Evaluation of Deep Pumping Tests
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 115, Issue 5
Abstract
A previously described finite element model for analyzing the effects of pumping and recovery in deep aquifers has been implemented on a micro‐computer. The system includes the effects of leaky aquifers, wellbore storage, skin effects at the well, and single or multiple impervious or recharge boundaries. The recovery of pressure following the cessation of flow into the well is plotted against an inverse function of time (θ). The shape of the curve can be related to values of the parameters describing the hydrogeologic properties. By iteratively modifying the parameters of the model, the engineer can develop a representation of a porous soil or rock layer that is consistent with the results of the pumping tests. Examples show how each parameter affects the calculated results. Applying the model to three sets of tests in deep rock formations shows that consistent results are obtained but that the match between the field data and the computed results is sometimes quite approximate. Nevertheless, the model gives rapid and useful insight into the hydrogeological properties of geotechnical media.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Carslaw, H. S., and Jaeger, J. C. (1959). Conduction of heat in solids, Oxford University Press, London, England.
2.
Christian, J. T., and Tripp, D. W. (1987). “Finite element micro‐computer well drawdown system.” J. Comp. in Civ. Engrg., ASCE, 113(3), 143–161.
3.
Cooper, H. H., Jr., and Jacob, C. E. (1946). “A generalized graphical method for evaluating formation constants and summarizing well field history.” Transactions, American Geophysical Union, 27, 526–534.
4.
Freeze, R. A., and Cherry, J. A. (1979). Groundwater, Prentice‐Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
5.
Harrill, J. R. (1970). “Determining transmissivity from water‐level recovery of a step‐drawdown test.” U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper No. 700‐C, C212–C213.
6.
Theis, C. V. (1953). “The relation between the lowering of the piezometer surface and the rate and duration of the discharge of a well using groundwater storage.” Transactions, American Geophysical Union, 2, 519–524.
7.
Wilton, D. E., and Picking, L. W. (1985). “Analysis of pumping test data—Sawyer no. 1 and Mansfield no. 1 wells.” Report E512‐05000‐T39, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation Report, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 ASCE.
History
Published online: May 1, 1989
Published in print: May 1989
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.