Constant Head
Constant Head
Constant Head
ASTM D 2434
Definition
Permeability is a soil property indicating the ease with which water will flow through the soil. Permeability depends on the following factors: 1) the size of soil grains 2) the properties of pore fluids
Darcys Law
The coefficient of permeability, k, is a product of Darcys Law. In 1856, Darcy established an empirical relationship for the flow of water through porous media.
Q = kiA
Where: Q = flow rate (volume/time) i = hydraulic gradient (unitless) A = cross-sectional area of flow (area) k = coeff. of permeability (length/time)
It should be noted that the coefficient of permeability is often referred to as hydraulic conductivity by hydrologists and environmental scientists. In their notation, permeability has a entirely different definition.
Significance:
Permeability is necessary for the calculation of seepage through earth dams or under sheet pile walls, the calculation of the seepage rate from waste storage facilities (landfills, ponds, etc.), and the calculation of the rate of settlement of clayey soil deposits.
Test Method
There are four laboratory methods typically used for measuring the permeability coefficient: 1) the variable-head (falling-head) test 2) the constant-head test 3) the capillary method 4) back calculation from the consolidation test
Generally, soils which contain 10% or more particles passing the No. 200 sieve are tested using the falling-head method. The constant-head method is limited to disturbed granular soils containing not more than 10% passing the No.200 sieve.
The constant head test method is used for permeable soils (k>10-4 cm/s), and the falling head test is mainly used for less permeable soils (k<10-4 cm/s).
Test Apparatus
Permeameters Ruler Tamper Balance Watch (or Stopwatch) Thermometer Filter
Test Procedure
1.
Using the relative densities given by TA (32,34,36) determine the density of the specimen,
2.
Measure the diameter and length of specimen mold, calculate the volume, V. Then, determine the weight of the sample needed at the particular relative density, W
Set up the permeameter
3.
Calculation
Dry density
Flow
Extended Analysis
(1) Take temperature into consideration:
KT =Q/iA
(2) The viscosity of the water changes with temperature. As temperature increases viscosity decreases and the permeability increases. The coefficient of permeability is standardized at 20C, and the permeability at any temperature T is related to K20 by the following ratio:
K20=KTT/ 20
Where: 20 and T are the viscosities at the temperature 20 and T, respectively, and can be found from tables;
Graph
Permeability vs. relative density (void ratio)
Void ratio
Permeability at 20oC
The End