Question

Explain the concept of permeability, the factors affecting permeability along with some examples of how permeability plays a vital role in engineering structures

Answer 1

Permeability is defined as the virtue or property of soil which permits the transmition of water and air through it. Generally, permeability defines the interterstices in the soil. Soil with high porosity have the high permeability. Soil with low permeability is known as an impervious soil.

Factors affects on the permeability:

i) void ratio

ii) porosity

iii) degree of saturation

iv) soil particle size

v) entrapped air and organic matter

Importance of permeability :

i) To determine the seepage below and through the earth structures like damn, bridge, walls.

ii) To determine the seepage below foundations and buildings

iii) To determine hydraulic conductivity and yield of wells

iv) To determine hydraulic stability of mass structures.