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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Nadjet Zair, Salah Chaab and Catherine Bertrand

The purpose of this paper is to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer using two models of analysis (DRASTIC and GOD) that were applied in practice in the regions of Bir…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer using two models of analysis (DRASTIC and GOD) that were applied in practice in the regions of Bir Chouhada, Souk Naamane and Ouled Zouai in the district of Oum El-Bouaghi.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to determine the most adequate methods to ensure the protection of the Bir Chouhada, Souk Naamane and Ouled Zouai aquifer from pollution using vulnerability assessment. The application of the DRASTIC and GOD models made this evaluation possible.

Findings

The analysis of the both maps of vulnerability, resulting from the application of the two methods (DRASTIC and GOD), has revealed several classes of vulnerability that are no-, low-, medium- and high-vulnerable area. High DRASTIC vulnerability values vary between 145 and 178, and those of GOD vary between 0.07 and 0.57. It is observed that vulnerability increases from the center toward the eastern part of the plain; this is confirmed by the repartition of nitrate contents. The impact of the hydraulic conductivity on vulnerability to pollution is more significant than those of the vadose zone and the aquifer media. This is well observed when considering the single-parameter sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

The text deepens the understanding of the vulnerability assessment and quality of the aquifer and the groundwater. The present study can be used for the assessment and the management of groundwater.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2011

Sarva Mangala Praveena, Mohd Harun Abdullah, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Mazlin Mokhtar and Kawi Bidin

This paper aims to define the current and potential extent of seawater intrusion in Manukan Island under different scenarios of varying recharge and pumping rates. The calibrated…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to define the current and potential extent of seawater intrusion in Manukan Island under different scenarios of varying recharge and pumping rates. The calibrated model was also used to predict the extent of seawater intrusion in low lying area of Manukan Island for two years with all conditions assumed to remain the same as those in December 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Different scenarios of varying recharge and pumping rates based on threats received by Manukan Island were investigated. El‐Nino events and overpumping are represented by varying recharge and pumping rates. Simulation was done using SEAWAT‐2000, the latest modeling software available in groundwater modeling that couples flow and transport together.

Findings

The seawater‐freshwater mixing ratio moves landwards after two years of simulation in Scenario 1. In order to control overpumping in this study area, Scenario 2 has resulted in backward movement of the 1.4 percent seawater‐freshwater mixing ratio toward the coast after two years of prediction. The current contamination of the coastal aquifers by seawater intrusion will be more severe with an impact of El‐Nino events on groundwater resources depletion in Scenario 3. Reductions of pumping and recharge rates in Scenario 4 have worsened the seawater intrusion problem. With the aid of artificial recharge in Scenario 5, highest hydraulic heads and lowest chloride concentration were observed.

Practical implications

The sustainable groundwater management selected for Manukan Island's current situation will be Scenario 2. In view of the effects of El‐Nino events in the future, Scenario 5 can be implemented to restore groundwater resources. The numerical model has showed the groundwater condition during El‐Nino events and overpumping illustrated that simulation modeling is an excellent tool to understand the behavior and management of an aquifer system. The output of simulation modeling via numerical model provides a framework toward groundwater management. Thus, current study output with similar approach which will restore groundwater (artificial recharge and reduction of pumping rate) can be applied in other small islands of similar hydrogeological condition and stresses for the purpose of groundwater resource protection.

Originality/value

Briefly, these findings will effectively contribute to water policy analysis, planning and management in the study area to combat current as well as future seawater intrusion problem.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 January 2019

Ba-Phu Nguyen and Yun-Tae Kim

It is well known that the prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) installation process generates a significant soil disturbance around PVD. This disturbed zone significantly affects…

Abstract

Purpose

It is well known that the prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) installation process generates a significant soil disturbance around PVD. This disturbed zone significantly affects the rate of settlement and excess pore pressure dissipation. However, the characteristics of these zones were still uncertain and difficult to quantify; there remains large discrepancy among researchers. This study aims to develop a simple analytical solution for radial consolidation analysis of PVD-installed deposit considering mandrel-induced disturbance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed solution takes into account the nonlinear distributions of both horizontal hydraulic conductivity and compressibility toward the drain. The proposed solution was applied to analyze field behavior of test embankment in New South Wales, Australia.

