system with all essential components

• Durable, corrosion-resistant construction

• Stable laboratory mounting for reliable measurements

• Easy assembly and operation

• Manufactured to international testing standards

• Proven Azalab quality and reliability

Applications

• Permeability testing of silts and clays

• Foundation and earthwork design

• Seepage and drainage analysis

• Groundwater flow assessment

• Academic and research laboratories

• Quality control in geotechnical investigations

Technical Specifications

Model Number: AZA0876
Apparatus Type: Falling Head Permeability Apparatus

Application:

• Determination of permeability of fine-grained soils (silts, clays)

Permeameter Mould:

• Suitable for standard soil specimen diameters (typically 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm)

Standpipe:

• One or more glass tubes of varying internal diameters for different permeability ranges

Measuring Scale:

• Graduated scale for precise measurement of falling water head

Base Assembly:

• Rigid and stable base for secure mounting of mould and standpipe

Tubing:

• Flexible, leak-proof tubing for water connections

Material of Construction:

• Durable, corrosion-resistant materials suitable for laboratory use

Compliance:

• Conforms to IS 2720 (Part XVII)

• Compatible with relevant ASTM and international standards

Advantages

• High sensitivity for low-permeability soils

• Accurate and repeatable results

• Standard-compliant testing method

• Long service life with minimal maintenance

• Essential equipment for professional geotechnical laboratories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the AZA0876 used for?
The AZA0876 is used to determine the coefficient of permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of fine-grained soils using the falling head test method.

Q2: Why is the falling head test preferred for fine soils?
Fine-grained soils have very low permeability. The falling head method is sensitive enough to measure slow water flow accurately.

Q3: What soils are suitable for testing with this apparatus?
Silts, clays, and other low-permeability soils.

Q4: What components are supplied with the AZA0876?
Permeameter mould, standpipe(s), measuring scale, base assembly, and connecting tubing.

Q5: Which standards does the AZA0876 comply with?
IS 2720 (Part XVII) and relevant ASTM/international standards.

Q6: Is this apparatus suitable for sands?
For sands and highly permeable soils, a constant head permeability apparatus is recommended instead.