INTRODUCTION

Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways & means are
guided and given to the students. However the answers to the assignment are left to the
students to solve using the group creativity and innovativeness. It is hoped that the activity
will slowly introduce and inculcate independent learning amongst students and prepare them
for a much harder task of open-ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory session, students will be introduced on how to determine the coefficient of
permeability of soils using constant head test.
OBJECTIVE

To determine the coefficient of permeability of soils.

BASIC CONCEPT
A material is said to be permeable if it contains continuous voids. Permeability is a property
of permeable material that permits flow of liquids through the voids. The flows of liquid
through soil either by laminar or turbulent depending on permeability of soil and the head
causing flow.
Darcy (1856) demonstrated experimentally that for laminar flow conditions in a saturated
soil, the rate of flow or discharge per unit time is proportional to the hydraulic gradient.
q = k.i.A
Where ; q = discharge per unit time
k = Darcys coefficient of permeability
i= hydraulic gradient
A = total cross-sectional area of soil mass, perpendicular
to the direction of flow

The coefficient of permeability (or simply permeability) of soil can be determined in

laboratory using permeameter under constant head or variable head. Under constant head if Q
is total quantity of flow (cm3) in time interval t (second) through cross sectional area of
specimen A (cm2) and L (cm) is length of specimen, H (cm) height of water in the tube, h
(cm) is the headloss measurement, thus the coefficient of permeability (k) is given by:
k = QL cm/sec
Aht
APPARATUS

Permeameter complete with accessories

de-aired water
balance
mixing pan
graduated measuring cylinder
meter scale
stop watch
beaker

PROCEDURE
1. The mould was cleaned and applied grease on inside of the mould .Its weight has been
recorded.
2. Sample was prepared :
a) The sample was trimmed to the size of mould from undisturbed lump of soil collected
from the site. This sample was fit into the mould. Wax has been applied around periphery of
the sample mould to prevent leakage or;
b) Statically compacted remolded specimen of desired density and water content was
prepared or;
c) Dynamically compacted remolded specimen of desired density and water content was
prepared.
3. The excess soil has been trimmed off. Filter paper was placed on top of soil specimen and
fix perforated base plate to it.
4.Turned the assembly upside down and compaction plate or end plug and collar was
removed , as the case may be, top perforated plate has been placed on the top of soil
specimen, sealing gasket and top cap was inserted and fix properly.
5. The sample was saturated . Use vacuum dessicators facility if available.
6. The specimen (mould) has been took out when saturation is complete.
7. The mould was placed in the bottom tank.
8. The bottom tank was filled with water up to its outlet.
9. The outlet tube of constant head tank was connected to the inlet nozzle of the permeameter.
All air bubbles was removed from the system.
10.Adjusted hydraulic head. The head was recorded.
11.The stop watch was started and at the same time a beaker has been put under the outlet of
the bottom tank.
12.Run the test for some convenient time interval. The time was recorded.
13. The quantity of water collected during that time was measured and recorded.
14. The test was repeated two times more under the same head and for the same time interval.

DATA ANALYSIS
DETERMINATION OF THE COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY OF SOIL

(Constant Head Test)

SOIL SAMPLE DATA
Diameter of sample, D

cm 7.95

Cross-sectional area of sample, A

cm2 49.64

Length of sample, L1

cm

Length of sample, L2

cm

Length of sample, L3

cm

14

HEIGHT OF WATER IN TUBES AT STEADY STATE

Height of water in tube 1, H1cm

83.5

Height of water in tube 2, H2cm

80.5

Height of water in tube 2, H3cm

77.3

Quantity of Time taken, Headloss,

water,
t
h1
Q (cm3)
(sec)
(cm)

Headloss,
h2
(cm)

Headloss,
h3
(cm)

Coefficient of Permeability, k (cm/sec)

k1

k2

k3

Average

210

10

2.7

3.3

1.097

1.026

0.987

1.037

200

10

2.5

3.7

6.2

1.128

0.871

0.910

0.970

210

10

3.2

6.2

0.987

1.058

0.955

Overall average coefficient of permeability of soil sample, k

mm/sec

1.002