1. What is Discharge given Hydraulic Gradient Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the discharge from dams built on soft foundations based on soil permeability, water head, equipotential lines, and number of beds.

Purpose: It helps civil engineers determine water flow rates through dam foundations for proper design and safety assessment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q_t \) — Discharge from dam (m³/s)
• \( k \) — Coefficient of permeability of soil (m/s)
• \( H_{water} \) — Head of water (m)
• \( N \) — Number of equipotential lines
• \( B \) — Number of beds between potential drops

Explanation: The formula calculates seepage flow rate through the dam foundation based on Darcy's law and flow net principles.

3. Importance of Discharge Calculation

Details: Accurate discharge estimation helps prevent piping failure, ensures foundation stability, and maintains dam safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter soil permeability, water head, equipotential lines count, number of beds, and tolerance percentage (default ±5%).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical permeability for soft foundations?
A: Clay soils range from 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁷ m/s, silts 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁵ m/s, and fine sands 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴ m/s.

Q2: How is the tolerance percentage used?
A: It provides a ± range around the calculated value to account for measurement uncertainties and natural variability.

Q3: What affects the number of equipotential lines?
A: It depends on the flow net geometry, with more lines indicating more detailed analysis of potential drops.

Q4: When would I adjust the number of beds?
A: Different foundation layer configurations require adjusting this parameter to match actual subsurface conditions.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a theoretical estimate; field measurements and more detailed modeling may be needed for critical applications.

Discharge given Hydraulic Gradient Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025