Improving permeability tests, pumping tests and predictive methods

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In recent years the applicant has developed or improved several methods to interpret permeability tests, pumping tests, and reliable methods to predict the hydraulic properties of soils. Forty journal papers were published from 2002 to 2007. Two ASTM standards were proven to be based on wrong theories: one was not renewed; the other is presently being rewritten by the applicant at the request of ASTM. Two other standards will be modified soon to include (at ASTM's request) certain quality control methods developed by the applicant. This research work will be continued by investigating original paths that are presently theoretical in nature, but will rapidly have practical applications. The long term objective is to improve the reliability of methods to determine groundwater parameters. One PhD student (D1) will study pumping tests under the influence of other pumping wells, which complicates transient interpretation methods. Two master's students (M1, M2) will investigate the inverse problem of finding the best saturated-unsaturated hydraulic functions for pumping tests in unconfined and semi-confined aquifers. Another PhD student (D2) will continue to study how pore pressure waves propagate, with complex mathematical developments. One master's student (M3) will study permeability tests in monitoring wells spanning the water table. One master's student (M4) will examine how the lag time of a clay layer (whcih is influenced by upper and lower boundary conditions) may influence the local data of slug tests and pulse tests. One PhD student (D3) will develop new methods to define protection areas around wells in unconfined aquifers, with realistic conditions for net infiltration and regional gradients. One master's student (M5) will try to establish a realistic method to predict the capillary retention curve from physical properties such as gradation and porosity. One PhD student (D4) will develop an equivalent to the Kozeny-Carman equation but with due consideration to anisotropy and modifications of the internal structure due to compaction. It is therefore proposed to train 9 students (4 PhDs and 5 masters) in groundwater engineering.