Findings

Both effects significantly increased the time required to achieve a certain degree of consolidation. The effect of hydraulic conductivity on the consolidation rate was more significant than the effect of compressibility variation. And, the increased compressibility in the soil-disturbed zone due to mandrel installation significantly increased vertical strain of the PVD-improved soil deposit. The predicted results using the proposed analytical solution were in good agreement with the field measurements.

Practical implications

A geotechnical engineer could use the proposed analytical solution to predict consolidation behavior of drainage-installed ground.

Originality/value

Consolidation behavior of PVD-installed ground could be reasonably predicted by using the proposed solution with considering variations of both hydraulic conductivity and compressibility due to PVD installation.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Ismail Abd-Elaty, Hany Farhat Abd Elhamid and Akbar Javadi

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a numerical model to study the effect of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a numerical model to study the effect of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical model SEAWAT is validated and applied to a hypothetical case (Henry problem) and a real case study (Biscayne aquifer, Florida, USA) for different values of hydraulic parameters including; hydraulic conductivity, porosity, dispersion, diffusion, fluid density and solute concentration. The dimensional analysis technique is used to correlate these parameters with the intrusion length.

Findings

The results show that the hydraulic parameters have a clear effect on saltwater intrusion as they increase the intrusion in some cases and decrease it in some other cases. The results indicate that changing hydraulic parameters may be used as a control method to protect coastal aquifers from saltwater intrusion.

Practical implications

The results of the application of the model to the Biscayne aquifer in Florida showed that the intrusion can be reduced to 50 percent when the hydraulic conductivity is reduced to 50 percent. Decreasing hydraulic conductivity by injecting some relatively cheap materials such as bentonite can help to reduce the intrusion of saltwater. So the saltwater intrusion can be reduced with relatively low cost through changing some hydraulic parameters.

Originality/value

A relationship to calculate intrusion length in coastal aquifer is developed and the impact of different hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion is highlighted. Control of saltwater intrusion using relatively cheap method is presented.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 November 2021

Darko Lovrec and Vito Tič

Apart from the basic material properties of liquid lubricants, such as, e.g., the viscosity and density of the hydraulic fluid, it is also important to have information regarding…

2878

Abstract

Purpose

Apart from the basic material properties of liquid lubricants, such as, e.g., the viscosity and density of the hydraulic fluid, it is also important to have information regarding the electrical properties of the fluid used. The latter is closely related to the purpose, type, structure, and conditions of use of a hydraulic system, especially the powertrain design and fluid condition monitoring. The insulating capacity of the hydraulic fluid is important in cases where the electric motor of the pump is immersed in the fluid. In other cases, on the basis of changing the electrical conductive properties of the hydraulic fluid, we can refer its condition, and, on this basis, the degree of degradation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first highlights the importance of knowing the electrical properties of hydraulic fluids and then aims to compare these properties, such as the breakdown voltage of commonly used hydraulic mineral oils and newer ionic fluids suitable for use as hydraulic fluids.

Findings

Knowledge of this property is crucial for the design approach of modern hydraulic compact power packs. In the following, the emphasis is on the more advanced use of known electrical quantities, such as electrical conductivity and the dielectric constant of a liquid.

Originality/value

Based on the changes in these quantities, we have the possibility of real-time monitoring the hydraulic fluid condition, on the basis of which we judge the degree of fluid degradation and its suitability for further use.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 74 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 June 2019

Han-Cheng Dan, Zhuo-Min Zou, Jia-Qi Chen and An-Ping Peng

The soil water retention curve (SWRC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (UHC) are crucial indices to assess hydraulic properties of porous media that primarily depend on the…

Abstract

Purpose

The soil water retention curve (SWRC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (UHC) are crucial indices to assess hydraulic properties of porous media that primarily depend on the particle and pore size distributions. This study aims to present a method based on the discrete element model (DEM) and the typical Arya and Paris model (AP model) to numerically predict SWRC and UHC.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the DEM (PFC3D software) is used to construct the pore and particle size distributions in porous media. The number of particles is calculated according to the AP model, which can be applied to evaluate the relationship between the suction head and the moisture of porous media. Subsequently, combining critical path analysis (CPA) and fractal theory, the air entry value is applied to calculate the critical pore radius (CPR) and the critical volume fraction (CVF) for evaluating the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity.

