ALHOSN University

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Department of Civil Engineering

CIV 301 Soil Mechanics

Lab Report #7

Constant Head Permeability Test

Experiment 7

Done by:

Wael Abu Taqiya 201410091

Malaz Antar 201210516

Mohamad Issam Kassem 201310028

 Constant Head Permeability Test

Introduction:
The ease with which water can flow through a soil called Permeability or hydraulic
conductivity, and it's important for the calculation of seepage through earth dams
or under sheet pile walls, the calculation of the seepage rate from waste storage
facilities and settlement of clayey soil deposits.

Explain the experiment:

The constant head permeability test is a common laboratory testing method used
to determine the permeability of granular soils like sands and gravels containing
little or no silt. This testing method is made for testing reconstituted or disturbed
granular soil samples

Purpose of the experiment:

Determine the coefficient of permeability of a granular
soil by conducting constant head method.
Equipment used:
1- Permeability apparatus with accessories.
2- Stop watch.
3- Measuring jar.

Experimental procedure:
1- compact soil into constant head and place specimen over the bottom
aggregates
2- place a filter and aggregates on top of the soil sample
3- measure the length and diameter of the specimen
4- connect the constant head tank to the cell
5- connect the constant head openings to the tubes
6- open water supply and allow the water to flow through the specimen
7- open air valve at the top and allow the water to flow out so the air is
removed
8- when heads are constant measure head and head two then calculate the
difference
9- open drainage valve collect the water in a measuring jar
10- close the drainage valve and wait until heads return to constant
11-repeat step 9 and 10 three times
Experimental Results and calculations:
Test No. 1 2 3
Average Flow, Q 200 150 100
(cm3)
Time of Collection, 36 27 15
t(s)
Head, h1(cm) 31 31 31
Head, h2(cm) 2 2 2
Head Difference,
h(cm) 29 29 29
Diameter of
Specimen, D(cm) 11.5 11.5 11.5
Length of Specimen 18 18 18
Area of Specimen,

A = ( ) 103.8 103.8 103.8


K= ( ) 0.0332 0.0332 0.0398


Average k = 0.0354 ( )

Conclusion:
This Equipment used on granular soil and its allows water to move through the soil
under a steady state head condition while the quantity (volume) of water flowing
through the soil specimen is measured over a period of time by knowing the
amount of water measured ,length of specimen, cross-sectional area of the
specimen and the water discharged time.