Seepage Flow Rate 1

[pelelo]

(EDITED)

Engineers,

We all know that when performing a seepage analysis (manually, using flow nets), the total seepage flow under the structure is computed as q = k x hL x Nf / Ne x L, where L is the length of the structure perpendicular to the working sheet.

So for example, if we have a sheet pile wall being installed on an embankment (for the purpose of increasing the seepage path), if such wall is 1000 ft long, q is computed using L = 1000 ft.

In case we have an excavation on an embankment, excavation will be performed using sheet piles (1000 ft long) and at the bottom, pumps will be installed every 200 ft to decrease the flow under the embankment. At the same time, sheet piles will be driven beyond the bottom of the excavation to increase the seepage path was well.

What L value would you consider to compute the flow rate based on q = k x hL x Nf / Ne x L?. In this case we have 2 Length (L) values : 1000 ft for the sheet pile wall and 200 ft for the pumps.

Please let me know your thoughts.

(EDITED)

 

[oldestguy]

Hey: I think you are confusing your language as to seepage. This is stated twice.

"(for the purpose of decreasing the seepage path),"
You want to increase the flow path.

 

[pelelo]

Thanks a lot for the correction oldestguy. I am going to edit the original question.