What is BS EN 16416 – Water flux of GBR-C using flexible wall permeameter about?
BS EN 16416 is a European Standard on geosynthetic clay barriers. The main aim of BS EN 16416 is to ensure geosynthetic clay barriers play a positive role in preventing damage to highway pavements and structures and containing water or waste materials. BS EN 16416 describes an index test method that covers laboratory measurement of water flux
through saturated clay geosynthetic barrier (GBR-C) specimens using a flexible wall permeameter at a constant head.
This test method is applicable to GBR-C products with no additional sealing layers attached.
This test method provides a measurement of flux under a prescribed set of conditions that can be used for manufacturing quality control.
The test method can also be used to check conformance.
Note: The flux value determined using this test method is not considered to be representative of the in-service flux of a GBR-C.
Who is BS EN 16416 - Water flux of GBR-C using flexible wall permeameter for?
BS EN 16416 on geosynthetic clay barriers is relevant to:
- Geosynthetic material manufacturers and suppliers
- Geosynthetic clay barriers manufacturers
- Geotechnical engineers and consultants
- Environment protection bodies
- Waste containment applications
- Landfill liner and cover systems
- Local authorities
Why should you use BS EN 16416 - Water flux of GBR-C using flexible wall permeameter?
The engineering function of a GBR-C is containment as a hydraulic barrier to water, leachate or other liquids and sometimes gases. However, for its optimal performance, water flux index plays a vital role. Ideally, a lower index flux value is indicative of a lower amount of water flowing through the GBR-C, implying that it performs as a better barrier.
In this regard, BS EN 16416 specifies the apparatus requirements to test GBR-C specimens along with their sampling and preparation and test procedure.
BS EN 16416 also provides guidance on hydraulic conductivity calculation and permittivity calculation.
As a result, if you are a manufacturer of clay geosynthetics, compliance with the index test method is a predictor of the overall hydraulic performance.
Thus, BS EN 16416 contributes to ensuring barriers are engineered to perform their intended function for the particular application and project being designed and meet required levels of environmental protection.