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Determination of hydraulic conductivity in crushed Bandelier Tuff

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5798167· OSTI ID:5798167

The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in a sample of crushed Bandelier Tuff was evaluated using volumetric pressure plate extractors. The total impedance of the tuff sample is determined from the experimental outflow data for each pressure step applied. The determination of the membrane impedance is not compulsory and the varying contact impedances are taken into account at each different pressure step. The results show that predictions of saturation ratios can be made based on knowledge of matric potentials just as predictions of hydraulic conductivities can be made based on knowledge of either matric potentials or saturation ratios. They are highly significant at the equivalent of a matric potential lower than -10 kPa. These results are then compared to those obtained by means of the predictive methods promoted by Campbell and Millington-Quirk using moisture retention data.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
5798167
Report Number(s):
LA-8147-MS
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English