Analysis of Slug Tests to Determine Hydraulic Conductivity of Vertical Cutoff Walls

Abstract

The primary contribution made in this research is to develop two new methods to evaluate hydraulic conductivity in a cutoff wall considering the compressibility of the backfill material and the proximity of the wall boundaries to the well. One of the new methods involves a series of type curves that takes into account the compressibility of the backfill, overall effect of narrow wall boundaries, and eccentricity of the well intake section. The second new method is a modified curve fitting method, which employs a linear curve fitting method such as the Bouwer and Rice method, a modified effective radius, and a reduction factor. Both of these new methods provide a more rigorous and accurate estimate of hydraulic conductivity compared to previously available methods. Both new methods are practical and easy to use.