An analysis of the percolation test based on three-dimensional saturated-unsaturated flow from a cylindrical test hole
1986
ELRICK, DAVID E. | Reynolds, W. Daniel
The percolation test is commonly used to determine site suitability and filter field design for on-site wastewater treatment facilities. As now practiced, however, the test is neither standardized nor scientifically sound. The test hole radius, the depth of water in the hole, and the measurement procedure vary widely within and between jurisdictions; and more importantly, the present interpretation of the percolation test does not take into account the capillarity component of flow in unsaturated soils.This paper presents a new analysis of the percolation test, based on three-dimensional, saturated-unsaturated flow theory. It accounts for capillarity, hole radius, and water depth, and it explains much of the anomalous behavior previously observed in percolation rates.The new analysis identifies the field-saturated hydraulic conductivity and the matric flux potential, rather than the percolation rate, as the main soil hydraulic properties relevant to determining site suitability and filter field design.Procedures are suggested for determining the field-saturated hydraulic conductivity and matric flux potential, and for dealing with spatial variability.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library