RESEARCH PAPERS

INVESTIGATION ON FLUID FLOW BEHAVIOUR OF GRANULAR SOIL

By

K. SRIKANTH * P.N. SINGH ** K.K. SINGH ***

* PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering, VNR VJIET, Hyderabad, India.
** Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, VNR VJIET, Hyderabad, India.
*** Senior Geologist, Geological Survey of India, Nagole, Hyderabad, India.

ABSTRACT
Permeability of soils/geomaterial is of great interest for any civil or geological engineering projects such as, building
construction, foundation of earthen dams, sub-base of pavement design and also in studying land subsidence, etc. In
general, fluid flow rate/discharge through soil mass changes with time and becomes constant after achieving steady
state condition and is determined using the discharge data corresponding to such condition. This research intention is to
quantify the variation in the fluid flow behaviour of granular soil with time under a constant confining stress and a flow
pressure condition on different identical samples collected from Narsapur village, Medak district, Telangana, India.
Also, authors has defined a critical range of time period beyond which the flow through granular soil attains a steady
state condition. The fluid flow experiment was performed on a cylindrical soil sample (38 mm diameter, and 76 mm
length) employing flexible wall permeameter. The obtained result indicates that the discharge through a granular soil
sample decreases with time initially (upto 900 s) and then attains a steady state condition with prolonged time (≤2700 s).
Further, it was observed that the critical point (≈1200 s), beyond which the fluid flow becomes almost constant in all the
identical samples of granular soil. The obtained results are quite promising and can be utilized by the engineers and
research fraternity to further improve the models (theoretical as well as numerical) pertaining to the fluid flow through the
granular soil.
Keywords: Hydraulic Conductivity, Flexible Wall Permeameter, Flow Pressure, Confining Stress, Granular Soil.

INTRODUCTION accuracy and side wall leakage problems. In this study,

Permeability is the property of the soil, which is defined as its
ability to permeate fluid (liquid/gas) through the
interconnected pore spaces of the soil mass.
Determination of permeability of granular soils is quite
essential in the construction of any engineered structures,
such as, building, foundation of earthen dams, sub-base of
pavements, etc. In general, permeability is determined
from the steady state condition of the flow rate data, which
states that the flow condition remains unchanged with
time. Earlier researchers (Gueddouda, et al., 2010.,
Muawia, et al., 2015) have made an attempt to determine
the permeability of sand-clay mixtures, sand-bentonite
mixtures and sand-silt mixtures employing Rigid Wall
Permeameter (RWP), and Flexible Wall Permeameter (FWP).
Chapuis, 1990 has observed that flexible wall
permeameter results are better than the RWP in terms of
permeability of granular soil was estimated from a constant
head test data using FWP result, as per the guidelines of
ASTM D5084, (2004). The flow of fluid through the
interconnected pore spaces of soil sample occurs due to
differences in hydraulic gradient (pressure head/datum
head) at top and base of the sample. In this research,
pressure head is applied at the base of the sample and it
was ensured that the applied cell pressure in the triaxial cell
should not be more than the applied pressure head. As, in
any triaxial permeameter, if the pressure head exceeds the
cell pressure, it leads to leakage through the spaces
between the membrane, and the sample and/or
damages the sample as well.
This research deals with the investigation of fluid flow
behaviour through granular soil. Further, details of
methodology involved with the fluid flow investigation are

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mentioned in brief. Following this methodology, fluid flow determine the particle size distribution of the soils
investigations were carried out on several identical according to IS 2720-Part 4, (1985), and classification of the
samples of granular soil and their fluid flow behaviour with soil can be made by [8].
time was investigated and the critical point beyond which 4.2 Standard Proctor Test
the fluid flow attains a steady state condition in the identical
The standard proctor test was conducted to determine the
granular soil samples were also determined.
OMC and MDD of Granular soil sample according to [9].
1. Aim of the Study
4.3 Fluid Flow Experimental Procedure
The aim of this research is to investigate the fluid flow
4.3.1 Preparation of Sample
through identical granular soil samples under a constant
The soil sample collected was sieved through IS-1.18 mm
confining stress and flow pressure employing flexible wall
sieve. This sieved soil was selected to prepare a cylindrical
permeameter.
sample of about 38 mm diameter, and 76 mm length of
2. Objective of the Study
l/D ratio ≈ 2. The sieving was mainly done to avoid the
In the present research, the fluid flow mechanism of leakage of membrane due to the presence of angular
granular soil samples corresponding to incremental gravel sized soil grains (>1.18 mm size). The sieved soil of
change in time was studied and the methodology about 160 g was poured into the cylindrical mould (Figure
employed is explained in detail. 1), and compacted at known dry density (1.82 g/cc). The
3. Sample Details Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), (14%), which was
3.1 Granular Soil determined by performing a standard proctor test as per
(IS: 2720-Part 7, 1985) to cast almost uniform/identical
Lateritic (granular) soil was collected from different parts of
cylindrical samples. Several identical cylindrical samples
Narsapur village, Medak district, Telangana state, India. The
were casted at the same OMC and MDD in the similar
top soil at a depth of 15 cm was removed and the soil
manner in the cylindrical compaction mould. These
collected from the site were packed in bags. The soil was
samples were utilized for determining the hydraulic
processed in the laboratory before conducting the
conductivity of soil sample employing the FWP. The density
experiment. The details are mentioned in the following
of the samples casted in the cylindrical mould was cross
section.
checked by taking the weight of the specimen casted to
4. Methodology
the volume of the mould and compared with the density
4.1 Index Properties achieved using a standard proctor test. The obtained
The Specific gravity (Gs) of the soil was determined as per [7]
by using a Pycnometer. The average value has been taken
from the three trials and the average result is listed in Table 1
along with other engineering soil properties. The sieve
analysis and hydrometer tests were carried out to

