36.1.3.2. Falling head test

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the main purpose of the falling head test?

   Hint

   Think about the type of soil and what we measure.

2. 2.

   What is one piece of equipment used in the falling head test?

   Hint

   It's a vertical pipe used in the procedure.

3. 3.

   What is the primary purpose of the falling head test?

   • To measure water flow rate
   • To determine soil permeability
   • To assess soil texture

   Hint

   Consider what we need to measure in this test.

4. 4.

   True or False: The falling head test is only applicable to coarse-grained soils like sand.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the types of soils we discussed in relation to the test.

5. 5.

   Calculate the coefficient of permeability if a soil sample shows a drop in water level from 3.0 m to 1.5 m over 20 seconds. The length of the sample is 0.5 m and the cross-sectional area of the standpipe is 0.01 m². Assume the cross-sectional area of the sample is 0.02 m².

   Hint

   Identify values for each variable in the formula to compute.

6. 6.

   Discuss how changes in soil saturation could affect the results of a falling head test. Provide a scenario illustrating your points.

   Hint

   Consider both the chemical nature of the soil and timing of water entry.