Is There Horizontal Hydraulic Conductivity in Soil?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of horizontal hydraulic conductivity in soil, particularly in the context of a specific problem involving water flow through different soil layers. Participants explore the definitions and implications of hydraulic conductivity and permeability, questioning the conditions under which horizontal flow occurs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there is horizontal conductivity because water can flow horizontally across different soil layers.
  • Others argue that the flow is vertical and that the pressure is constant over horizontal planes, suggesting that horizontal conductivity may not apply in this scenario.
  • There is a discussion about the definitions of hydraulic conductivity and permeability, with some participants emphasizing their relationship.
  • One participant questions the problem statement's clarity regarding the direction of flow, suggesting that it may indicate horizontal flow.
  • Another participant insists that the flow is purely horizontal, contradicting claims of vertical flow.
  • Several participants express confusion over the problem's conditions and the implications for horizontal permeability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether horizontal hydraulic conductivity exists in the given problem. Multiple competing views remain regarding the direction of flow and the implications for permeability.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the problem's description and the definitions of hydraulic conductivity and permeability. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the flow direction and its impact on conductivity.

fonseh
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Homework Statement


why there's no horizontal conductivity in this question ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


IMO , there's also horizontal conducitivity in this question because of the water can also flow horizontally across layer A , B and also C . [/B]
 

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What do you think the k's are?
 
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Chestermiller said:
What do you think the k's are?
coefficient of permeability
 
fonseh said:
coefficient of permeability
No. They are the hydraulic conductivites. Do you know the definition of hydraulic conductivity?
 
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i
Chestermiller said:
No. They are the hydraulic conductivites. Do you know the definition of hydraulic conductivity?
it is to measure the permeability . Why there's no horizontal hydraulic conductivity in the example above ?
 
fonseh said:
i

it is to measure the permeability . Why there's no horizontal hydraulic conductivity in the example above ?
Because the flow is vertical, and the pressure is constant over all horizontal planes.
 
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Chestermiller said:
Because the flow is vertical, and the pressure is constant over all horizontal planes.
do you mean the water can't flow horizontally thru different layer ? so there is no horizontal permeability ? Why ?
 
fonseh said:
do you mean the water can't flow horizontally thru different layer ? so there is no horizontal permeability ? Why ?
There is horizontal permeability, but the flow is in the vertical direction (according to the problem description).
 
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Chestermiller said:
There is horizontal permeability, but the flow is in the vertical direction (according to the problem description).
Can you point out whoich part of the problem stated the flow is vertical ? The water can also flow in horizontal direction across different layer of soil A, B and C , right ?
 
  • #10
fonseh said:
Can you point out whoich part of the problem stated the flow is vertical ? The water can also flow in horizontal direction across different layer of soil A, B and C , right ?
This is not the way I remember the problem. Maybe I'm thinking of a different problem. In this problem, the flow is purely horizontal, with no vertical component.
 
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  • #11
Chestermiller said:
This is not the way I remember the problem. Maybe I'm thinking of a different problem. In this problem, the flow is purely horizontal, with no vertical component.
Do you mean it's vertical flow? Not horizontal flow ?
 
  • #12
No. In the picture in the first post, the flow is horizontal.
 
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  • #13
Chestermiller said:
No. In the picture in the first post, the flow is horizontal.
Since the flow is horizontal , why there's no horizontal permeability ?
 
  • #14
Chestermiller said:
No. In the picture in the first post, the flow is horizontal.
Can you point out which part show that the flow is horizontal ?
 
  • #15
fonseh said:
Can you point out which part show that the flow is horizontal ?
The three layers in the figure are inside a tube which is obviously horizontal.
 
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  • #16
fonseh said:
Since the flow is horizontal , why there's no horizontal permeability ?
The problem statement says that the tabulated values of hydraulic conductivity are in the direction of flow.
 
  • #17
Chestermiller said:
The three layers in the figure are inside a tube which is obviously horizontal.
why ? The water can flow both horizontally and vertically . Why there's only vertical permeability ?
 
  • #18
Chestermiller said:
The problem statement says that the tabulated values of hydraulic conductivity are in the direction of flow.
Previously , you pointed out that the flow is horizontal , if so , why there's no horizontal permeability in this question ?
 
  • #19
fonseh said:
Previously , you pointed out that the flow is horizontal , if so , why there's no horizontal permeability in this question ?
You are aware of the relationship between the permeability and the hydraulic conductivity, correct?
 
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  • #20
Chestermiller said:
You are aware of the relationship between the permeability and the hydraulic conductivity, correct?
yes, can you explain further ?
 
  • #21
Chestermiller said:
You are aware of the relationship between the permeability and the hydraulic conductivity, correct?
Previously , you pointed out that the flow is horizontal , if so , why there's no horizontal permeability in this question ?
 
  • #22
Chestermiller said:
You are aware of the relationship between the permeability and the hydraulic conductivity, correct?
So , the flow is only vertical flow ? no horizontal flow ?
 
  • #23
fonseh said:
So , the flow is only vertical flow ? no horizontal flow ?
THE FLOW IN THIS PROBLEM IS HORIZONTAL. THE DATA IN THE TABLES ARE THE HYDRAULIC HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITIES. IF YOU KNOW THE HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITES, THEN YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW THE PERMEABILITIES IN HEAD CALCULATIONS.

I don't know what else I can add.
 

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