Determining the water absorption capacity according to DIN 18132

Status: 10.12.2024

The water absorption capacity is defined as the ratio of the mass of water absorbed by the dried soil sample in the test device to the dry mass of the sample. The water absorption capacity provides information about the activity of the clay minerals. The test provides an index value that is correlated with the liquid limit, plastic limit, swelling limit, and shrinkage limit.

The dry, powdered sample is weighed and applied to the filter plate of the Enslin/Neff device using a funnel. The volume of water absorbed is measured at set time intervals. In long-term tests, the volume change due to evaporation can be determined using a second device.