Findings

This method is validated against the experimental results of 11 soils from the clay loam to the sand, and then the scaling parameter in the AP model and critical volume fraction value for many types of soils are presented for reference; subsequently, the gradation effect on hydraulic property of soils is analyzed. Furthermore, the calculation for unbound graded aggregate (UGA) material as a special case and a theoretical extension are provided.

Originality/value

The presented study provides an important insight into the relationship between the heterogeneous particle and hydraulic properties by the DEM and sheds light on the directions for future study of a method to investigate the hydraulic properties of porous media.

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2019

Sheena A.D.

The analysis of groundwater level below the earth surface is focused on current and future scenarios. To analyze the wells under the threat of water level depletion, a study is…

Abstract

Purpose

The analysis of groundwater level below the earth surface is focused on current and future scenarios. To analyze the wells under the threat of water level depletion, a study is conducted on the groundwater level using control charts. To improve watershed management, the important criteria are to increase infiltration as well as water storage capacity. There are 15 over-exploited zones in the study area (Dynamic GW Resources 2011). The purpose of this paper is to help in understanding the importance of wells for improving the water level to a certain extent for sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The water levels in the wells are located with the help of x, y, z plotting on the ground using ArcGIS software. This water level mapping is done at a micro-watershed level to increase the clarity of information at the micro-level. In this study, the problem of depleted wells is sorted out, and the water level present in depleted wells pre-monsoon and post-monsoon is evaluated for the two years. Also, water level analysis is done using a control chart to find out the critical wells. On the basis of Poisson distribution, C-chart is used here to analyze the quality of wells and the water levels in those wells to be improved.

Findings

The outcome of the C-chart helps to track the wells that can be improved further to increase the water level. This paper presents the study of estimation of appropriate sites to be given importance and the rate of water level depletion to be controlled, which also helps to select a site suitable for artificial restoration by targeting groundwater potential zones.

Originality/value

This paper gives an outlook idea of wells that can be improved and the area that should be given more attention. Analyzing water level depletion helps to identify a suitable site for groundwater restoration using a remote sensing and geographical information system. These measures help the government and public sectors for proper planning and management of natural resources.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 57 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2021

Saba Gharehdash, Bre-Anne Louise Sainsbury, Milad Barzegar, Igor B. Palymskiy and Pavel A. Fomin

This research study aims to develop regular cylindrical pore network models (RCPNMs) to calculate topology and geometry properties of explosively created fractures along with…

250

Abstract

Purpose

This research study aims to develop regular cylindrical pore network models (RCPNMs) to calculate topology and geometry properties of explosively created fractures along with their resulting hydraulic permeability. The focus of the investigation is to define a method that generates a valid geometric and topologic representation from a computational modelling point of view for explosion-generated fractures in rocks. In particular, extraction of geometries from experimentally validated Eulerian smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ESPH) approach, to avoid restrictions for image-based computational methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-dimensional stabilized ESPH solution is required to model explosively created fracture networks, and the accuracy of developed ESPH is qualitatively and quantitatively examined against experimental observations for both peak detonation pressures and crack density estimations. SPH simulation domain is segmented to void and solid spaces using a graphical user interface, and the void space of blasted rocks is represented by a regular lattice of spherical pores connected by cylindrical throats. Results produced by the RCPNMs are compared to three pore network extraction algorithms. Thereby, once the accuracy of RCPNMs is confirmed, the absolute permeability of fracture networks is calculated.

