Applied research using a transparent material with hydraulic properties similar to soil

An innovative material, transparent soil, was used to study flow from a pre fabricated vertical drain (PVD). Transparent soil is a mixture of mineral o il, solvent, and amorphous silica. Before using the material to study PVD f low patterns, testing was completed to verify previously published values f or hydraulic conductivity and porosity. The results of the independent test ing matched the published results well. Experiments using scaled-down and f ull-size PVDs were completed in cells with diameters ranging from 10.2 to 3 0.0 cm, respectively. The results of these tests compared favorably to thes e obtained using an electrical analog and a mathematical model. The transpa rent soil was an acceptable representation of soil; however, degradations i n transparency can be a problem in larger samples. Some other difficulties in using transparent soil, such as finding acceptable sealants and preventi ng dying of the silica particles, are discussed. In addition, recommended a reas of continued research are presented.