An experimental and simulation study of flow through stratified soils

Stratification is the salient feature of the earth crust. Layers of varying materials and properties are found beneath the surface of earth. Flow of precipitated water not only takes place in vertical direction, but also in the horizontal direction. Permeability of soil is an important property influencing the seepage of water in both the directions. For the design of earthen dams, stability of slopes and ground water recharge schemes, adequate knowledge of permeability is essential for its proper performance. Thus the present study has been undertaken to evaluate the permeability of layered soil. Two layered system was formed with different combination of materials. Permeability was determined when the flow was taking place in horizontal as well as in vertical direction keeping the porosity constant at 40%. Values for the same cases have also been determined using ANSYS software FLUENT 14.0. A comparison of observed values was carried out with the values given by Darcy’s method and the method of simulation. A good agreement was observed between the results obtained from FLUENT 14.0 and Darcy’s method.