IN-HOUSE WORK PROCEDURE FOR TEST

PERMEABILITY OF SOIL USING THE FALLING HEAD METHOD 1. Purpose: . The purpose of this procedure is to define the method, and practice of determining the permeability of soil of intermediate and low permeability (less than 10-4 m/s), clays and silts, using the falling head procedure. The permeability of a soil is a measure of its capacity to allow the flow of fluid through it. The degree of permeability is determined by applying a hydraulic pressure difference across a soil, which is fully saturated, and measuring the consequent rate of flow of water. The coefficient of permeability is expressed in terms of a velocity. In the falling head test a relatively short sample is connected to a standpipe which provides both the head of water and the means of measuring the quantity of water flowing through the sample. 2.

Equipment / Calibration Check: Permeameter cell comprising cell body, perforated base plate, top clamping plate, connecting tube and fittings (see figure 1). Graduated glass standpipe, with a valve at its base and connecting tubing. Source for distilled water. Immersion tank with overflow. Stopwatch, electronic balance, vernier callipers.

3. Preparation / Setup: Establish the clients requirements before conducting the test. For example, the degree of compaction to which the specimen is to be prepared if disturbed or remoulded samples are to be tested, or the direction of water flow with respect to the orientation of an undisturbed sample in-situ. 3.1 Calibration of Standpipe Fill the tube with water up to a known mark near the top of the scale, observed to the nearest mm. Run off water from the tube into a weighed beaker until the level in the tube has fallen by about 500mm or more. Read the new level on the scale to the nearest mm. Weigh the beaker containing water from the tube to the nearest 0.01g.

IN-HOUSE WORK PROCEDURE FOR TEST PERMEABILITY OF SOIL USING THE FALLING HEAD METHOD AS PER K.H. HEAD

Calculate the cross sectional area of the tube a (in mm2) using the following equations. a where: a mw h1 h2 = = = = cross sectional area of the tube (mm2) mass of water (g) initial level in tube (mm) final level in tube (mm) = (1000mw) (h1 h2)

Repeat the measurements two or three times and average the results. Reference marks on the standpipe that facilitate the performance of the test are made as follows. The bench working surface forms a convenient datum level. Measure the height h0 (mm) of the overflow from the soaking tank above datum. Make another mark about 50mm below the top of the standpipe tube on the scale and measure its height y1 above datum. Make another mark near the bottom of the tubes, but at least 200mm above the overflow level of the soaking tank, y2 mm above datum. Calculate h1 h2 h3 4. a. = = = y1 h0 y2 h0 (h1 x h2)

Test Procedure Prepare the permeameter cell by ensuring the sealing rings are in good condition and lightly coat them

with grease. Weigh the clean and dry cell body to the nearest 0.1g (m1). Measure the internal diameter (D) and length (L) to the nearest 0.5mm. b. Place an undisturbed sample in the cell body ensuring the sample has a tight fit in the body, and that

there are no cavities around the perimeter through which water could pass. Alternatively compact a disturbed or remoulded soil into the cell body at a desired moisture condition and to the required density. Gaps or cavities should be well packed with the fine matrix portion of the soil. Trim the ends of the soil flush with the ends of the tube and weigh the sample in the cell to the nearest 0.1g (m2). Use some of the soil trimmings for determining the moisture content of the sample. c. Fit a wire gauze disc to each end of the sample, place the cell body on the baseplate and fill the space

in the cell top with wire wool. Fit the top clamping plate and tighten. Place the assembled cell in the immersion tank and fill with distilled water up to the overflow level, tilt the cell to release any entrapped air. Connect the top inlet of the permeameter cell to the standpipe using the flexible tubing.

IN-HOUSE WORK PROCEDURE FOR TEST PERMEABILITY OF SOIL USING THE FALLING HEAD METHOD

d.

Open the screw clip on the tubing at the top of the permeameter and allow water to flow upwards

through the sample under the small external head in the soaking tank and by capillary action. It may be necessary to allow this process to continue overnight or longer for a low permeability soil. Saturation should be complete when the water level reaches the screw clip. e. outlet. f. Open the standpipe release valve at the bottom of the standpipe and allow water to flow down through When the sample is saturated and with the standpipe release valve closed, fill it with distilled water to a

few centimetres above the h1 mark. Top up the water in the overflow tank to bring it level with the overflow

the sample. As soon as it reaches the level h1 start the timer. Observe and record the time when it reaches h3, and when it reaches h2, then stop the clock. Close the release valve. g. h. Repeat test if necessary to obtain a consistent result. The time taken for the standpipe water level to fall from h1 to h3 should be the same as from h3 to h2

to within about 10%. If the difference is much more than this the test should be repeated.

5.

CALCULATIONS
The permeability kT of the sample is calculated from the following equation; kT = 3.84 x (aL At) log10 (h1 h2) x 10-5 m/s

where a L A

= area of cross-section of standpipe tube. = length of sample. = area of cross-section of sample.

6.

TEST REPORT
Test method and date of test. Identity number of sample. Name of person conducting the test. Experimentally derived permeability results.

. IN-HOUSE WORK PROCEDURE FOR TEST PERMEABILITY OF SOIL USING THE FALLING HEAD METHOD

Figure 1:

Details of Falling Head Permeameter Cell