Soakaway Test

Soakaway testing, also known as percolation testing or soakage test, is an important step in determining the suitability of a site for the construction of a soakaway. The test measures the rate at which the ground absorbs a known volume of water and is used to ensure that the ground is suitable for a soakaway and that the soakaway is designed properly.

Soakaways are commonly used to collect surface runoff and prevent it from being discharged into existing sewers or watercourses. They are typically employed in areas where the surface run-off cannot be disposed of through existing infrastructure.

There are two basic forms of soakaways: Conventional Soakaways and Borehole Soakaways. A Conventional Soakaway is a partially perforated cylindrical chamber that allows water to drain into the surrounding soil. In cases where the soil is not permeable enough to allow for soakage at the surface, a Borehole Soakaway can be used. This type of soakaway uses a deep bored liner to transport water from a sealed storage chamber to the soakage medium through a small diameter, perforated plastic or steel pipe.

There are a variety of permeability tests available to measure the rate of flow and determine whether soakaways may work effectively at a site. These tests range from small-scale tests suitable for draining relatively small areas to large-scale tests.

It's important to note that the test should be carried out by a professional engineer who has the right equipment and expertise to provide accurate results. The type of test should be selected based on the size of the area and site conditions.