Geothecnical Engg 5 - FLOW OF WATER THROUGH SOIL 2012

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
PERMEABILITY
LECTURE-5
GRAVITATIONAL FLOW OF WATER UNDER A STEADY STATE CONDITION
Steady state condition – occurs if neither the flow nor the pore
water pressures change with time
Groundwater
- Exist under hydrostatic condition (flow is zero).
Head zero
- Mechanical energy per unit weight.
hp
hp
hz
Elevation head
pw – pore water pressure ( water
datum pressure within the voids)
Pressure head (hp) – water pressure divided by the unit weight of water
Velocity of flow through soils < 1 cm/s
Groundwater conditions
AQUIFER – water-bearing soils below the
groundwater
UNCONFINED AQUIFER – the
groundwater level is free to
fluctuate up and down depending
on the availability of water.
CONFINED AQUIFER (ARTESIAN
AQUIFER) – the water held in
these aquifer is under pressure
because of the confinement. If
the impermeable formation is
penetrated the water can rise
above the ground surface. These
aquifers are not directly affected
by seasonal climatic changes
Groundwater conditions
AQUIFER – water-bearing soils below the groundwater
PERCHED AQUIFER – zone/s of
water is/are collected within the
unsaturated geological formation.
If these aquifers are not identified
and reported in the soils report,
they may cause instability,
construction problems, and
litigation.
Hydraulic Gradient
ΔH = head difference (head loss)

L = length of flow over which the loss of
head occurred
The flow of water through

the void spaces in most soils
can be considered laminar;
thus,
Darcy’s Law
In 1856, Darcy published a simple equation for the discharge velocity of water
through saturated soil based on the observation about the flow of water through
clean sands.
v = discharge velocity (average velocity) , which is the

quantity of water flowing in unit time through a unit
gross cross-sectional area of soil at right angles to the
direction of flow
k = coefficient of permeability or hydraulic conductivity
Permeability - property of soil that permits the passage

of water under a gradient of force
Seepage velocity (vs)
- Actual velocity of water through the void spaces
Seepage velocity (vs)
- Actual velocity of water through the void spaces
n – porosity of soil
Volume rate of flow or Flow rate
A – cross sectional area of soil
Conservation of Flow (law of continuity)

- Stipulates that the volume rate of inflow into a soil element
must be equal to the volume rate of outflow
HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY (COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY)
The hydraulic conductivity of soils depends on several factors: fluid
viscosity, pore size distribution, grain-size distribution, void ratio,
roughness of mineral particles, and degree of soil saturation.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE OF WATER ON k
Experimental value of (kT) is corrected to a baseline temperature of
20oC using:
where:
kT – coefficient of permeability at temperature T oC
ηT – viscosity of water at temperature T oC
RT – temperature correction factor that can be calculated
from:
EMPIRICAL RELATION FOR k
Hazen (1930) – proposed an empirical formula relation for the coefficient
of permeability used for fairly uniform sand.
where:
c = constant that varies from 10 to 15
D10 = effective size, mm
A. Casagrande – proposed an empirical formula relation for the coefficient

of permeability used for fine – to – medium clean sand:
where:
k = coef. Of permeability at a void ratio e
k0.85 = corresponding value for the same soil at a void ratio of 0.85
#1. PROBLEM
A confined aquifer has a source of recharge as shown in the figure. The
hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer is 40 m/day and its porosity is 0.25. The
piezometric head in the two wells 1200 m apart is 65m and 60m respectively
from a common data. The average thickness of the aquifer is 25 m and the
average width is 4 km. (similar to CE BD NOV 2006, NOV 2007, JAN 2008,
NOV 2011 & MAY 2012)
1. Compute the rate of flow through the aquifer in m3/day
2. Determine the hydraulic gradient
3. Compute the seepage velocity
4. Compute the time of travel from the head of the aquifer to a
point 3.3 km downstream in days.
El 65 m
El 60m
1200 m
#2. PROBLEM
A drainage pipe became
Brick wall
completely blocked during a 1m
storm by a plug of sand, 1.5m gate
long, followed by another plug Clay
of mixture of clays, silts, and soil
sands, 0.5 m long. When the

storm was over, the water level downpipe
2.0 m
above ground was 1 m. The
coefficient of permeability of
the sand is 2 times that of the Drain pipe (0.6 m diameter)
mixture of clays, silts, and