Property Value

Specific Gravity 2.58

Grain size distribution
a) Gravel (%) 10
b) Coarse sand (%) 40
c) Fine sand (%) 27
d) Silt (%) 23
Maximum Dry Density (g/cc) 1.82
Optimum Moisture Content (%) 14
Figure 1. Cylindrical Mould Filled with Soil used to Create
Table 1. Index Properties of Soil Cylindrical Soil Sample

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values were almost same for all the identical soil samples.
4.4 Fluid Flow Test Procedure
The experimental procedure adopted to determine the
permeability of the granular soil employing Flexible wall
permeameter (Figure 3), are mentioned in the following.
The soil sample was assembled in the cell and then de-
aired water is filled with it (Figure 2). After assembling the
sample in the cell, an initial cell pressure of 50 kpa was
applied on it, and then the pipelines were flushed. Further,
the sample was allowed to achieve almost complete
saturation by applying the back (base) pressure technique
(ASTM D5084-03, 2004). The saturation was ensured by
Figure 2. Triaxial Sample Placed in the Cell
Figure 3. Flexible Wall Permeameter with its Accessories
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measuring B-value at an interval of 1 hour and the tests
were conducted on three identical soil samples, the results
are presented for better understanding of the mechanism
involved.
In the present research, it was ensured that all the identical
samples attains the B-value (≈0.98) (BS 1377-6, 1990). After
saturation, constant head hydraulic conductivity test was
performed on different identical samples as mentioned in
the following. For detailed methodology of assembling the
specimen in the cell refer (Singh, et al., 2014).
The soil sample was initially subjected to a confining stress
of 100 kPa and input flow pressure of 80 kPa. The flow
pressure (fp) of 80 kPa was maintained by creating a
difference in pressures applied at top and base of the
sample. Then, discharge, Q was measured on an interval
of every 5 minutes until the steady state flow condition was
achieved and then the average discharge rate (q) was
calculated from the steady state portion of the graph (≈
2700 sec). It was observed that the time to achieve the
steady state flow is approximately equal to 45 min.
Therefore, in the present study, all the experiments were
continued till 45 min. However, few experiments were also
conducted for longer duration (≈ 7200 s) mainly to
compare and establish the steady state boundary
precisely. The cumulative volume (Q) was measured by
observing the difference (h1 and h2) in the amount of the
water flowing from the base burette to the top burette
through the soil sample. Here h1 is the initial water level in the
base burette, and h2 is the initial water level in the top
burette present of the flex panel. The discharge of water
Figure 4. Grain Size Distribution Curve of Granular Soil
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through the granular soil was calculated by taking the
average of values obtained from steady state region as
depicted in Figure 6, for all the identical soil samples (SG-1-
SG-4) as an average discharge and the permeability of the
sample was calculated corresponding to this average
discharge value. The coefficient of permeability was
calculated using the Darcy's equation q=kiA, where
3
q=discharge (m /s); i=Hydraulic gradient; and A=cross-
sectional area of the sample.
5. Results and Discussions
5.1 Grain Size Distribution
The Grain size distribution of granular soil is shown in Figure 4.
The Semi-log plot shows the coefficient of uniformity
(CU>6), and coefficient of curvature (CC=2.19) indicating a
well graded soil.
5.2 Compaction Characteristics of Granular Soil
The OMC and MDD of granular soil were obtained from
Figure 5 and all the identical soil samples (SG-1-SG-4) were
compacted at the same MDD and OMC
The obtained results of fluid flow investigation using FWP
were analysed by plotting the discharge, q, against time, t,
for three identical samples of granular soil as depicted in
Figure 6. From the Figure, it can be observed that a non-
linear relationship exists between q and t. It can also be
observed that the discharge decreases rapidly at initial
time (t=300 to 1500 s). Further, q reduces quite slowly
beyond (t=1500 s), and becomes almost constant, which
indicate that the flow has achieved the steady state
condition. A vertical drop-lines demarcating the boundary
Figure 5. Compaction Curve for Granular Soil
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of steady state condition are drawn in Figure 6 for better
appraisal. It is interesting to note that the observations are
consistent with the findings reported by earlier researchers
(Singh, et al., 2015, 2016), however, it can be noted that
these results are for granitic rock samples. In SG-2 sample,
the change or reduction in flow is more at initial time (t=300
s to 900 s). However the change in q beyond (t=900 s) is
almost constant. Similarly, in the SG-3 sample, the change
or reduction in flow is varying from (t=300 s to 1800 s), and
beyond (t=1800 s), it becomes almost constant. From
Figure 6, the critical region depicts that steady state was
attained in all the identical granular soil samples beyond a
critical point of 1200 s.
A similar trend (q vs t) is observed in all identical samples at
varying confining pressure corresponding to the varying
flow pressure. It can be depicted from Figure 6, that the
discharge gradually decreases with respect to time and
attains a steady state. Here it is also depicted that as the
time prolongs, q remains constant. Similar trend of results
was observed by earlier researchers (Dunn, and Mitchell,
1984; Singh, et al, 2014.
Figure 7 shows the variation of discharge with respect to
time for the samples SG-2 and SG-4. These are the curves
drawn after a number of overlapping. It is observed from
Figure 7 that, the discharge is attaining constant or steady
state flow condition at or before 2700 s in all samples. From
Figure 7 it can also be observed that, SG-2 (as red dotted
line) sample curve, and SG-4 sample (as black dotted line)
curve showing discharge against time plot and the steady
Figure 6. Variation of q with Respect to Time
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Figure 7. Variation in q with Respect to Time (t=2700 s and 7200 s)

