Site investigation · Laboratory: strength & consolidation

Permeability (constant / falling head) calculator

Hydraulic conductivity from constant- or falling-head tests, corrected to 20 °C.

Standard: AS 1289.6.7.1 / 6.7.2 · Darcy

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Inputs in the worked example

The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.

InputValueUnit
TestFalling head
Sample length L11.6cm
Sample area A81.1cm²
Constant: volume collected Q350cm³
Constant: head difference h60cm
Time t900s
Falling: standpipe area a0.785cm²
Falling: initial head h1120cm
Falling: final head h280cm
Water temperature22°C

Worked example — results

ResultValueUnit
k at 22 °C5.06e-7m/s
k204.82e-7m/s
Descriptionlow (silty sand / silt)
Hydraulic gradient i8.62
0200400600800020406080100120time (s)head (cm)
Diagram for the worked example

Method, formulas and assumptions

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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.