sands.
1. Plot the variation of pressure, elevation, and total head over the
length of the pipe.
2. Calculate the pore water pressure at (a) the center of the sand
plug and (b) the center of the mixture of clays, silts, and sands.
3. Find the average hydraulic gradients in (a) the sand and (b) in the
mixture of clays, silts and sands.
#2. PROBLEM
A drainage pipe became completely blocked during a
storm by a plug of sand, 1.5m long, followed by ΔH1
another plug of mixture of clays, silts, and sands, 0.5
m long. When the storm was over, the water level
above ground was 1 m. The coefficient of permeability ΔH2
of the sand is 2 times that of the mixture of clays, silts,
and sands.
1. Plot the variation of pressure, elevation, and total head over the length of the pipe.
2. Calculate the pore water pressure at (a) the center of the sand plug and (b) the center of
the mixture of clays, silts, and sands.
3. Find the average hydraulic gradients in (a) the sand and (b) in the mixture of clays, silts and
sands.
Solution:
Heads at A and B Headloss: (q = kiA) 2. Pore water pressure:
H = hz + hp q1 = (2k2)(ΔH1/L1)A pw = γwhp
HA = 0 + (0.3+2.0+1) = 3.3 m q2 = k2 (ΔH2/L1)A a. pw = (9.81) (3.3+1.32)/2
HB = 0 + 0 = 0 m Since: q = q p = 22.66 kPa
1 2 w
Head at C ΔH1 =1.5 ΔH2 b. pw = (9.81) (1.32+0)/2
HC = 1.32 Also: ΔH1 + ΔH2 = 3.3 pw = 6.47 kPa
ΔH1 =1.98 m ΔH2 = 1.32 m
EQUIVALENT HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY IN STRATIFIED SOIL
Flow Parallel to Soil Layers
- Hydraulic gradient is the same at all points
- Flow through soil mass as a whole is equal to the sum of flow
through each layer.
k1 H1
Direction of flow
k2 H2
k3 H3
H = H1 + H2 + H3 +…+ Hn
EQUIVALENT HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY IN STRATIFIED SOIL
Flow Normal to Soil Layers
- Velocity in each layer is the same
- Head loss in the soil mass is the sum of the head loss in each
layer h 3
h h2
h1
H1 k1
H2 k2
h = h1 + h2 + h3 +…+ hn
H3 k3
Direction of flow
(kv)eq (h/H) = k1i1 = k2i2 = k3i3 …= knin

h = H1i1 + H2i2 + h3i3 +…+ Hnin
#3. PROBLEM
A canal is cut into a soil with a stratigraphy shown.
1. Assuming flow takes place laterally and vertically through the
sides of the canal and vertically below the canal, determine the
equivalent permeability in the horizontal and vertical directions.
2. Calculate the ratio of the equivalent horizontal permeability to
the equivalent vertical permeability for flow through the sides
of the canal.
1.0 m k1 = 2.3 x 10-5 cm/sec

1.5 m k2 = 5.2 x 10-6 cm/sec 3.0 m
2.0 m k3 = 2.0 x 10-6 cm/sec
1.2 m k2 = 0.3 x 10-4 cm/sec
3.0 m k3 = 0.8 x 10-3 cm/sec

#4. PROBLEM
A confined aquifer underlies an unconfined aquifer as shown in the
figure. (CE BD NOV 2009, NOV 2010, MAY 2012)
1. Compute the equivalent horizontal coefficient of permeability
2. Compute the hydraulic gradient
3. Compute the flow rate from one stream to another per meter
width
k1 = 40 m/day 45 m
55 m 40 m
k2 = 30 m/day 27 m
2000 m
#5. PROBLEM D = 4”
From the figure shown: (CE BD NOV 2003, NOV

