In Arlington, the alluvial terrace deposits along the Trinity River create a tricky mix of sands, silts, and clays that makes groundwater flow anything but predictable. We run field permeability tests using the Lefranc and Lugeon methods to measure hydraulic conductivity directly in boreholes. This data is critical for dewatering design, dam seepage control, and stormwater infiltration systems. Before you rely on lab estimates, you need in-situ values that account for local fractures and layering. Combining this test with a georradar survey helps correlate permeability zones along utility corridors, while suelos residuales analysis clarifies behavior in weathered Eagle Ford Shale. Our team follows ASTM D5092 and ASTM D6391 to ensure repeatable results every time.
Field permeability testing in Arlington's alluvial terrace deposits reveals k-values varying by two orders of magnitude within 100 meters.
Methodology and scope
Arlington southwest neighborhoods near Lake Arlington tend to have lower permeability clayey soils, while the northeast corridor toward DFW Airport shows coarser alluvial sands with higher transmissivity. We adapt the test method accordingly: Lefranc constant-head for sandy soils above the water table, and Lugeon packer tests for rock or stiff clay. The procedure involves sealing off a 3- to 5-ft test interval with inflatable packers, then injecting water at controlled pressures up to 10 bar. Flow rate and pressure are recorded automatically with digital transducers. Each test produces a k-value in cm/s, which we cross-check against grain size data from ensayo de granulometría and moisture-density curves from ensayo Proctor for compaction control. Key parameters we report include permeability coefficient, transmissivity, and storage coefficient. We present results in a format compatible with MODFLOW and SEEP/W models.
Technical reference image — Arlington
Local considerations
Arlington sits in a region with alternating drought and intense rainfall events. The clay-rich Eagle Ford Shale swells when wet and shrinks during dry spells, creating desiccation cracks that artificially inflate permeability readings. If you test during a dry period, you might overestimate drainage capacity, then face ponding issues after the first heavy storm. Our field protocol includes moisture conditioning and pre-soaking of the test interval to represent worst-case wet-season conditions. We also compare results against ensayo de infiltración to validate surface infiltration rates for stormwater basins. Getting this wrong means undersized retention ponds or seepage beneath pavements.
For sandy soils above the water table in Arlington's alluvial deposits. Measures k-values between 10⁻³ and 10⁻⁵ cm/s with 3-ft test intervals.
02
Lugeon Packer Test
For rock or stiff clay below the water table. Uses double packers to isolate 5-ft intervals and applies step-pressure cycles up to 10 bar.
03
Falling Head Borehole Test
For low-permeability clayey soils in Arlington's Eagle Ford Shale. Suitable for k-values below 10⁻⁵ cm/s. Single packer setup.
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Permeability Profiling
Continuous k-log along the borehole depth. Combines Lefranc and Lugeon intervals every 5 ft to identify high-permeability seams and fracture zones.
Applicable standards
ASTM D5092-21 (Standard Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells), ASTM D6391-11 (Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Using Borehole Infiltration), IBC 2021 Section 1803 (Geotechnical Investigation Requirements), ASCE 7-22 Chapter 19 (Soil and Groundwater Effects)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Lefranc and Lugeon permeability tests?
The Lefranc test is a constant-head method used for soils above the water table, while the Lugeon test uses a packer system and step-pressure injection for rock or stiff clay below the water table. Both measure hydraulic conductivity in cm/s, but Lugeon also evaluates fracture behavior under pressure.
How much does a field permeability test in Arlington cost?
The typical cost for a single-interval test in Arlington ranges from US$700 to US$960, including mobilization, drilling support, and a detailed report. Multi-interval profiling or deep boreholes may increase the total. Contact us for a project-specific quote.
Which soil types in Arlington require Lugeon instead of Lefranc?
Lugeon is recommended for the Eagle Ford Shale and any rock formations, where fractures control permeability. Lefranc works well in the alluvial sands and silts along the Trinity River. If you encounter stiff clay with slickensides, Lugeon helps identify secondary permeability from cracks.
Location and service area
We serve projects across Arlington and its metropolitan area.
