Equipment for Engineering Education

Experiment Instructions
HM 169 Drainage and Seepage Tank

G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH PO. Box 1125 D-22881 Barsbttel Germany Phone (040) 670854-0 Fax (040) 670854-42

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

Experiment Instructions

Please read and follow the instructions before the first installation!

Publication-No.:

917.000 00 A 169 12

03/99

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

Table of Contents
1 2
2.1 2.2
03/99

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Description of the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Start-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 Filling with Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Adjust Water Supply and Overflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Filling and Injecting the Dye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.3 2.4

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

3
3.1 3.2

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Risk for Unit and Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4
4.1

Theoretical Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.2 Flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Flow Field, Flow Lines, Equipotential Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Seepage Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.2.1 Streamlines of a Pile Retaining Wall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.2.1.1 Preparing the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.2.1.2 Performing the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.2.2 Determining a Flow Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.2.3 4.2.4 Pressure distribution with a retaining wall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Stream Lines through an Earth Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

4.2.5 4.2.6

Pressure Distribution on a Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Pressure on a Bulkhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.2.6.1 Preparing the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4.2.6.2 Performing the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.2.7 Flow lines of a Drainage Ditch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

5
5.1 5.2
03/99

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Symbols and Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

5.3

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

Introduction The HM 169 Drainage & Seepage Tank is used to illustrate two-dimensional flow through permeable substances. Different models can be placed in the transparent work area. The unit is equipped with a pump and a tank and can be operated independent of the water supply. Connection to a power supply is required.

03/99

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

A contrast medium (dye) is injected into the (sand) bed through fine injection nozzles. The transparent front panel of the work area is ideal for viewing the streamlines that are produced. The pressure distribution can also be determined via the 14 pressure measuring points and manometer board. The unit includes two adjustable overflow tubes, a water tank and two filter plates, which are used to keep the sections of the work area free from sand, soil, etc. A pile retaining wall is included as a model. It is also possible to determine the pressure distribution at a model foundation and bulkhead. The unit is designed for use by students in practical laboratory experiments as well as for demonstration purposes. Following subjects can be examined using this unit: Illustration of flow using permeable substances Streamlines under a pile retaining wall Streamlines through an earth bank

1 Introduction

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

Drainage to an open ditch Determination of the pressure distribution at a foundation Determination of the pressure distribution at a bulkhead Determination of flow field in permeable media

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

1 Introduction

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

2 2.1

Description of the Unit Design

7 11 10 9 14 8 11 2

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

16

Bottom of pan: Cover for replacing sand

12

15

13

Fig. 2.1

Design

2 Description of the Unit

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

Parts:
03/99

Frame (1) Pan with transparent glass plate (2) Tank (3) Centrifugal pump (4) Pump switch (5) Overflow tube (6) Inlet (7) Manometer board (8) Supply tank for contrast medium (9) Injection lances for contrast medium (10) Filter plate (11) Discharge cock (12) Drainage valve (13) Valves for contrast medium (14) Inlet valve (15) Pressure measuring points (16)

2.2 Function

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

The centrifugal pump (4) conveys water from the tank (3) through the inlet (7) and into the pan (2). The output can be adjusted using the inlet valve (15). The water level in the pan (2) is adjusted with two overflow tubes (6) which return the water to the tank (3). The two filter plates (11) can be used to keep areas of the pan (2) free of sand or other substances. Fourteen pressure measuring points (16) are located on the back of the unit, which are connected to a manometer board (8) with piezo tubes to show the distribution of pressure.

2 Description of the Unit

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

The contrast medium flows from the supply tank (9) through hoses and into the three injection lances (10). The flow can be controlled with the contrast medium valves (14). The tank (2) can be emptied using the discharge cock (12). A drainage valve (13) is also provided for the pan. The sand can be easily replaced by unscrewing the cover on the bottom of the pan. Ensure that the sand is collected in a suitable container.
03/99

2.3

Start-up Place unit on a flat, even, stable surface. Engage the roller brakes. Fill tank (3) with clean, clear freshwater (ca. 90 liter). Before filling, ensure that the discharge cock (12) is shut. Replace tank cover. Ensure that the drainage valve (13) is shut. Connect power supply to the pump (4). (230 V DC / 50 Hz)

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

2.4 2.4.1 Operation Filling with Sand -

Use the filter plates (11) to separate the areas that are not to be filled with sand. The unit is equipped with slides that can be moved on tracks. The filter plates can be clamped in place and can be positioned anywhere within the work area. Fill pan with sand. Use washed sand. The grain size should not exceed 1 mm.