2004, MAY 2007,NOV 2008, MAY 2009 & MAY d = 1.5”
2012) q1 q2
1. Determine the total flow in ft3/min Sand, k2 =
0.000522 ft/min h = 1.25’
2. Find the equivalent value of coeff of Silt, k1 = H2=0.3’
permeability, kf in ft/min 0.00471 ft/min
3. Determine the volume of water which H1=0.2’
percolate after 30 min in cm3
1. Total flow Porous stone
q = q1 + q2
q1 = k1iA1 2. Equivalent coef. of permeability
= (0.00471) (1.25/0.5) π/4(1.5/12)2 q = keiA
q1 = 1.445x10-4 ft3/min
2.964 x10-4 = ke (1.25/0.5) π/4(4/12)2
q2 = keviA2 ke = 1.36x10-3 ft/min
3. Volume which percolate after 30 min
q = V/t
kveq = 0.00081 ft/min
2.964 x10-4 = V/30
q2 = (0.00081) (1.25/0.5) π/4[(4/12)2 – (1.5/12)2] V = 0.008892 ft3
q2 = 1.519x10-4 ft3/min
V = 252 cm3
q = 2.964 x10-4 ft3/min
LABORATORY DETREMINATION OF HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY
A. Constant Head Test - use to determine k of coarse-grained soil
In this type of laboratory setup, the water supply at the inlet is adjusted in
such a way that the difference of head between the inlet and the outlet
remains constant during the test period. After a constant flow rate is
established, water is collected in a graduated flask for a known duration.
V = volume of water collected in time t

L = length of soil sample
t = duration of water collected
A = cross-sectional Area of the soil
h = head difference/ constant head
B. Falling Head Test - use to determine k of fine-grained soil
Water from a standpipe flows through the soil. The initial head difference h1 at
time t = 0 is recorded, and water is allowed to flow through the soil specimen
such that the final head difference at time t = t2 is h2.
a = cross sectional area of the stand pipe

t = duration of water collected (t2-t1)
h1 = head at time t1
h2 = head at time t2
B. Falling Head Test - use to determine k of fine-grained soil
Water from a standpipe flows through the soil. The initial head difference h1 at
time t = 0 is recorded, and water is allowed to flow through the soil specimen
such that the final head difference at time t = t2 is h2.
At any time t
#6. PROBLEM
A constant-head permeability is performed on a sample of granular
soil. The length of soil sample is 15 cm and the cross-sectional area is
10 cm2. If a 24 cm3 volume of water passes through the soil sample in
a 3-minute period and the constant head is 30 cm determine the
following.
1. Determine the coefficient of permeability of the soil
2. Find the discharge velocity
3. Compute the seepage velocity if the void ratio is 0.64
#7. PROBLEM
A falling head hydraulic conductivity test is performed on a sample
of soil having a void ratio of 0.67. The standpipe having a diameter
0.2 cm is observed and it takes 60 sec for the water to drop by 50
cm from an initial hydraulic head of 90 cm. The sample has a length
of 20 cm, and a diameter of 4 cm.
1. Find the coefficient of velocity of soil
2. Solve for the hydraulic gradient
3. Compute the rate of flow of water in the soil
4. Compute the interstitial velocity
5. What was the head difference at time t = 100 sec
PERMEABILITY TEST IN THE FIELD BY PUMPING FROM WELLS
Water table
before pumping
Test
Well
Impermeable layer
Equation is derived using the following assumptions:

1. The pumping well penetrates through the water-bearing stratum
and is perforated only at the section that is below the
groundwater level.
2. The soil mass is homogeneous, isotropic, and of infinite size.
3. Darcy’s law is valid
4. Flow is radial toward the well
5. The hydraulic gradient at any point in the water-bearing stratum is
constant and is equal to the slope of the groundwater surface
A. Well in an unconfined permeable B. Well in a confined aquifer
layer underlain by an impermeable underlain by an impermeable
stratum stratum
r1 r1
r2 r2
Water table Piezometric level
before pumping before pumping
z1 z1
Drawdown
z2 Piezometric
z2
curve during during pumping
pumping
H h1 h1
Test
h2 Test
h2
Well Well
Impermeable layer
Impermeable layer H Confined Aquifer

