Date of Award
12-1-1995
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. in Engineering Science
Department
Engineering Science
First Advisor
Dr. S.N. Prasad
Second Advisor
N. B. Aughenbaugh
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Currently, researchers are trying to understand the processes involved with infiltration in fractured rock and shrink/swell soils. Historically, the problem has been approached from ideal conditions to describe the processes occurring in the matrix mass. This research attempts to show the impact of crack surfaces on the ponding time and infiltration rate with a Sharkey silty clay, near level phase soil.
The experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions using a rainfall simulator providing a rainfall intensity of 30 mm/hr. TDR water probes were used to monitor the movement of the wetting front, a scale monitored the infiltration rate, and changes in surface features were monitored by a laser system. During each test run, the sediment and runoff water was monitored by catchment on the downslope of the sample.
This research provides answers to some of the questions concerning the processes of infiltration in crack surfaces and posses several questions for future research projects in this area. An important conclusion from this research is the recurrence of crack networks in swelling soils, the operative feature in the soil which allows transport of solutes and pollutants.
Recommended Citation
Wells, Robert Ray, "Effect of cracks on rain infiltration in a Mississippi Delta clay soil" (1995). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3451.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3451