Findings

The results obtained with RCPNMs method were compared with three pore network extraction algorithms and computational fluid dynamics method, achieving a more computational efficiency regarding to CPU cost and a better geometry and topology relationship identification, in all the cases studied. Furthermore, a reliable topology data that does not have image-based pore network limitations, and the effect of topological disorder on the computed absolute permeability is minor. However, further research is necessary to improve the interpretation of real pore systems for explosively created fracture networks.

Practical implications

Although only laboratory cylindrical rock specimens were tested in the computational examples, the developed approaches are applicable for field scale and complex pore network grids with arbitrary shapes.

Originality/value

It is often desirable to develop an integrated computational method for hydraulic conductivity of explosively created fracture networks which segmentation of fracture networks is not restricted to X-ray images, particularly when topologic and geometric modellings are the crucial parts. This research study provides insight to the reliable computational methods and pore network extraction algorithm selection processes, as well as defining a practical framework for generating reliable topological and geometrical data in a Eulerian SPH setting.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 38 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Yun Tae Kim, Ba-Phu Nguyen and Dae-Ho Yun

It is well-known that consolidation rate of prefabricated vertical drain (PVD)-installed ground is closely related to the discharge capacity of PVD, which decreases with an…

Abstract

Purpose

It is well-known that consolidation rate of prefabricated vertical drain (PVD)-installed ground is closely related to the discharge capacity of PVD, which decreases with an increase in effective stress. This paper aims to present consolidation behaviors of PVD-improved ground considering a varied discharge capacity of PVD.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple equivalent vertical hydraulic conductivity (k′ve method) was proposed in plane strain numerical analysis, in which the effect of decreased discharge capacity with depth was considered. Numerical analysis was applied to analyze field behaviors of test embankment of soft mucky deposit.

Findings

Finite element method results indicated that consolidation behaviors of PVD-improved soil with a nonlinear distribution of discharge capacity with depth were in a good agreement with the observed field behaviors, compared with those with a constant discharge capacity and a linear distribution of discharge capacity. At a given time and depth, the consolidation rate in the case of discharge capacity with a nonlinear distribution is lower than that of a linear or constant distribution.

Practical implications

A geotechnical engineer could use the proposed method to predict consolidation behaviors of drainage-installed ground.

Originality/value

Consolidation behaviors of PVD-installed ground could be reasonably predicted by using the proposed method with considering effect of discharge capacity reduction.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 May 2019

Leila Mechkarini, Tahar Messafer, Abderrahim Bali and Kamel Silhadi

Prediction models for the unsaturated permeability proposed in the literature are numerous. However, a model may give a good result for a sample of a given soil when it may give a…

Abstract

Purpose

Prediction models for the unsaturated permeability proposed in the literature are numerous. However, a model may give a good result for a sample of a given soil when it may give a bad result for another sample belonging to the same type of soil. This showed that the choice of a model to complete the permeability curve in the unsaturated state is complex. To facilitate such studies, this paper aims to present a help system capable of defining the mathematical model to the user that best represents the permeability of the soil.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have detailed the difficulties in determining the correct value of kuns from a thorough bibliographic study. To develop this idea, the authors took real examples, to which they applied mathematical models and then compared their results with those of the bibliographic study. Knowledge structuring in the form of classes, rules and functions. Implementation of the data in generator of help system Kappa-pc. validation of results.

Findings

An aid tool was developed for the evaluation of unsaturated soils permeability using Brooks and Corey (1964) and Leong and Rahardjo (1997) models, which are known for their effectiveness and ease of application. This system will also evaluate these two methods using estimation models of saturated permeability [Dane and Pocket (1992), Terzaghi (1981) and laboratory data]. This system allows the evaluation of unsaturated permeability by the aforementioned two models, makes comparison between these two models, classifies them and proposes the model presenting the best result.

Originality/value

This aid system is able to compare results of different models of prediction of the hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated soils according to several criteria (suction, degree of saturation, plasticity index, models of estimation of the permeability to the soil, saturated state, particle size, etc.). It can also deduce the model that best adapts to a given soil. This aid system will be of great use for geotechnical engineers and researchers in the field.

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