Impermeable layer
Transmissivity Transmissivity
A. Well in an unconfined permeable layer underlain by an impermeable stratum
From Darcy’s Law
Area of flow at a radial distance r
Hydraulic gradient
A. Well in an unconfined permeable layer underlain by an impermeable stratum
From Darcy’s Law
Area of flow at a radial distance r
Hydraulic gradient
#8. PROBLEM
A 300 mm diameter test well penetrates 27 m below the static
water table. After 24 hours of pumping at 69 liters/sec. The water
level in an observation well at a distance of 98 m from the test is
lowered 0.56 m. and the other observation well at a distance of
34.5 m from the test well, the drawdown is 1.10 m. (CE BD MAY
2008, MAY 2010)
1. What is the rate of flow in cu.m/day
2. Compute the coefficient of permeability of the aquifer in m/day
3. Compute the transmissibility of the aquifer in sq.m/day
98
34.5
Water table
before pumping
1.10 0.561
Drawdown
curve during
pumping
27
h1
Test
h2
Well
Impermeable layer
#9. PROBLEM
A pumping test was made in a sand layer extending to a depth of 15 m. The
initial ground water table is located 2 m below the ground surface. Observation
wells were sighted at distances 3 m and 7.5 m from the pumping well. Using a
discharge of 0.4 cu.m. per hour, a steady level is attained at the pumping well.
The measured drawdown at the two observation wells are 1.5 m and 0.35 m
respectively.
1. Find the hydraulic head at the first observation well.
2. Find the hydraulic head at the second observation well
3. Compute the coefficient of permeability of the soil
7.5 m
3m
Water table
15 m
Note:
figure is not given
FLOW OF WATER THROUGH LAYERED OF SOIL MASSES
Flow Parallel to Soil Layers
- Hydraulic gradient is the same at all points
- Flow through soil mass as a whole is equal to the sum of flow
through each layer.
k1 H1
Direction of flow
k2 H2
k3 H3
H = H1 + H2 + H3 +…+ Hn
FLOW OF WATER THROUGH LAYERED OF SOIL MASSES
Flow Normal to Soil Layers
- Velocity in each layer is the same
- Head loss in the soil mass is the sum of the head loss in each
layer h 3
h h2
Direction of flow
h1
H1 k1
H2 k2
H3 k3
(kv)eq i = k1i1 = k2i2 = k3i3 …= knin

h = h1 + h2 + h3 +…+ hn H = H1 + H2 + H3 +…+ Hn
#3. PROBLEM
A canal is cut into a soil with a stratigraphy shown.
1. Assuming flow takes place laterally and vertically through the
sides of the canal and vertically below the canal, determine the
equivalent permeability in the horizontal and vertical directions.
2. Calculate the ratio of the equivalent horizontal permeability to
the equivalent vertical permeability for flow through the sides
of the canal.
1.0 m k1 = 2.3 x 10-5 cm/sec

1.5 m k2 = 5.2 x 10-6 cm/sec 3.0 m
2.0 m k3 = 2.0 x 10-6 cm/sec
1.2 m k2 = 0.3 x 10-4 cm/sec
3.0 m k3 = 0.8 x 10-3 cm/sec

#4. PROBLEM
The figure shows the layers of soil in the tube that is 10 cm by 10 cm
in cross section. When the tube is supplied with water, a constant
head difference of 30 cm is observed. The coefficient of permeability
of each sample are as follows.
SAMPLE K (cm/sec)
A 2 x 10-3
B 3 x 10-3
C 4 x 10-3
1. Find the equivalent coefficient of permeability
3. Compute the rate of water supply
4. Compute the height at the piezometer attached between A and B
5. Compute the height at the piezometer attached between B and C
30 cm
A B C
15 cm 20 cm 25 cm
#5. PROBLEM
From the figure shown: (CE BD NOV 2003, NOV 2004, MAY 2007,NOV
2008, MAY 2009 & MAY 2012)
1. Determine the total flow in ft3/min

2. Find the equivalent value of coeff of permeability, kf in ft/min
3. Determine the volume of water which percolate after 30 min in cm3
D = 4”
d = 1.5”
Sand, k2 = 0.000522 ft/min

h = 1.25’
H2=0.3’
Silt, k1 = 0.00471 ft/min
H1=0.2’
Porous stone
#6. PROBLEM
following.
METHODS OF COMPUTING COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY
A. Constant Head Test
Use to determine k of coarse-
grained soil
Continuous
water supply
h
L
V = volume of water collected in

time t
t = duration of water collected
h = head difference/ constant head
#6. PROBLEM
following.
#7. PROBLEM
METHODS OF COMPUTING COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY
A. Constant Head Test B. Falling Head Test
Use to determine k of coarse- Use to determine k of fine-
grained soil grained soil
Continuous
water supply
h1
h2
h
L
V = volume of water collected in

