Fractal Model for Flow through Saturated Soils

Abstract

A fractal model for hydraulic conductivity of soils is presented. Based on similarities between fluid flow and propagation of electromagnetic field through soils, a parallel set of expressions is developed for hydraulic conductivity and dielectric dispersion. The models are expressed in terms of the same fractal model parameters that describe the soil structure. Dielectric dispersion data are used to predict the internal structure of the soil. The predicted fractal parameters are used to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the soil. The predicted hydraulic conductivity compares well with experimental data for kaolinite and montmorillonite. The influence of the differences in internal microstructure of the soil on the hydraulic conductivity is discussed. Potential application of the fractal concept to study soil behavior and for site characterization purposes is presented.