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Permeability Calculation

Geotechnical Permeability Calculator

Geotechnical Permeability Calculator

Calculate soil permeability using various laboratory and field methods

Constant Head Test
Falling Head Test
Field Methods

Constant Head Test Parameters

Soil Properties

Constant Head Test Method

The constant head test is used for coarse-grained soils (gravels and sands) where water flows freely through the sample.

Darcy’s Law: Q = k × i × A

Where: Q = flow rate, k = coefficient of permeability, i = hydraulic gradient, A = cross-sectional area

Permeability: k = (Q × L) / (A × h)

Where: L = sample length, h = head difference

Permeability Results

Coefficient of Permeability

0.033 cm/s

Medium permeability – typical for clean sand

Parameter Value Units
Hydraulic Gradient 5.0
Flow Velocity 0.167 cm/s
Reynolds Number 0.33

Permeability Scale

High
>10⁻² cm/s
Medium
10⁻³ – 10⁻² cm/s
Low
10⁻⁵ – 10⁻³ cm/s
Very Low
<10⁻⁵ cm/s

Typical Soil Permeabilities

Clean Gravel
10⁻¹ – 10⁰ cm/s
Clean Sand
10⁻³ – 10⁻¹ cm/s
Fine Sand
10⁻⁴ – 10⁻³ cm/s
Silt
10⁻⁶ – 10⁻⁴ cm/s
Clay
10⁻⁹ – 10⁻⁶ cm/s

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Professional engineering analysis should be conducted for critical projects

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