state regions are almost parallel. Here the time effect has Figure 8. Variation in Discharge Q of Soil Samples
been observed for 2 hours (7200 s), to observe whether the (SG-1, SG-2 and SG-3)

obtained steady state flow condition beyond 2700s t(s) Q(x10-9m3/s) qavg.(x10-9m3/s) K(x10-8m/s)
increases/decreases or remains constant. So, after a SG-1 SG-2 SG-3 SG-1 SG-2 SG-3 SG-1 SG-2 SG-3
number of trials on the identical samples which were tested 300 9.90 3.67 0.88
for about 7200s, it was observed that the q remains 600 6.75 2.48 0.76
constant with respect to time beyond 45m (2700s). The 3.87 1.71 0.70 3.17 1.40 0.58
900 5.37 2.12 0.75
critical region is demarcated in the figure, as for each
1200 4.67 1.93 0.74
sample the critical point (the point where flow condition
1500 4.23 1.80 0.73
changes from the unsteady state in steady state condition)
1800 3.99 1.71 0.71
is different. It can be observed from Figure 7 that for such 2100 3.78 1.65 0.71
type of granular soil samples, the critical region (region 2400 3.72 1.62 0.70
demarcate changes in flow condition) is between t=2200 2700 3.69 1.58 0.69
s to t=2700 s.
Table 2. Data sheet used for Recording Experimental Observations
In such type of granular soils, the behaviour of q with t
SG-3), the average discharge was calculated using the
becomes almost constant at or beyond ≈3000s. From the
discharge values from the steady flow region as depicted
Figure 7, authors opined that experimentation beyond
in Figure 6, and the Hydraulic conductivity(k) of these
3000s is not necessary to quantify the steady state
samples were calculated corresponding to these average
condition of discharge. However, investigations can be
discharge values and are shown in Table 2. It can be
continued till 4000 s or 5000 s for more accurate
observed from Table 2, that the average discharge value
observation points. The q vs t plot is remains almost parallel
computed from these 3 identical soil samples is ≈2.09x10-9
after 2700 s and is concluded that further testing the
m3/s, and the corresponding hydraulic conductivity, value
samples beyond 2700 s is not required.
is 4.76x10-8m3/s
Figure 8 is a plot indicating variation in discharge q of
Conclusion
identical soil samples (SG-1, -SG-3). It can be depicted
from the graph that there is a variation in discharge values This study deals with the investigation of fluid flow behaviour
of all the 3 identical soil samples, however such minute through granular soil sample employing flexible wall
variations are negligible. permeameter. It can be observed from the obtained
results that discharge with time initially decreases rapidly
Therefore, in all the 3 identical soil samples (SG-1,SG-2 and

