Steady state flow of groundwater through non-homogeneous multi-zoned porous media-the use of the finite element method

摘要

One of the major problems in geotechnical engineering is the assessment of the flow of liquids through ground porous media. It is essential to estimate the quantity, rate of flow and pressures of ground liquids in the design of substructures, earth retaining and other structures that are in direct contact with soil strata. For this purpose, an interface programme was developed for the solution of confined and unconfined steady state fluid flow through ground media. This programme utilizes the "Steady State Heat Transfer" analysis capabilities found in most multipurpose Finite Element Packages to simulate seepage. It also uses mesh generation techniques to facilitate the determination of the free surface profile in an unconfined flow analysis.