2 Description of the Unit

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

2.4.2

Adjust Water Supply and Overflow Adjust overflow tubes (6). The overflow tubes can be moved in their tracks. If they become difficult or stiff to move, turn while pulling. Set the pump (4) with the pump switch (5). Adjust flow rate with the inlet valve (15).

2.4.3
03/99

Filling and Injecting the Dye For good results, dilute the dye (included) at a ratio of 1:5. Shut contrast medium valves (14). Fill supply tank (9) 2/3 full with diluted dye. Insert injection lances (10) about 10 mm into the sand bed. The contrast medium should be injected into the sand as close as possible to the transparent glass plate. The injection lances are held in riders and can be fixed in place if required. Open the contrast medium valves (14) slightly and wait until dye flows from the lances. If no acceptable streamlines should form, adjust valve openings (14). If required, it is also possible to adjust the height of the supply tank (9).

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

14

10

Rider

Injection lance

Glass plate

Sand Fig. 2.2 Supply tank with injection lances

Depending on the type of sand, the formation of streamlines can take a few minutes to several hours.

2 Description of the Unit

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

2.4.4

Maintenance and Care Thought the dye can be washed from textiles, it adheres to aluminium, steel and plastics. Remove dye from the unit as quickly as possible with water. Flush injection lances with clear water after use: Remove dye from the supply tank and fill with fresh water. Allow water to flow through the lances until the liquid runs clear. After operation has ended, drain water from the pan (2). Pull the overflow tubes (6) downwards until the top of the tubes is approximately at the same level as the base of the pan. Caution! Do not remove overflow tubes completely from their guides. Connect hose to the drainage valve (13) and open valve. Collect water in a suitable container. To avoid the formation of algae, replace water in the tank (3) regularly. The tank water can be drained via the discharge cock (12).

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

2 Description of the Unit

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

3 3.1

Safety Instructions Safety DANGER! Protect pump and electrical lines from spraying water! Risk of electrical shock.

3.2

Risk for Unit and Function ATTENTION! Operate unit only with supervision! Possible leaks can result in the risk of overflow. ATTENTION! Secure unit against rolling! Engage roller brakes. ATTENTION! Never operate pump without water! Dry running can result in damage to the pump. ATTENTION! Fill tank with clean water only! Ensure that no foreign matter can enter the tank! Foreign matter can enter the pump and cause damage. ATTENTION! Do not use sand with grain size less than 1 mm! Ensure that no sand can enter the tank! ATTENTION! Store the water-filled test unit in frost-free area! ATTENTION! Clean painted parts only with solvent-free cleaning agents!

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

3 Safety Instructions

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

The test unit is designed for operation in dry, covered areas.

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

3 Safety Instructions

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

4 4.1 4.1.1

Theoretical Principles Definitions Flow The Flow of water through porous media is dependent on the following influencing variables:
Supply Piezo tubes Dh Discharge DL

Cross-section of flow Permeability coefficient Slope Length of the path of flow. h L

03/99

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

The Flow is expressed mathematically as follows:

Q=AK

(4.1)

Q: Flow in m3/h
Sand-filled cylinder Cross-section of flow Fig. 4.1 A

A: Cross-section in m2 K: Permeability coefficient in m3/(m2h) h: Slope in m L: Length of path of flow in m The permeability coefficient is dependent on the type of sand used.

Flow through a permeable medium

4.1.2

Flow Field, Flow Lines, Equipotential Lines A flow field is the graphic illustration of a (water) flow through permeable media such as sand. It provides information on the seepage of water through dams and retaining walls, or about the pressure affecting the dam bottom, etc. The path taken by a water particle during seepage through a porous medium is called a flow line.

