How to Calculate and Solve for Permeability | Hydrology II

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

The image above represents permeability. To calculate permeability, five essential parameters are needed, and these parameters are Shape factor (C), Diameter of soil grains (D), Specific weight of water (γw), Dynamic viscosity of fluid (η) and Void ratio (e).

The formula for calculating permeability:

k = ^CD²γ_we³ / _{η(1 + e)}

Where:

k = Permeability
C = Shape Factor
D = Diameter of Soil Grains
γ_w = Specific Weight of Water
η = Dynamic Viscosity of Fluid
e = Void Ratio

Let’s solve an example;
Find the permeability when the shape factor is 8, diameter of soil grains is 2, specific weight of water is 4, dynamic viscosity of fluid is 12 and void ratio is 3.

This implies that;

C = Shape Factor = 8
D = Diameter of Soil Grains = 2
γ_w = Specific Weight of Water = 4
η = Dynamic Viscosity of Fluid = 12
e = Void Ratio = 3

k = ^CD²γ_we³ / _{η(1 + e)}
k = ^{(8)(2)²(4)(3)³} / _{(12)(1 + 3)}
Then, k = ^{(8)(4)(4)(27)} / _(12)(4)
k = ³⁴⁵⁶ / ₄₈
k = 72

Therefore, the permeability is 72.

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Seepage Velocity | Hydrology II

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the permeability.

How to Calculate Permeability Using Nickzom Calculator

To get the answer and workings of the permeability using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 2,000 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Agricultural under Engineering.

Now, Click on Hydrology II under Agricultural

Now, Click on Permeability under Hydrology II

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the permeability according to the respective parameters which is the Shape factor (C), Diameter of soil grains (D), Specific weight of water (γ_w), Dynamic viscosity of fluid (η) and Void ratio (e).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Shape factor (C) is 8, Diameter of soil grains (D) is 2, Specific weight of water (γ_w) is 4, Dynamic viscosity of fluid (η) is 12 and Void ratio (e) is 3.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the permeability and presents the formula, workings and steps too.