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Finite element computation of shape factors for Kirkham's piezometer tube method for hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil
Author(s) -
James McD.,
Brown B.,
Hodgson Martyn P.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
hydrological processes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.222
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1099-1085
pISSN - 0885-6087
DOI - 10.1002/hyp.3360020303
Subject(s) - piezometer , extrapolation , finite element method , hydraulic conductivity , shape factor , materials science , mechanics , tube (container) , conductivity , computation , geology , geotechnical engineering , geometry , mathematics , thermodynamics , mathematical analysis , composite material , groundwater , physics , soil science , soil water , quantum mechanics , aquifer , algorithm
The Kirkham piezometer tube method of measuring hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil uses a numerical constant (shape factor) to account for the relative geometrical parameters of the cavity and the soil domain. Published shape factors have mostly been determined using an electrical analogue. In this paper the application of the finite element method to shape factor determination is considered. Convergence is studied and methods of extrapolation evaluated. A determination is made of the size of finite region required to represent adequately the radially unbounded domain assumed for the piezometer method. Computed shape factors were found to be in good agreement with analogue data.