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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
07:15
Parameterizing V-notch Weir Equations for Flow Monitoring in a Drainage Control Structure
Published on: April 25, 2025
Seepage face height, water table position, and well efficiency at steady state
Djaouida Chenaf1, Robert P Chapuis
1Department of Civil Engineering, Royal Military College, Stn. Forces, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. chenaf-d@rmc.ca
Ground Water
|March 6, 2007
Summary
A seepage face within a pumping well is crucial for assessing aquifer performance. Its position is largely unaffected by unsaturated zone properties, enabling accurate predictions for well efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Hydrogeology
- Groundwater flow modeling
Background:
- Pumping wells in unconfined aquifers create a seepage face, impacting well performance evaluation.
- Understanding the seepage face is critical for accurate groundwater resource management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the seepage face in a pumping well under steady-state conditions.
- To develop predictive equations for seepage face position and water table behavior.
- To provide practical guidance for well installation and efficiency assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the finite-element method to solve saturated and unsaturated flow equations.
- Investigated the influence of unsaturated zone properties on seepage face location.
- Validated numerical results against analytical approximations.
Main Results:
- The seepage face position is predominantly independent of unsaturated zone characteristics.
- Developed equations accurately predict seepage face position and water table levels.
- Numerical simulations confirmed the validity of analytical approximations.
Conclusions:
- The seepage face is a key, predictable factor in well performance.
- Proposed equations offer reliable tools for hydrogeological assessments.
- Findings aid in optimizing well design and monitoring strategies.
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