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Evaluation of empirical models for estimating hydraulic conductivity using gradation characteristics of unconsolidated fluvial sediments

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Abstract

Hydraulic conductivity has paramount importance in hydrogeological and geotechnical studies. The estimation of hydraulic conductivity of aquifer materials is assessed through various methods, including laboratory measurements and empirical models. In this study, 60 different unlithified aquifer sediments obtained from the fluvial environment within the Himalayan Jhelum river basin were analyzed for their gradation characteristics, porosity, and hydraulic conductivities through standard procedures. The hydraulic conductivities of all the samples measured in the laboratory were compared with the values calculated through the most commonly used empirical equations to estimate hydraulic conductivity using sediment gradation characteristics developed in the past at different regions over the globe. It was observed that most of the empirical models significantly overestimated the hydraulic conductivity values except the empirical model developed by (Kozeny, Kozeny (ed), Hydraulik, Springer, Vienna, 1953). The statistical analysis revealed a poor correlation of R2 < 0.43 with high RMSE values of several orders of magnitude between the observed and estimated hydraulic conductivities. Modifications to the empirical models were done by optimizing their special beta coefficients and exponents, and applying d30 as an effective grain diameter for higher correlation statistics (R2) and fewer errors. The modified USBR model explained the highest around 61% variability of measured hydraulic conductivity values with error reduced to 1.00 m/day. The improved equation can be applied to the sandy aquifers of the investigated area for preliminary hydraulic conductivity estimation using grain-size analysis.

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Acknowledgements

The project is implemented by NPIU, which is a unit of MHRD, Govt. of India, for implementation of World Bank Assisted Projects in Technical Education. The productive discussions and invaluable assistance in conducting field operations, the contributions of Amir Khanday, Waseem Ahmad, Jasir Mushtaq, and Mir Dabeer are highly appreciated.

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP-III).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, UT, 190006, India

    Mohammad Aasif Khaja & Shagoofta Rasool Shah

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Patna, Bihar, 800005, India

    Ramakar Jha

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  1. Mohammad Aasif Khaja
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Correspondence to Mohammad Aasif Khaja.

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Khaja, M.A., Shah, S.R. & Jha, R. Evaluation of empirical models for estimating hydraulic conductivity using gradation characteristics of unconsolidated fluvial sediments. Arab J Geosci 15, 720 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10002-y

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