NPTEL- Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

Module 2
Lecture 6
Permeability and Seepage -2
Topics
1.1.4 Effective Coefficient of Permeability for Stratified Soils
1.1.5 Determination of Coefficient in the Laboratory
 Constant-head test
 Falling-head test
 Indirect determination form consolidation test.
 Indirect determination by horizontal capillary test.

1.1.4 Effective Coefficient of Permeability for Stratified Soils

In general, natural soil deposits are stratified. If the stratification is continuous, the effective coefficients of
permeability for flow in the horizontal and vertical directions can be readily calculated.

Flow in the horizontal direction. Figure 2.5 shows several layers of soil with horizontal stratification. Due to
fabric anisotropy, the coefficient of permeability of each soil layer may vary depending on the direction of
flow. So, let us assume that are the coefficients of permeability of layers 1, 2, 3, ….,
respectively, for flow in the horizontal direction. Similarly, let be the coefficients of
permeability for flow in the vertical direction.

Figure 2.5 Flows in horizontal direction is stratified soil deposit

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Considering unit width of the soil layers as shown in Figure 2.5, the rate of seepage in the horizontal
direction can be given by

(1.13)

Where q is the flow rate through the stratified soil layers combined, and is the rate of flow
through soil layers 1, 2, 3,…., Respectively. Note that for flow in the horizontal direction (which is the
direction of stratification of the soil layers).the hydraulic gradient is the same for all layers. So,

(1.14)

And (1.15)

Where

Substitution of equation (1.14) and (1.15) into equation (1.13) yields

Hence, (1.16)

Flow in the vertical direction. For flow in the vertical direction for the soil layers shown in Figure 2.6.

(1.17)

Where are the discharge velocities in layers 1, 2, 3, ….,, respectively; or

(1.18)

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Figure 2.6 Flow in vertical direction in stratified soil deposit

Where

For flow at right angles to the direction of stratification,

Total head = (head loss in layer 1 + (head loss in layer 2) +……..or

(1.19)

Combining equation (1.18) and (1.19)

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(1.20)

1.1.5 Determination of Coefficient in the Laboratory

The four most common laboratory methods for determining the coefficient of permeability of soils are the
following:

Constant-head test.

Falling-head test.

Indirect determination form consolidation test.

Indirect determination by horizontal capillary test.

The general principles of these methods are given below.

 Constant-head test : The constant-head test is suitable for more permeable granular materials.
The basic laboratory test arrangement is shown in Figure 2.7. The soil specimen is placed inside a
cylindrical mold, and the constant head loss, h, of water flowing through the soil is maintained by adjusting
the supply. The outflow water is collected in a measuring cylinder, and the duration of the collection period
is noted. From Darcy’s law, the total quantity of flow Q in time t can be given by

Figure 2.7 Constant-head laboratory permeability test

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Where A is the area of cross section of the specimen. But , where L is the length of the specimen,
and so . Rearranging this gives

(1.21)

Once all the quantities in the right-hand side of equation (1.21) have been determined from the test, the
coefficient of permeability of the soil can be calculated.

 Falling-head test : The falling-head permeability test is more suitable for fine-grained soils.
Figure 2.8 shows the general laboratory arrangement for the test. The soil specimen is placed inside a tube,
and a standpipe is attached to the top of the specimen. Water from the standpipe flows through the specimen.
The initial head difference is recorded, and water is allowed to flow through the soil such
that the final head difference at time .

Figure 2.8 Falling-head laboratory permeability test

(1.22)

Where

From equation (1.22)

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Or (1.23)

The values of can be determined from the test, and then the coefficient of the
permeability k for a soil can be calculated from equation (1.23).

 Permeability form consolidation test : The coefficient of permeability of clay soils is often
determined by the consolidation test.

Where

The coefficient of consolidation is

Where

Also,

Where

Combining these three equations, we have

(1.24)

For 50% consolidation, and the corresponding can be estimated according to the procedure
presented in section. 5.1.6.

Hence, (1.25)

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 Horizontal capillary test : The fundamental principle behind the horizontal capillary test can be

explained with the aid of Figure 2.9, which shows an initially dry soil inside a horizontal tube. If the valve
A is opened, water from the reservoir will enter the tube and, through capillary action, the line of the wetted
surface in the soil will gradually advance-in order words, the distance x from the point 1 is a function of
time t.

At point 1, the total head is zero (based on the datum shown in Figure 2.9). At point 2 (immediately to the
left of the wetted surface), the total head is – . Using Darcy’s law,

Figure 2.9 Development of horizontal capillary test

(1.26)

Where

But (1.27)

And
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Or (1.28)

Substituting equation (1.27) and (1.28) into (1.26), we get

(1.29)

Equation (1.29) is the basic relation used for determination of the coefficient, of permeability. The degree of
saturation of the soil during the movement of the water front is sometimes assumed to be 100%. In fact,
varies from about 75 to 95% for tests in most soils.

Figure 2.10 shows the general laboratory arrangement for a horizontal capillary test. A brief outline of the
steps for conducting the test is given below.

Figure 2.10 horizontal capillary permeability test

Open the value A.

As the water front gradually travels forward, note the elapsed times t and the corresponding distances x
traveled by the water front.

When the water front has traveled about half the length of the sample (i.e., when x is about L/2), close valve
A and open valve B.

Continue to note the advance of water front with time, until x is equal to L.

Close valve B. removes the soil specimen and determine the moisture content and the degree of saturation.

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Plot the values of against the corresponding time t. Figure 2.11 shows the nature of the plot, which
consists of two straight lines. The portion is for the readings taken in step 2, and the portion is for the
readings taken in step 4.

Figure 2.11 Plot against time t in horizontal capillary permeability test

From equation (1.29) we can write

(1.30)

The left-hand side of equation (1.30) represents the slope of the straight-line plot of

Determine the slopes of lines and . Let these be , respectively. So,

(1.31)

(1.32)

since are determined from the test, the above two equation contain only two
unknowns ( ) and thus can be solved.

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