The AGS Geotechnical Working Group are in the process of reviewing the current practice of using BRE365 soakage testing for infiltration SuDS design.  This is in response to safety concerns with respect to working near water raised by the HSE, as well as concerns raised by members on the reliability of test results used for design, the specification of testing in low permeability/impermeable soils, and the sustainable use of resources.

As part of the review, the AGS have secured funding undertake preliminary in-situ permeameter testing within window sampled trial holes alongside proposed BRE365 soakage tests.  This will enable an initial comparison between two test methods.  The AGS are therefore looking for suitable sites on which to undertake this trial.

To make the best use of the funding, the AGS are looking to undertake the trial in conjunction with an existing ground investigation.  There are some prerequisites to identifying a suitable site.  It will require:

• Suitable ground conditions including:
  • Ideally natural granular strata for the full depth of test ≈3m depth.
  • Groundwater level below the base of the testing zone
• No features that could influence the in-situ test results in the vicinity of the test locations, such as deep made ground, drainage runs, existing SuDs, uneven topography etc
• Engineer logged trial pits with BRE365 soakage tests, ≈3m depth, already specified for the site by others
• Service clearance for the proposed AGS trial hole locations
• The clients permission for the AGS to undertake additional windowless sampling and soakage testing within the WS trial holes on site. Ideally this should be undertaken in conjunction with the full scale testing.
• The clients permission for the AGS to have access to the ground investigation report, in-situ and laboratory test results for the site.
• The clients permission for the AGS to publish the infiltration test results and findings in an academic paper and the AGS magazine.

If you have a potential site and/or dataset and are interested in getting involved, please get in contact with the AGS Innovation Fund BRE365 at ags@ags.org.uk