time t a = cross sectional area of the stand
L = length of soil sample pipe
t = duration of water collected t = duration of water collected (t2-t1)
A = cross-sectional Area of the soil h1 = head at time t1
h = head difference/ constant head h2 = head at time t2
#7. PROBLEM
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE OF WATER ON k
Experimental value of (kT) is corrected to a baseline temperature of
20oC using:
where:
kT – coefficient of permeability at ToC
RT – temperature correction factor that can be calculated
from:
EMPIRICAL RELATION FOR k
Hazen (1930) – proposed an empirical formula relation for the
coefficient of permeability used for fairly uniform sand.
where:
c = constant that varies from 10 to 15
D10 = effective size, mm
A. Casagrande – proposed an empirical formula relation for the

coefficient of permeability used for fine – to – medium clean
sand:
where:
k = coef. Of permeability at a void ratio e
k0.85 = corresponding value for the same coil at a void
ratio of 0.85
PUMPING TEST TO DETERMINE THE COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY
Water table
before pumping
Test
Well
Impermeable layer
Equation is derived using the following assumptions:

1. The pumping well penetrates through the water-bearing stratum
and is perforated only at the section that is below the
groundwater level.
2. The soil mass is homogeneous, isotropic, and of infinite size.
3. Darcy’s law is valid
4. Flow is radial toward the well
5. The hydraulic gradient at any point in the water-bearing stratum is
constant and is equal to the slope of the groundwater surface
PUMPING TEST TO DETERMINE THE COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY
stratum stratum
r1 r1
r2 r2
z1 z1
Drawdown
z2 Piezometric
z2
pumping
H h1 H h1
Test
h2 Test
h2
Well Well
Impermeable layer
Impermeable layer t Confined Aquifer

Impermeable layer
Transmissibility Transmissibility
#8. PROBLEM
2008, MAY 2010)
98
34.5
Water table
before pumping
1.10 0.561
Drawdown
curve during
pumping
27
h1
Test
h2
Well
Impermeable layer
FLOW NETS
Flow Line
A line along which a water particle will travel from upstream to the
down stream side in the permeable soil medium
Equipotential Line
A line along which the potential head at all points is equal
Flow Net
A combination of a number of flow lines and equipotential lines
Characteristics of a Flow Net
a. The equipotential line intersect the flow lines at right angles
b. The flow elements formed are approximate squares
Rate of Seepage
Loss of head for each potential
For Isotropic soils
For Non isotropic soils k – coefficient of permeability

Nf – number of flow channel
Nd – number potential drops
#9. PROBLEM
The sheet pile is driven in a reclamation area
1. Determine the no. of flow channels
2. Find the no. of pressure drops
3. Calculate the seepage under the sheet pile if the coef of
permeability of soil is 6.5 x10 –5 m/sec.
7m
4m
Flow lines
Sand
Equipotential lines
Impervious materials
#10. PROBLEM
The earthdam and foundation has the given cross-section.
1. Compute the seepage on the dam
2. Find the seepage at the foundation
3. What is the uplift pressure under the earthdam if the
width at the bottom is 30m.
K1= 0.0003m/sec
20 m
Sand
K2 = 0.0004m/sec
Impervious materials
PROBLEM SET
1. A constant-head permeability is performed on a sample of fine
sand having a length of 300 mm. A 420 cm3 volume of water passes
through the 200 mm diameter soil sample in a 4-minute period.
The head difference and void ratio of the soil is 400mm and 0.55
respectively.
a. Compute the coefficient of permeability in cm/sec
b. Determine the discharge velocity in cm/sec
c. Compute the actual velocity of water in the soil
2. A certain 20 m thick sandy aquifer has a transmissivity of 0.12
m2/sec and a void ratio of 0.91. Ground water is flowing through
this aquifer with a hydraulic gradient of 0.0065
a. Compute the hydraulic conductivity of the sand aquifer
b. Compute the seepage velocity
c. How much time would be required for water to travel 1 km
through this aquifer
permeability k1 = 1.1x10-2 cm/min. A second coaxial mold is
placed around the first mold to form an annular ring whose
outside diameter is 10 cm and whose height is also 15 cm. Its
thickness is negligible. The second mold is filled with sand
whose coef Of permeability is k2 = 8.2x10-2 c/min. The test set
up is a permeameter of constant head. Water is placed in the
mold and maintained at a level of 36 cm above the level of the
outlet.
a. What is the total flow of water in cm3/min?
b. What is the equivalent coefficient of permeability in cm/min
c. What is the total amount of water perculated after 55 min?
4 cm
36 cm
15 cm
10 cm
ground surface. Observation wells were sighted at distances 3 m
and 7.5 m from the pumping well. Using a discharge of 0.4 cu.m.
per hour, a steady level is attained at the pumping well. The
measured drawdown at the two observation wells are 1.5 m and
0.35 m respectively.
a. Find the hydraulic head at the first observation well.
b. Find the hydraulic head at the second observation well
c. Compute the coefficient of permeability of the soil
d. What is the rate of flow in cu.m/day
e. Compute the transmissibility of the aquifer in sq.m/day
7.5 m
3m
Water table
15 m
Note:
figure is not given
5. A river and a canal run parallel to each other but at different
elevations as shown in the figure and has been determined to
exist for a 450m length. The coefficient of permeability of the
sand is 3m per day. Thickness of the layer is 1.5m
a. Find the hydraulic gradient
b. Compute the quantity of water which flows into the canal
c. Determine the seepage velocity if the porosity of the sand is 0.22
elev = 90m
River
elev = 80m
canal
128 m
6. A confined aquifer underlies an unconfined aquifer as shown in
the figure.
a. Compute the equivalent horizontal coefficient of permeability
b. Compute the hydraulic gradient
c. Compute the flow rate from one stream to another per meter
width
k1 = 40 m/day 45 m
55 m 40 m
k2 = 30 m/day 27 m
2000 m
7. A reservoir with a 3400 m2 area is underlain by layers of
stratified soils as shown in the figure.
a. Compute the average coefficient of permeability in m/hour
b. Compute the actual velocity of water moving through the soil if
it has a void ratio of 0.60. express in cm/sec
c. Compute the water loss from the reservoir in one year in cu.m.
assuming that the pore pressure at the bottom sand layer is
zero.
Water reservoir 15 m
kx = 1.8 x 10-6 cm/s

