2.4. Calculation of Total Flow

Try these first

1. 1.

   What do equipotential lines represent?

   Hint

   Think about water levels in piezometers.

2. 2.

   What is the formula for head drop (∆h)?

   Hint

   It relates to how we divide total head.

3. 3.

   What do equipotential lines indicate?

   • Flow direction
   • Equal hydraulic head
   • Soil type

   Hint

   How do they relate to flow lines?

4. 4.

   True or False: Water can flow along an equipotential line.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the definition of hydraulic gradient.

5. 5.

   What is the flow rate through a permeameter with a head drop of 36 m across 6 flow channels, and permeability of 3 m/s?

   Hint

   Ensure you divide head drop by the number of channels correctly.

6. 6.

   A soil layer has a head drop of 25 m with permeability of 2 m/s and you divide it into 5 flow channels. Calculate the total flow.

   Hint

   Focus on the relationships among the variables.