One of the most persistent errors we see in Kitchener construction is assuming a single coefficient of permeability from a lab test will accurately predict groundwater behavior across a heterogeneous site. A project near the Grand River recently faced a two-month delay because the dewatering plan relied on a remolded sample—completely missing the secondary permeability from fractures in the dolostone bedrock that underlies much of the city. The Kitchener moraine deposits, with their interbedded tills and sand lenses, demand direct in-situ measurement. That is where the Lefranc test becomes indispensable for soil, while the Lugeon test provides the same rigor in fractured rock. Whether for a deep excavation on King Street or a stormwater infiltration gallery, our field permeability testing program captures the true hydraulic conductivity that governs inflow rates and pore pressure dissipation.
A Lugeon test in Kitchener's dolostone doesn't just measure permeability—it tells you whether the fractures will dilate and accept grout under pressure.
Methodology and scope
Site-specific factors
A low-rise condo in Kitchener's Victoria Park area lost weeks of excavation time because the geotechnical report provided only grain-size correlations for permeability, completely underestimating the water inflow through open joints in the underlying Amabel dolostone. The contractor's sump pumps were overwhelmed within hours of breaking into rock, and the resulting uncontrolled drawdown caused settlement in adjacent century-old brick foundations. A pre-construction Lugeon test would have quantified secondary permeability and allowed the design team to specify a retaining wall system with adequate weep holes and a backup dewatering strategy. In Waterloo Region's glacial terrain, where perched aquifers are common, the failure to measure in-situ hydraulic conductivity frequently leads to budget overruns exceeding six figures.
Reference standards
ASTM D6391-11: Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity Using Borehole Infiltration, CSA A23.3: Design of Concrete Structures (referenced for watertightness requirements), Ontario Building Code (OBC) Division B, Part 4 (geotechnical input for foundation drainage), MTO Laboratory Testing Manual (guidance for hydraulic conductivity in road embankments)
Associated technical services
Lefranc Permeability Testing
Constant or falling head tests in soil boreholes using a screened section isolated by a pneumatic packer. We follow ASTM D6391 and provide k-values for glacial till, outwash sand, and silt units across Kitchener.
Lugeon Testing in Rock
Five-stage pressure testing in NQ or HQ boreholes to quantify joint conductivity and assess groutability. Essential for foundations socketed into the Guelph or Amabel dolostone formations beneath Kitchener-Waterloo.
Combined Hydrogeological Packages
Integrated testing with monitoring well installation and CPT soundings to build a three-dimensional hydraulic conductivity model for dewatering design or environmental site assessments.
Typical parameters
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical cost range for a field permeability test in Kitchener?
For a Lefranc test in soil or a Lugeon test in rock, the cost in Kitchener generally ranges from CA$750 to CA$1,620 per test interval, depending on depth, access conditions, and the number of pressure stages required. Mobilization and engineering reporting are typically additional. We provide a fixed-price quote after reviewing the borehole logs and site access.
Which test is appropriate for the dolostone bedrock common in Kitchener?
The Lugeon test is the standard for fractured rock like the Guelph Formation dolostone. It uses a packer to isolate a section of the borehole and applies water pressure in five stages. This not only measures hydraulic conductivity but also indicates whether the fractures are clean, infilled, or subject to dilation—information critical for foundation drainage and grouting decisions.
How does the Lefranc test differ from a slug test in a monitoring well?
A Lefranc test measures the soil directly in a short, isolated section of the borehole, minimizing the influence of the filter pack and the smeared borehole wall. A slug test in a monitoring well averages conductivity over the entire screened length, which can miss thin permeable layers or be biased by well skin effects. For design parameters, the Lefranc method provides a more localized and reliable result.
What QA/QC do you follow during field permeability testing?
We follow ASTM D6391 for soil and the Houlsby procedure for rock, with field data recorded on standardized log sheets. Each test includes pre- and post-test calibration checks on pressure transducers and flow meters. The engineer reviews the flow-versus-pressure curve in real time to confirm test validity before moving to the next interval, and all raw data is included in the final report appendix.