Abstract
We describe and evaluate two previously undocumented methods of bulk permeability (K) determination and compare results obtained with results of conventional smaller‐scale tests on the same thick clayey till deposit. Analysis of the downward propagation of seasonal water table fluctuations yielded bulk K of approximately 10−10 m s−1, in close agreement with results of laboratory consolidation and permeameter tests, slug tests, and distribution of vertical hydraulic gradient with depth in the deposit. This agreement suggests that for such materials, high‐gradient tests conducted at small scales of distance and time can provide reasonable estimates of bulk K. The results also imply groundwater residence times in the till of thousands of years. The flow pattern observed near a large excavation in the till was consistent with the initial recoveries of piezometers installed in much smaller boreholes, assuming perturbation of hydraulic head in the formation due to borehole excavation. Time scales of these perturbations, which prevent interpretation of measured hydraulic head using conventional well hydraulic methods, varied from months to tens of years.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
