What is BS EN 12447 about?
BS EN 12447 discusses geotextiles and related products. Since geotextiles are constantly in contact with water during use, they need to be tested for resistance to hydrolysis in water.
BS EN 12447 specifies a screening test method for determining the resistance of geotextiles and geotextile-related products to hydrolysis by exposing test specimens to water at elevated temperatures. This is followed by an evaluation of the changes in properties resulting from such exposure. It is intended as a means of establishing a minimum acceptable level of durability.
Note 1: BS EN 12447 is applicable to any geotextile and geotextile-related product susceptible to hydrolysis, in particular polyester and polyamide-based materials, and in addition to the yarns from which these geotextiles are made.
Note 2: BS EN 12447 method is not intended for determining the resistance of geotextiles to hydrolysis under highly acid or alkaline conditions.
Who is BS EN 12447 for?
BS EN 12447 on hydrolysis resistance of geotextile fabrics is useful for:
- Manufacturers of geotextiles and geotextile-related products
- Testing facilities
- Engineers
Why should you use BS EN 12447?
Geotextile is an absorptive, textile material used to increase soil stability, provide erosion control, or aid in drainage. It Is a planar, permeable, polymeric (synthetic or natural) textile material. Geotextile fabric is available in variants such as woven, nonwoven, polyspun, and spunbond.
Geotextile fabric is used in contact with soil and/or other materials in geotechnical and civil engineering applications. BS EN 12447 describes a screening test method to establish a minimum acceptance level of resistance of geotextiles and geotextile-related products to soil moisture.
Geotextiles are used in various civil engineering activities, such as highway engineering. They are also used in environmental projects and agriculture. Since the moisture exposure for such uses is quite high, establishing the hydrolysis resistance of geotextile fabrics lets you decide which types are best suited to your project.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 12447:2021 supersedes EN 12447:2001. BS EN 12447:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 12447:2001. These include:
- Test temperature has been reduced
- The exposure of the control specimen has been extended to 6 h
- Tables with test durations have been added