1.8 m
ky = 2.5 x 10-7 cm/s
kx = 2.4 x 10-6 cm/s 1.2 m
ky = 3.2 x 10-7 cm/s
kx = 1.1 x 10-6 cm/s 3m
ky = 2.3 x 10-7 cm/s
sand layer
Horizontal drainage
Impermeable layer
The max. dry unit weight determined in the laboratory for a quart
sand is 102 lb/ft3 . In the field the relative compaction is 90%.
Specific gravity of sand is 2.70
8. Determine the void ratio at the dry unit weight condition.
Ans. 0.65
9. Determine the void ratio of the sand in the field condition.
Ans. 0.835
10. Determine the hydraulic conductivity of the sand in the field
condition if the hydraulic conductivity of sand at max dry
unit weight condition is 0.03 cm/sec. Use Kozenky-Carman
equation. Ans. 0.057 cm/s
#3. PROBLEM
Three layers of soil is shown with the corresponding values of
coefficient of permeability. Determine the following:
1. Equivalent horizontal coefficient of permeability
2. Equivalent vertical coefficient of permeability
3. Ratio of equivalent coefficient of permeability
k1 = 4 x 10-3 cm/sec 3m
k2 = 5 x 10-3 cm/sec 4m
k3 = 6 x 10-3 cm/sec 5m
Equivalent Horizontal Equivalent Vertical
Hydraulic Conductivity Hydraulic Conductivity
h3
h h2
Direction of flow
k1 H1 h1
Direction of flow
k2 H2
H1 k1
k3 H3
H2 k2
H3 k3
H = H1 + H2 + H3 +…+ Hn
H = H1 + H2 + H3 +…+ Hn
h1 = H1i1 h2 = H2i2 h3 = H3i3
#3. PROBLEM
Three layers of soil is shown with the corresponding values of
coefficient of permeability. Determine the following:
1. Equivalent horizontal coefficient of permeability
2. Equivalent vertical coefficient of permeability
3. Ratio of equivalent coefficient of permeability
k1 = 4 x 10-3 cm/sec 3m
k2 = 5 x 10-3 cm/sec 4m
k3 = 6 x 10-3 cm/sec 5m
#4. PROBLEM
The figure shows the layers of soil in the tube that is 10 cm by 10 cm
in cross section. When the tube is supplied with water, a constant
head difference of 30 cm is observed. The coefficient of permeability
of each sample are as follows.
SAMPLE K (cm/sec)
A 2 x 10-3
B 3 x 10-3
C 4 x 10-3
1. Find the equivalent coefficient of permeability
3. Compute the rate of water supply
4. Compute the height at the piezometer attached between A and B
5. Compute the height at the piezometer attached between B and C
30 cm
A B C
15 cm 20 cm 25 cm
#5. PROBLEM
A test is set up as shown in the figure. A cylindrical mold 4 cm in diameter is
filled with silt to a height of 15 cm, whose coef of permeability k1 = 1.1x10-2
cm/min. A second coaxial mold is placed around the first mold to form an
annular ring whose outside diameter is 10 cm and whose height is also 15 cm. Its
thickness is negligible. The second mold is filled with sand whose coef Of
permeability is k2 = 8.2x10-2 c/min. The test set up is a permeameter of constant
head. Water is placed in the mold and maintained at a level of 36 cm above the
level of the outlet.
1. What is the total flow of water in cm3/min?
2. What is the equivalent coefficient of permeability in cm/min
3. What is the total amount of water perculated after 55 min?
4 cm
36 cm
15 cm
10 cm
#6. PROBLEM
respectively.
Note:
figure is not given
PERMEABILITY TEST BY PUMPING FROM WELLS
stratum stratum
r1 r1
r2 r2
z1 z1
Drawdown
z2 Piezometric
z2
pumping
H h1 H h1
Test
h2 Test
h2
Well Well
Impermeable layer
Impermeable layer t Confined Aquifer

