Soil Infiltration & Percolation Testing
Soil infiltration and percolation testing are essential components of geotechnical investigations that assess how water moves through soil. These tests provide critical data for stormwater management systems, on-site sewage facilities, and other civil engineering applications throughout Sydney and surrounding areas.
What is Soil Infiltration Testing?
Soil infiltration testing measures the rate at which water enters and moves through soil. This process is crucial for understanding a site's capacity to absorb rainfall or manage stormwater runoff.
At Atlas Engineering and Technology Group (AETG), we conduct comprehensive infiltration assessments to determine soil permeability and identify potential limitations in subsurface conditions.
Our Testing Methods
We employ several industry-standard testing methodologies to assess soil infiltration rates accurately:
- Double Ring Infiltrometer Testing - Uses concentric metal rings inserted into the soil to measure vertical water movement under controlled conditions
- Constant Head Permeability Testing - Maintains a constant water level to measure steady-state infiltration rates
- Falling Head Permeability Testing - Measures the rate of water level decline to determine soil permeability
- Cased Borehole Infiltration Testing - Evaluates infiltration at specific depths using boreholes
Why are Infiltration tests performed?
Our soil infiltration and percolation testing services support various applications:
- Stormwater management system design
- On-site sewage facility planning
- Bioretention basin design
- Permeable pavement assessments
- Groundwater recharge evaluations
- Environmental compliance requirements
Benefits of AETG Professional Infiltration Testing
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Accurate System Design | Properly sized stormwater and sewage systems based on actual site conditions |
| Cost Efficiency | Prevents over-engineering or undersizing of drainage infrastructure |
| Regulatory Compliance | Meets local council and NSW EPA requirements for development approvals |
| Environmental Protection | Minimises flooding risks and protects groundwater resources |
| Site Optimization | Identifies optimal locations for infiltration-dependent structures |
Our Testing Process
Our experienced geotechnical engineers follow a systematic approach to ensure accurate and reliable results:
- Site assessment and identification of test locations
- Preparation of test areas according to project specifications
- Equipment setup and calibration
- Controlled water application and precise measurement
- Data collection and analysis
- Comprehensive reporting with recommendations
Successfully Completed Jobs by AETG to Date
✔ Proposed Absorption Pit Development - Margate Street, Ramsgate NSW
The report details the soil permeability assessment conducted by AETG to determine the permeability of existing subgrade material for a proposed absorption pit development project at Margate St, Ramsgate NSW. Two infiltration tests were conducted, but geotechnical-related reports were not provided at the time of investigation. The fieldwork involved two manually drilled boreholes, with soil permeability tests within the auger holes. The results showed low plasticity, light brown Sandy Clay with subangular gravel at Test 1 and medium to high plasticity, dark grey Silty Clay at Test 2.
✔ Proposed ARFF Station Development - Anton Road, Luddenham NSW
This report presents the findings of a soil permeability assessment conducted by AETG at Anton Road, Luddenham NSW 2745. The objective of the assessment was to determine the permeability characteristics of the subgrade improvement material for the Western Sydney Airport ARFF Station Development. A total of four infiltration tests were performed using a falling head soil permeameter. In the absence of geotechnical reports for the site, AETG was unable to verify the static groundwater table at the time of testing. The tests were carried out in boreholes drilled to a maximum depth of 0.4 metres, with encountered soil types ranging from silty gravelly sand to silty gravelly clay. Each test produced varying permeability rates, and a detailed summary of the results is provided within this report.
✔ Proposed Absorption Pit - River Road West, Lane Cove NSW
This report outlines the findings of a soil permeability assessment undertaken by AETG at River Road West, Lane Cove, with the objective of determining the Nominal Absorption Rate for a proposed subsurface absorption pit. Permeability testing was conducted on 8 February 2024 using a falling head soil permeameter within a borehole drilled to a depth of 0.4 metres. The assessment yielded a soil permeability value of 0.001929 cm/sec and a nominal absorption rate of 0.0193 L/m²/sec. The static groundwater level could not be established at the time of testing due to the unavailability of prior geotechnical data for the site.