Back-analysis of infiltration characteristic of a saprolitic hillslope by considering permeability heterogeneity

A. K. Leung, C. W. W. Ng

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    3 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In situ geological features always induce permeability heterogeneity. To account for the hydraulically heterogeneity of a porous material implicitly, the two parameters of a permeability tensor, namely principal permeability ratio, k x/k y , and principal flow orientation, a, may be used. In particular, the effect of a on Pore-Water Pressure (PWP) distribution is sometimes overlooked and rarely discussed. In an attempt to investigate how permeability heterogeneity influences the transient seepage in a saprolitic hillslope, a case history is back-analysed by carrying out a series of parametric study. Both kx /ky , and a are examined in this study. The measured and computed PWP profiles are compared, particularly focusing on the magnitude of PWPs as well as the change of groundwater table. By considering the in situ geological features, proper set of parameters for each material is deduced to capture the in situ infiltration characteristic of the hillslope.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationUnsaturated soils
    EditorsAntonio Gens
    Place of PublicationLondon
    PublisherCRC Press-Taylor & Francis Group
    Pages1255-1260
    Number of pages6
    Volume2
    ISBN (Electronic)9780203834015
    ISBN (Print)9780415604284
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011
    Event5th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils - Barcelona, Spain
    Duration: 6 Sept 20108 Sept 2010

    Conference

    Conference5th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils
    Country/TerritorySpain
    CityBarcelona
    Period6/09/108/09/10

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