EN 13562:2000

Overview

EN 13562:2000 is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that specifies the method for determining the resistance of geotextiles and geotextile-related products to water penetration. This resistance is crucial for assessing the initial barrier properties of dry geotextile materials against water flow passing normally through the material. The standard defines the hydrostatic pressure test, which measures the water head required to initiate water flow through the fabric.

This standard applies primarily to dry geotextiles and closely related products, providing a reliable and repeatable test to evaluate their waterproofing performance. It is important to note that this test is generally not applicable to open-structure products such as geogrids and geonets, which inherently provide pathways for fluid flow.

Key Topics

• Resistance to Water Penetration
  The core focus of EN 13562:2000 is measuring the hydrostatic pressure at which water begins to penetrate through a geotextile. This measure indicates the ability of the geotextile to act as a barrier against water flow.

• Hydrostatic Pressure Test Method
  The standard defines a laboratory test where a column of water applies pressure perpendicular to the fabric plane. The water head at the start of flow signifies the fabric’s resistance.

• Applicability of the Test
  The procedure is aimed at dry geotextile or geotextile-related materials. It typically excludes open products like geogrids and geonets that allow water passage due to their open structure.

• Standardized Testing Conditions
  The test is conducted under controlled conditions to ensure consistency and comparability of test results across different laboratories and manufacturers.

Applications

The resistance to penetration by water of geotextiles has numerous practical applications in civil engineering and environmental projects, including:

• Drainage and Filtration Systems
  Ensuring geotextiles allow water flow while preventing soil migration, the standard helps select appropriate fabrics for effective filtration with controlled permeability.

• Waterproofing Layers
  In applications like landfill liners, tunnel linings, or retaining wall barriers, geotextiles need to resist water ingress to prevent structural degradation.

• Road and Pavement Construction
  Geotextiles used underneath pavements can be tested to evaluate their resistance to water infiltration, which can influence durability and load-bearing capacity.

• Erosion Control
  Understanding water penetration helps in designing geotextile covers or liners that protect soil surfaces against erosion caused by water flow.

Using EN 13562:2000 ensures that geotextile products meet minimum performance criteria for water resistance, supporting reliable project outcomes and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Related Standards

For comprehensive geotextile evaluation and application, EN 13562:2000 should be considered alongside other relevant standards, such as:

• EN 13249 - Geotextile and geotextile-related products - Technical specifications
• EN ISO 11058 - Geotextiles - Water permeability characterization
• EN ISO 10319 - Geotextiles - Tensile properties
• EN 12616 - Geotextiles and geotextile-related products - Determination of resistance to water flow (permeability test)

These standards collectively provide detailed assessment methods for mechanical and hydraulic properties, ensuring optimized selection and use of geotextiles for diverse engineering purposes.

By adhering to EN 13562:2000, manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers can accurately assess the hydrostatic resistance of geotextile materials, ensuring their suitability for water management and protective functions in construction and environmental infrastructure projects.