Asphalt Permeability Test Equipment: Laboratory & Field
Choose Laboratory or Field Measurement
Asphalt permeability testing measures water flow through compacted pavement. Laboratory permeameters test cores or compacted specimens; field permeameters measure in-place pavement. Select the configuration required by your procedure before comparing models, and confirm specimen size and method requirements for each instrument.
Laboratory and field results answer different questions, so choose the equipment family that matches the decision being made rather than treating all permeability equipment as interchangeable.
Match the Laboratory Permeameter Size
Laboratory permeameters come in specimen-specific sizes. The 4in Laboratory Asphalt Permeameter and the 6in Laboratory Asphalt Permeameter each include membranes, a manometer and a hand pump in their listings.
Check the specimen diameter required by your procedure against the listed equipment. Size suitability is procedure-specific, so verify the method's specimen requirements rather than selecting by diameter alone. Confirm membrane sizes and replacement availability for the chosen unit.
Choose the Field Permeameter Configuration
The NCAT Asphalt Field Permeameter is a four-tier graduated instrument supplied with a standard two-tiered top. The Alternate Top Section provides a larger single-cylinder tier for rapid filling on highly permeable mixes; confirm which top configuration suits your pavement types.
Where a complete field setup is needed, compare the NCAT Asphalt Field Permeameter Kit against its included accessories before ordering components separately. Verify what ships with each listing so essential items are not missed or duplicated.
Plan Sealing, Measurement and Site Work
Field measurement depends on sealing the instrument to the pavement. The Moldable Sealant for NCAT Asphalt Permeameters is a consumable; estimate quantity by test frequency and confirm its suitability for your pavement surface and temperature conditions.
For laboratory work, confirm water supply, timing arrangements and manometer compatibility for the selected permeameter. For other in-place pavement evaluation, compare asphalt pavement testing equipment. Follow the governing procedure and manufacturer's instructions for specimen sealing, measurement and cleaning.
