Effect of Shape of Particles on Hydraulic Conductivity

M. A. Alam, A. M. Kalra, Rishav Sharma

Abstract: The possibility of occurrence of groundwater mainly depends upon two geological factors- porosity and permeability, which is also known as hydraulic conductivity. For maximum recharge of the ground water, hydraulic conductivity is an important parameter to be correlated in the design of ground water schemes. Hydraulic conductivity is highly dependent upon aquifer properties and fluid flow regime. Shape of particles is one of the criteria which dictate the hydraulic conductivity of an aquifer. To investigate the variation of Hydraulic conductivity with respect to shape factor of the particles, the present study has been conducted. Onthe basis of the results obtained a relationship has been developed which justifies the wide variation in the value of C in Hazen?s equation. The data reflects that the shape of the particles is mainly responsible for these variations which affect the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer material.

Keywords: hydraulic conductivity, angularity, shape factor, permeameter