Use of the boundary element method for the analysis of permeability tests in boreholes

• Published in: Engineering analysis with boundary elements Vol. 24; no. 9; pp. 695 - 698
• Main Authors: Lafhaj, Z, Shahrour, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Borehole; Boundary element; Boundary-integral methods; Buildings. Public works; Computational techniques; Exact sciences and technology; Field tests; Finite element; Finite-element and galerkin methods; Geotechnics; Mathematical methods in physics; Permeability; Physics; Shape factor; Soil; Soil mechanics. Rocks mechanics; Water tests; Water tests; Field tests; Soil; Borehole; Shape factor; Permeability; Boundary element; Finite element; Performance evaluation; Methodology; Boreholes; Measuring methods; Numerical method; Experimental study; Soil mechanics; Field experiment; Finite element method; Ground water table; Analysis method; Analytical method; Positions; Modelling; Boundary element method; Ground water
• ISSN: 0955-7997; 1873-197X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0955-7997(00)00042-4

This paper is concerned with the application of the boundary element method for the study of the shape factor, which is used for the determination of the soil permeability from field tests. In the first part of this paper, we present the methodology followed for the calculation of the shape factor using the boundary element method; its performance will be discussed through its comparison to a finite element modeling. This method is then used to analyze the influence on the shape factor of some parameters, mainly the lateral extension of the soil domain and the position of the cavity regarding the ground water table and the impermeable substratum. The last part includes a comparison of numerical and analytical results, which permits to suggest recommendations for the determination of the shape factor.