Impermeable layer
Transmissibility Transmissibility
#6. PROBLEM
respectively.
7.5 m
3m
Water table
15 m
Note:
figure is not given
#7. PROBLEM
A river and a canal run parallel to each other but at different
elevations as shown in the figure and has been determined to exist
for a 450m length. The coefficient of permeability of the sand is 3m
per day. Thickness of the layer is 1.5m
1. Find the hydraulic gradient
2. Compute the quantity of water which flows into the canal
3. Determine the seepage velocity if the porosity of the sand is 0.22
elev = 90m
River
elev = 80m
canal
128 m
#9. PROBLEM
A confined aquifer underlies an unconfined aquifer as shown in the
figure. (CE BD NOV 2009, NOV 2010)
1. Compute the equivalent horizontal coefficient of permeability
2. Compute the hydraulic gradient
3. Compute the flow rate from one stream to another per meter
width
k1 = 40 m/day 45 m
55 m 40 m
k2 = 30 m/day 27 m
2000 m
#11. PROBLEM
2008, MAY 2010)
98
34.5
Water table
before pumping
1.10 0.561
Drawdown
curve during
pumping
27
h1
Test
h2
Well
Impermeable layer
#12. PROBLEM
A reservoir with a 3400 m2 area is underlain by layers of stratified
soils as shown in the figure.
1. Compute the average coefficient of permeability in m/hour
2. Compute the actual velocity of water moving through the soil if it has a void
ratio of 0.60. express in cm/sec
3. Compute the water loss from the reservoir in one year in cu.m. assuming
that the pore pressure at the bottom sand layer is zero.
Water reservoir 15 m
kx = 1.8 x 10-6 cm/s

1.8 m
ky = 2.5 x 10-7 cm/s
kx = 2.4 x 10-6 cm/s 1.2 m
ky = 3.2 x 10-7 cm/s
kx = 1.1 x 10-6 cm/s 3m
ky = 2.3 x 10-7 cm/s
sand layer
Horizontal drainage
Impermeable layer
PROBLEMS for Practice
A constant-head permeability is performed on a sample of fine sand
having a length of 300 mm. A 420 cm3 volume of water passes through
the 200 mm diameter soil sample in a 4-minute period. The head
difference and void ratio of the soil is 400mm and 0.55 respectively.
1. Compute the coefficient of permeability in cm/sec
a. 3.530x10-3 c. 4.1780x10-3
b. 2.138x10-3 d. 3.530x10-3
2. Determine the discharge velocity in cm/sec
a. 2.39x10-3 c. 5.57x10-3
b. 3.10x10-3 d. 4.83x10-3
3. Compute the actual velocity of water in the soil
a. 13.60x10-3 c. 8.73x10-3
b. 15.69x10-3 d. 6.73x10-3
A certain 20 m thick sandy aquifer has a transmissivity of 0.12 m2/sec
and a void ratio of 0.91. Ground water is flowing through this aquifer
with a hydraulic gradient of 0.0065
4. Compute the hydraulic conductivity of the sand aquifer

