Method of measuring Soil Hydraulic Conductivity in situ

Abstract

SOIL permeability or hydraulic conductivity is of great importance in the engineering design of foundations, dams, sub-surface drainage systems, irrigation systems, etc. In spite of its importance, soil hydraulic conductivity remains one of the most difficult of soil properties to assess. Laboratory methods have limitations due to the size of the samples. Considerable progress has been made in the development of methods for measuring soil hydraulic conductivity in the field when a water table is present. However, water tables are not always present in areas requiring seasonal drainage.