What is the standard size of the test specimen?

A 150 mm cube or a cylinder of 150 mm diameter and 150 mm height (Clause 4.1).

What water pressure is applied during the test?

A pressure of 5 kgf/cm² (approximately 0.5 N/mm²) is maintained throughout the test (Clause 5.1).

How long does the water permeability test last?

The water pressure is applied for a period of 96 hours (Clause 5.1).

What is measured at the end of the test?

After 96 hours, the specimen is split open, and the maximum depth of water penetration is measured and reported (Clause 5.2).

IS 9013

: 1978

Method of test for water permeability of concrete

CurrentSpecializedTesting MethodMaterials Science · Tunneling and Underground Structures

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This standard specifies the laboratory method for determining the permeability of hardened concrete by subjecting a specimen to water pressure. The result is expressed as the depth of water penetration, providing a measure of the concrete's water-tightness.

Describes a method for determining the depth of penetration of water under pressure into hardened concrete specimens.

Quick Reference Values

Specimen size150 mm cube or 150 mm dia x 150 mm high cylinder

Applied water pressure5 kgf/cm² (or 0.5 N/mm²)

Test duration96 hours

Minimum age of specimen28 days

Temperature of water for test27 ± 2 °C

Practical Notes

This test measures depth of penetration, not the coefficient of permeability (k); it's a comparative test for quality control.

Ensuring a perfect seal around the specimen is critical to prevent side leakage, a common source of invalid results.

The test is typically specified for structures requiring high impermeability, such as dams, tunnels, and deep basements.