CS(AR)-2/98-99 : Determination of hydraulic conductivity of soils in central Bihar

Abstract

Physically based hydrological niothels, sr,if IVORY balance, gmundwatur _17m1r and transport models require saturated and unsaturated hydandic conductivity to solve the subunlace flow and transport equations. Several field, laboratory and predictive methods are available for determination of this parameter. However these methods have some advantages and some limitations with respect to their operation etc. Guelph Permeameter is used as a tool to determine the field hydraulic conductivity even when the water table is low. It is portable, durable and allows rapid field calculation of saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, Predictive methods (using empirical formulae) are also in use to determine hydraulic conductivity using bulk density, porosity, water content etc. which are easy to determine. The study reported here gives a systematic methodology to determine field hydraulic conductivity using Guelph Permeameter, its limitations based on the experiences gained in the field and a comparison of its result with that estimated from the predictive method. The report entitled "Determination of Hydraulic Conductivity of Soils in Central Bihar" has been prepared by Sri Biswajit Chakravorty, Scientist 'C' and Sri N. G. Pandey, Scientist 'B' with the assistance from Sri A.K.Sivdas who helped in carrying out the soil sample.collections and field experiments.