a. 6.0x10-3 m/s c. 4.6x10-3
b. 7.3x10-3 d. 5.4x10-3
5. Compute the seepage velocity
a. 5.325x10-5 m/s c. 8.125x10-5 m/s
b. 8.982x10-5 m/s d. 6.253x10-5 m/s
6. How much time would be required for water to travel 1 km
through this aquifer
a. 371.2 days c. 203.4
b. 142.5 d. 198.3
The soil under a dam has four layers of soil with different
coefficients of permeability
Layer Depth (m) k (cm/hr)
1 4 5
2 8 3
3 12 2
4 3 1
7. Compute the average vertical coefficient of permeability in
meters/day
a. 1.32 c. 2.54
b. 2.55 d. 0.52
8. Compute the transmissibility of the soil when the water table is
at the ground surface in m2/day
a. 18.23 c. 16.34
b. 14.04 d. 12.52
9. Compute the interstitial velocity of water moving through the
soil if it has a void ratio of 0.60 and a hydraulic gradient of
0.0018. Express in cm/hr.
a. 0.0234 c. 0.0104
b. 0.0654 d. 0.0314
The max. dry unit weight determined in the laboratory for a quart
sand is 102 lb/ft3 . In the field the relative compaction is 90%.
Specific gravity of sand is 2.70
10. Determine the void ratio at the dry unit weight condition.
Ans. 0.65
11. Determine the void ratio of the sand in the field condition.
Ans. 0.835
12. Determine the hydraulic conductivity of the sand in the field
condition if the hydraulic conductivity of sand at max dry
unit weight condition is 0.03 cm/sec. Use Kozenky-Carman
equation. Ans. 0.057 cm/s
A soil sample 10 cm in diameter is placed in a tube 1.2m long. A
constant supply of water is allowed to flow into one end of the
soil at A and the outflow at B is collected by a beaker. The average
amount of water collected is 2 cm3 for every 10 sec
13. Determine the hydraulic gradient. Ans. 0.667
14. Determine the seepage velocity if the void ratio is 0.60 in
cm/s. Ans. 6.67x10-3 cm/s
15. Determine the coefficient of permeability in cm/s. Ans. 3.8 x
10-3 cm/s

Geothecnical Engg 5 - FLOW OF WATER THROUGH SOIL 2012

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GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

ΔH = head difference (head loss)

The flow of water through

v = discharge velocity (average velocity) , which is the

Permeability - property of soil that permits the passage

Volume rate of flow or Flow rate

A – cross sectional area of soil

Conservation of Flow (law of continuity)

A. Casagrande – proposed an empirical formula relation for the coefficient

sands, 0.5 m long. When the

mixture of clays, silts, and

(kv)eq (h/H) = k1i1 = k2i2 = k3i3 …= knin

1.0 m k1 = 2.3 x 10-5 cm/sec

2.0 m k3 = 2.0 x 10-6 cm/sec

1.2 m k2 = 0.3 x 10-4 cm/sec

3.0 m k3 = 0.8 x 10-3 cm/sec

From the figure shown: (CE BD NOV 2003, NOV

V = volume of water collected in time t

a = cross sectional area of the stand pipe

Equation is derived using the following assumptions:

Impermeable layer H Confined Aquifer

Area of flow at a radial distance r

Area of flow at a radial distance r

(kv)eq i = k1i1 = k2i2 = k3i3 …= knin

1.0 m k1 = 2.3 x 10-5 cm/sec

2.0 m k3 = 2.0 x 10-6 cm/sec

1.2 m k2 = 0.3 x 10-4 cm/sec

3.0 m k3 = 0.8 x 10-3 cm/sec

1. Determine the total flow in ft3/min

Sand, k2 = 0.000522 ft/min

V = volume of water collected in

V = volume of water collected in

A. Casagrande – proposed an empirical formula relation for the

Equation is derived using the following assumptions:

Impermeable layer t Confined Aquifer

For Non isotropic soils k – coefficient of permeability

kx = 1.8 x 10-6 cm/s

Impermeable layer t Confined Aquifer

kx = 1.8 x 10-6 cm/s

4. Compute the hydraulic conductivity of the sand aquifer

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