Water Permeability Test
(Depth of Water Penetration)

Measurement of the depth of water penetration under pressure in hardened concrete — a key durability indicator for waterproof concrete structures, basements, water-retaining structures and marine applications.

Overview

What is the Water Permeability Test?

The Water Permeability Test (Depth of Water Penetration under Pressure) subjects a hardened concrete specimen to water pressure of 500 kPa for 72 hours. The specimen is then split and the maximum depth of water penetration is measured. This directly indicates the concrete's impermeability — a critical durability parameter.

Conducted as per BS EN 12390-8 and DIN 1048, this test is specified for basement concrete (P-grade mixes), water-retaining structures, tunnels, swimming pools, dam faces and marine structures. Global Lab's NABL-accredited laboratory maintains calibrated water permeability test cells with automated pressure control.

Direct Impermeability Measurement

Actual water penetration depth measured — not a coefficient estimation.

72-Hour Pressure Test

500 kPa water pressure applied continuously for 72 hours per BS EN 12390-8.

P-Grade Concrete Validation

Validates P1 (<50mm), P2 (<30mm) and P3 (<10mm) waterproof concrete grades.

Automated Pressure Control

Constant 500 kPa water pressure maintained throughout 72-hour test period.

NABL Certified Reports

All results on NABL-accredited letterhead per BS EN 12390-8.

Mix Design Validation

Validates effectiveness of waterproofing admixtures and low W/C ratios.

Test in Action

Water Permeability Test — Site Images

Permeability Cell Assembly in Laboratory

WPTC

Water Penetration Depth Measured on Split Face

Test Procedure

How the Water Permeability Test is Conducted

1

Specimen Preparation

150mm cube or cylinder specimens are cured for 28 days. Exposed faces are cleaned and sealed with epoxy on 5 faces.
2

Cell Assembly

Prepared specimen is mounted in the permeability cell. Water connection is made to the exposed face.
3

Pressure Application

500 kPa (5 bar) water pressure is applied to the specimen face for exactly 72 hours per BS EN 12390-8.
4

Specimen Splitting

After 72 hours, the specimen is removed and split along its central axis perpendicular to the water face.
5

Penetration Depth Measurement

Maximum depth of water penetration is measured on the split face using a steel rule. Average of 3 measurements recorded. NABL report within 14 days.

Standards & Specifications

Applicable Test Standards

Standard	Title	Scope	Type
BS EN 12390-8	Testing Hardened Concrete — Depth of Penetration of Water under Pressure	Water Permeability	British Standard
DIN 1048 Part 5	Testing Concrete — Testing of Hardened Concrete	Permeability	German Standard
IS 10077	Methods of Test for Permeability of Cement Mortar and Concrete	Permeability	Indian Standard
IS 3370	Code of Practice for Concrete Structures for Storage of Liquids	Water Retaining	Indian Standard

Applications

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

Basement and underground structure waterproof concrete validation

Water-retaining structure concrete — tanks, reservoirs, swimming pools

Tunnel lining segment waterproofness acceptance testing

Marine and coastal structure concrete durability assessment

Dam face and hydraulic structure concrete impermeability verification

Waterproofing admixture effectiveness evaluation for mix design

Why Choose Global Lab

Our Advantages

NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid impermeability certificates for all waterproofing specifications.

P-Grade ClassificationResults classified per P-grade waterproof concrete specification requirements.

Combined Durability PackageWater permeability + RCPT + Resistivity + ISAT for complete durability profile.

Autovity Digital ReportsAccess test results and durability data digitally from any device.

Waterproofing ExpertiseExperience in waterproof concrete for basements, tunnels and marine projects.

Admixture EvaluationComparative testing of waterproofing admixtures to select optimal solution.

Water Permeability Test(Depth of Water Penetration)