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and then it becomes almost constant beyond 3000 s. It
was also observed that beyond a critical point of time of ≈
1200 s, steady state condition was attained in all the
identical granular soil samples. Further, it was observed that
fluid flow through granular soil collected from Narsapur
village gives constant discharge values at a time (≤2700 s),
and further it is opined that testing at longer duration is not
necessary for this type of soil, as the curves obtained
reveals that, (beyond 2700 s to 7200 s) they almost remain
parallel. It can also be concluded that a non-linear
relationship exists between discharge and time. Based on
the experimental work, it can be concluded that the
discharge variations in identical soil samples are negligible
and the average discharge of these samples was used for
the measurement of hydraulic conductivity. However, it is to
be noted that by changing the material and/or grain size
distribution of the soil, further investigation has to be carried
out to understand the behaviour of flow with respect to
time. This research is useful for further advancing the
numerical and theoretical modelling in the fields of
Hydrogeology, fluid mechanics, etc.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of
Engineering and technology, Bachupally, Hyderabad,
Telangana, India for providing the opportunity to work on
this project. The authors are also grateful to the Head, Vice
Principal, faculty members, colleagues, and Civil
Engineering laboratory, for providing necessary laboratory
support in this research.
References
[1]. ASTM D-5084-03 (2004). Standard Test Methods for
Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated
Porous Materials using a Flexible Wall Permeameter”. West
Conshohocken, PA, pp. 1–23.
[2]. BS1377-6 (1990). Method of Test for Soils for Civil
Engineering Purposes - Consolidation and Permeability
38 i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, Vol. 5 l
Tests in Hydraulic Cells and with Pore Pressure
Measurement, (AMD 8261). British Standards Institution.
[3]. Chapuis RP, (1990). “Sand-Bentonite liners: Predicting
permeability from laboratory tests”. Can Geote, pp. 47-57
[4]. Dunn RJ and Mitchell JK (1984). “Fluid Conductivity
Testing of Fine-Grained Soil”. Journal of Geotechnical
Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 110, No. 1, pp.1648-1665.
[5]. Gueddouda MK, Lamara M, Abou-bekr N, Taibi S,
(2010). “Hydraulic behaviour of dune sand bentonite
mixtures under confining stress”. Global J Res Eng, Vol. 10,
No. 1, pp. 31.
[6]. IS 2720-Part 4 (1985). Grain Size Analysis, Bureau of
Indian Standards. New Delhi, India.
[7]. IS 2720-Part 3 (1980). Determination of Specific
Gravity. Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India.
[8]. IS 1498 (1970). Classification and Identification of Soils
for General Engineering Purposes. Bureau of Indian
Standards, New Delhi, India.
[9]. IS: 2720-Part 7 (1980). Determination of Water Content-
dry Density Relation using Light Compaction. Bureau of
Indian Standards, New Delhi, India.
[10]. Singh KK, Singh DN, Ranjith, PG (2014). “Simulating
flow through fractures in a rock mass using analog
material”. Int J Geomech, ASCE, Vol.14, No. 1, pp. 8-19.
[11]. Singh KK, Singh DN, Ranjith PG, (2016). “Effect of
sample size on the fluid flow through a single fractured
granitoid”. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng, pp. 329-340.
[12]. Singh KK, Singh DN, Ranjith PG, (2015). “Laboratory
simulation of flow through single fractured granite Rock”.
Rock Mech. and Rock Engg, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 987-1000.
[13]. Muawia D, Abdullah AS, Tamer, et al., (2015). “Effects
of confining pressure and effective stress on hydraulic
conductivity of sand-clay mixtures”. Arabian Journal of
Geosciences, Vol. 8, pp. 9993–10001
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kandalai Srikanth is currently pursuing his M.Tech in Geotechnical Engineering at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and
Technology, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Telangana. He has received his B.Tech from DRK College of Engineering and Technology,
Bowrampet, Hyderabad, Telengana.

Dr. Purnendu Narayan Singh is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at VNR Vignana Jyothi
Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. His research interests cover Land
Subsidence, Aquifer Properties, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, etc.

Dr. Kunal Kumar Singh is currently working as a Senior Geologist in Geohazard and Engineering Geology Division of Geological
Survey of India, Bandalguda, Nagole, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. His research interests mainly covers Rock Mechanics,
Hydrogeology, Remote Sensing and GIS, Geological Mapping, Field and Laboratory Investigations, High Pressure-Temperature
Testing for Modelling Fluid Flow through Rock/rockmass, etc.

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