Confined Flow through Soils : The Method of Fragments Approach

This book offers a simple seepage solution method for practising geotechnical engineers. It outlines the background and fundamentals of seepage analysis, covers the method of fragments (MoF) for problems in the Cartesian plane, and extends this from plane flow to axisymmetric problems. Permeability principles and laboratory and empirical methods for determination of permeability are set out, followed by flow nets in both isotropic and anisotropic cases, seepage force, and critical hydraulic gradient. MoF solutions for double-walled and axisymmetric cofferdams are then presented, and guidance is given on the implementation of the MoF in a spreadsheet for determining flow rates and exit hydraulic gradients. Further, simple seepage solutions are presented for three-dimensional flow scenarios associated with square and rectangular cofferdams, as well as selected underground engineering applications, such as underground mine stopes. The findings have been validated extensively using numerical models and laboratory models. This book suits practising engineers, hydrologists, and researchers needing simple methods to compute flow rates and exit hydraulic gradients in seepage problems, especially cofferdams.