How Fast Does Water Travel through Soils?
Students explore the properties of permeability to discover how fast water travels through soilsCopyright D4K Dialogue for Kids, Idaho Public Television
http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season11/salmon/teachers06.cfm
Students measure the permeability of different types of soils, compare results and realize the importance of size, voids and density in permeability response.
Civil and geotechnical engineers design and build permeameters to measure the k-value of soils in the laboratory as well as in the field. The measuring process has become more and more accurate as modern tools are improved upon. Mechatronic tools, such as ultrasonic sensors, allow for a better reading of water collected and minimize measurement error.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Measure the values of permeability in soils, k, through a basic laboratory model.
- Describe water flow in soils.
- Outline the applications of water flow models in practice engineering.
- Identify variables affecting permeability, such as particle size, porosity and compaction.