Permeability Test for Fine-Grained and Granular Soils (Falling-Head Method) - Soil Properties: Testing, Measurement, and Evaluation - page 271

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CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Permeability Test
for Fine-Grained
and Granular Soils
(Falling-Head Method)

Permeability Test
for Fine-Grained
and Granular Soils
(Falling-Head Method)

The general definition, theory, influencing factors, and so on for perme-
ability as a soil parameter were given in the introduction to Chapter 18,
which described the constant-head method for determining permeabil-
ity. As indicated in that chapter, the constant-head method is applicable
only to granular soils. The falling-head method, covered in this chapter,
may be used to determine the permeability of both fine-grained soils
(such as silts and clays) and coarse-grained, or granular, soils.

INTRODUCTION

APPARATUS AND
SUPPLIES

Permeability device
Ring stand with test tube clamp
Burette (100 mL)
Timing device
Thermometer

A falling-head permeability setup, including the first three items, is
shown schematically in Figure 19-1.

Fabricate or compact the soil sample to form three specimens with dif-
ferent dry densities. Calculate the dry density of each specimen by find-
ing the mass of the permeameter and of the permeameter plus
compacted soil and taking a sample for water content determination.
Also, measure each specimen's diameter and length.

PROCEDURE

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