ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the study of the basic parameters involved in the flow of water through soils. The coefficient of permeability of soils is generally expressed at a temperature of 20°C. The falling–head permeability test is more suitable for fine–grained soils. The soil specimen is placed inside a tube, and a standpipe is attached to the top of the specimen. The Water from the standpipe flows through the specimen. A theoretical solution for the coefficient of permeability also exists in the literature. The coefficient of permeability—and hence the rate of seepage—through clay soils is very small compared to that in granular soils, but the drainage can be increased by the application of an external electric current. The size of the clay clods has a strong influence on the coefficient of permeability of compacted clay. Hence, during compaction, the clods must be broken down mechanically to as small as possible.
