Skip to main content

Define permeability in brief

Short answer

Permeability is the property that allows water, air or other fluid to pass through under pressure, depending on pore size and interconnection. Sand and gravel are highly permeable, while dense concrete and clay are nearly impermeable, needed low for dams and water tanks.

Define permeability as a property of materials.

Permeability is the property of a material that permits water, air or other fluid to pass through it under pressure. It depends on the size and interconnection of the pores. Sand and gravel are highly permeable, while dense concrete and clay are nearly impermeable. Low permeability is needed in dams, water tanks and basements.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

All Civil Engineering Materials chapter 1 questions →