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Effect of the method for determining pore size distribution on pbkp_rediction of the hydraulic conductivity function and of infiltration

Abstract:

Water desorption and mercury intrusion methods were used to characterize the pore size distribution of a sand, and the hydraulic conductivity-water content function, K(ø), was calculated therefrom. When used as input to an infiltration simulation model, the K(ø) function obtained from the water desorption method resulted in a better pbkp_rediction of the actual wetting profiles than did the K(ø) from mercury intrusion. However, the results of the latter method could be made to match those of the former by use of an empirical correction factor. It appears, therefore, that the mercury intrusion method, which offers the advantage of rapidity, can be helpful in characterizing soil hydraulic behavior only if its results are appropriately adjusted. © 1982 The Williams & Wilkins Co.