Soakaway Percolation & Infiltration Testing

Get a quote
BRE365 Percolation Testing - Clever Works Ltd

Soakaway Infiltration Percolation Testing is a critical element of bsustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). It balances environmental needs with urban development by preventing surface water runoff from overloading local watercourses or causing flooding​1​.

At Clever Works, we understand the unique requirements of each site, offering bespoke solutions tailored to your project. Whether you’re managing a development area of less than 100m2 or a larger landscape, we devise the most effective soakaway design – be it square, circular, or trench forms – aligning with soil type, site layout, and topography​1​.

Long-term performance and environmental protection are paramount at Clever Works. We factor in long-term maintenance and inspection during the design and construction process. Additionally, we carefully consider potential pollution risks to groundwater and implement measures to prevent them, ensuring the soakaway system serves its purpose effectively over time​1​.

how it works

01

Soil investigation

Our service begins with meticulous site investigations. We scrutinize soil properties, geotechnical features, and hydrogeological conditions to inform our hydraulic design of the soakaway, ensuring it’s an effective means of runoff discharge for your specific site​1​.

 

02

BRE365 Percolation Testing

Next, we conduct the rigorous BRE365 Percolation Testing. We create a trial pit, replicating the intended soakaway, and simulate site-specific soil moisture conditions. This allows us to measure the rate of percolation, confirming the soakaway’s ability to rapidly release stored water into the ground – a critical attribute especially during high rainfall events​1​.

03

Hydraulic Calculations

Our engineers then complete a comprehensive set of hydraulic calculations, approved by the county’s drainage specialists. These calculations ensure the proposed drainage design can manage extreme storm events, accounting for potential climate change impacts. This process allows us to calculate the optimum soakaway size, balancing inflow and outflow for maximum efficiency​1​.

Decisions are only as good as the data behind them

Call us now for an enquiry. Clever Works Ltd – Drainage & Subsidence Investigation

01932 961 864

Frequently asked questions

cctv drain survey

What is Percolation Testing and why is it important?

Soakaway Infiltration Percolation Testing, often a part of the BRE365 testing process, is a method used to measure the water absorption rate of soil in preparation for the construction of a soakaway. It is crucial to ensure that the soil at the proposed soakaway site can adequately absorb and release water to prevent potential flooding and groundwater contamination.

cctv drain survey

When should percolation testing be conducted?

Percolation testing should ideally be performed during the design stage of development, as part of the comprehensive ground investigation, before construction begins. This allows for any necessary alterations to the design based on the soil’s percolation rate.

cctv drain survey

What does the percolation testing process involve?

The process involves excavating a trial pit to mimic the proposed soakaway. The pit is then filled with water repeatedly to simulate soil moisture conditions. The rate at which the water seeps into the soil is measured, providing valuable data for the soakaway design

cctv drain survey

What happens after the percolation test?

After the percolation test, hydraulic calculations are carried out by drainage engineers to determine the optimum size of the soakaway. The calculations account for extreme weather events and potential climate change impacts, ensuring that the soakaway can handle a significant amount of stormwater.

cctv drain survey

What considerations are taken into account when installing a soakaway?

Once the percolation test has been successfully conducted and the calculations completed, the soakaway can be installed. Factors such as long-term maintenance, pollution control, and groundwater quality preservation are considered in the design and construction process.