2.3. Continuity Equation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the constant head flow method used for?

   Hint

   Think about the type of soil that allows steady flow.

2. 2.

   Describe why falling head flow is appropriate for fine-grained soils.

   Hint

   Consider the characteristics of fine vs coarse soils.

3. 3.

   What type of soil is best measured with a constant head flow method?

   • Coarse-grained
   • Fine-grained
   • Both

   Hint

   Consider the characteristics of soil types.

4. 4.

   True or False: The falling head flow method can be used for coarse-grained soils.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about why steady measurement is necessary.

5. 5.

   In a hypothetical experiment using a falling head permeameter, water is poured into the standpipe and the head drops from 60 cm to 20 cm in 15 minutes. Calculate the permeability of the soil if the standpipe's cross-sectional area is 5 cm² and the soil sample area is 100 cm².

   Hint

   Remember to convert units where necessary and apply the appropriate equations.

6. 6.

   A civil engineer finds that seepage into a foundation is causing erosion. How would you model this situation using the continuity equation and what preventive measures would you suggest?

   Hint

   Think about how the water moves and the structures around it.