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A Compact Constant‐Head Permeameter for Measuring Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of the Vadose Zone
Author(s) -
Amoozegar A.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1989.03615995005300050009x
Subject(s) - permeameter , hydraulic conductivity , vadose zone , hydraulic head , head (geology) , water flow , geology , water table , subsurface flow , soil science , hydrology (agriculture) , geotechnical engineering , soil water , groundwater , geomorphology
Most procedures for determination of saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K s ) of the vadose zone are difficult to perform and time consuming. Recent developments have shown that K s can be determined by the constant‐head well permeameter technique with a few liters of water in less than 30 min using small‐diameter auger holes. A compact constant‐head (CCH) permeameter is designed for maintaining a constant height of water (>5 cm) at the bottom of a 4‐ to 10‐cm‐diam. hole in the unsaturated zone, and measuring the amount of water flowing into the hole. The main unit of the CCH permeameter is used for measuring K s from the soil surface to a depth of 2 m. To determine K s below 2‐m depth a special flow‐measuring reservoir, equipped with a portable pressure transducer, is connected to the device and inserted to the bottom of the hole. The CCH permeameter has a water‐holding capacity of 5 L, can be used on any landscape position without an external support, and can be easily transported in the field. The device has been tested in the laboratory and field, and is capable of delivering a maximum flow rate of 3 × 10 −6 m 3 s −1 .