ABSTRACT
In situ geological features always induce permeability heterogeneity. To account for the hydraulically heterogeneity of a porous material implicitly, the two parameters of a permeability tensor, namely principal permeability ratio, kx /ky, and principal flow orientation, α, may be used. In particular, the effect of α on Pore-Water Pressure (PWP) distribution is sometimes overlooked and rarely discussed. In an attempt to investigate how permeability heterogeneity influences the transient seepage in a saprolitic hillslope, a case history is back-analysed by carrying out a series of parametric study. Both kx /ky, and α are examined in this study. The measured and computed PWP profiles are compared, particularly focusing on the magnitude of PWPs as well as the change of groundwater table. By considering the in situ geological features, proper set of parameters for each material is deduced to capture the in situ infiltration characteristic of the hillslope.
