Theoretical Evaluation of the Transient Response of Constant Head and Constant Flow-Rate Permeability Tests
Geotechnical Testing Journal
By: M. Zhang, M. Takahashi, R. H. Morin, and T. Esaki
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Abstract
A theoretical analysis is presented that compares the response characteristics of the constant head and the constant flowrate (flow pump) laboratory techniques for quantifying the hydraulic properties of geologic materials having permeabilities less than 10-10 m/s. Rigorous analytical solutions that describe the transient distributions of hydraulic gradient within a specimen are developed, and equations are derived for each method. Expressions simulating the inflow and outflow rates across the specimen boundaries during a constant-head permeability test are also presented. These solutions illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each method, including insights into measurement accuracy and the validity of using Darcy's law under certain conditions. The resulting observations offer practical considerations in the selection of an appropriate laboratory test method for the reliable measurement of permeability in low-permeability geologic materials.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Theoretical Evaluation of the Transient Response of Constant Head and Constant Flow-Rate Permeability Tests |
| Series title | Geotechnical Testing Journal |
| DOI | 10.1520/GTJ10425J |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1998 |
| Language | English |
| Contributing office(s) | Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
| Description | 6 p. |
| First page | 52 |
| Last page | 57 |
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