4 Theoretical Principles

10

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

The prerequisite for the flow from one location to another is a slope between the two locations. The higher water level obtains a potential energy that is converted into kinetic energy by the flow of water to the lower level. The sand hinders the flow of water, which can be recorded as energy opposite to the water flow (similar to friction, in mechanics). According to Fig. 4.2, water seeps from Basin I to Basin II beneath a pile retaining wall, with each water particle taking a different path. Assuming that the water level and the bottom of the basins are horizontal, each water particle has the same potential when entering at the bottom. This also applies when reaching the bottom of Basin II.
I

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

II

a1

b1 Equipotential lines dm ax dF ay ds by dF bx

b2 B Flow lines A

a2

Fig. 4.2

Flow field under a retaining wall

Two flow lines, A and B, are shown in Fig. 4.2. The lines that join two points with the same potential on different flow lines are called equipotential lines. The equipotential lines always run vertically to the streamlines. According to Fig. 4.2 the points a1 and

4 Theoretical Principles

11

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

b1 have the same potentials. The same applies to ax, bx and ay, by and a2, b2. The graphic illustration of flow lines and equipotential lines is called the flow field. The fact that the equipotential lines and the streamlines intersect at a right angle is an important aspect and can be explained visually as follows: Just as the course of a river normally takes the steepest route, water flows between equipotential lines along the so-called maximum gradients. The gradient is defined as the potential difference between two equipotential lines divided by the interval between the two lines. In the case of two parallel lines the maximum gradient would be on a line that is vertical to the two equipotential lines, that is, at the shortest distance. An infinite number of adjacent but non-parallel equipotential lines would result in flow lines as shown in Fig. 4.2. 4.1.3 Seepage Flow A specific quantity of water which flow from one location to another per time unit and length is called seepage flow (mathematically designated as Q, cf. Chap. 4.1.1). The quantity of water that seeps through the area (limited by the streamlines a1a2 and b1b2) also passes through the area dF (which is limited by axay and bxby). The seepage flow per length unit is designated here as dq. This results in the following (cf. Fig. 4.2):

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

dq = K dm

dh ds

(4.2)

The decrease in potential dh between two equipotential lines is the only unknown value in this case. If the equipotential lines are selected so that the surface area dF approximates a square, the di-

4 Theoretical Principles

12

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

stance dm is approximately the same as ds. This results in the following:

dq = K dh
The following applies to dF:

(4.3)

dq = K dh

(4.4)

The Flow through dF must be as great as through dF: dq = dq

03/99

(4.5)

As a consequence of (4.3) and (4.4) it is: dh = dh (4.6)

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

The strips between two specific flow lines is divided into n number of "rectangles", where the corners form right angles and the sides are approximately equal. The values for dh must all be equal. Dividing h by n results in dh:

dh =

h n

(4.7)

The division into squares is advantageous. It is also possible to divide them into "normal" rectangles if they all have the same dm/ds ratio. When dm/ds = c this results in the following:

dq = K c dh dq = K c dh

(4.8) (4.9)

4 Theoretical Principles

13

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

4.2 4.2.1 4.2.1.1

Inlet

Experiments Streamlines of a Pile Retaining Wall Preparing the Experiment

Retaining wall

Fill supply tank with contrast medium Position filter plates near the overflow tubes (Fig. 4.3). Place the model of the retaining wall into the center of the pan. This divides the pan into a left and right basin. The model is attached to the pan with a clamping device, similar to the filter plates. There should be an interval of about 120 mm between the base of the pan and the bottom of the retaining wall. Push overflow tubes upwards completely. Fill the pan with sand. Approximately 300 mm of sand should fill the pan (measured from the base). Adjust the left overflow tube so that the top is about 100 mm below the bottom of the pan. Adjust the right overflow tube so that the top is about 20 mm above the surface of the sand. Fasten the inlet to the pan to the right of the retaining wall.

Filter plate

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

Overflow tube Fig. 4.3 Set-up: retaining wall

Clamping device

Retaining wall

Fig. 4.4

Attachment of model

4 Theoretical Principles

14

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

4.2.1.2

Performing the Experiment Start pump and let water flow slowly into the right basin (control with inlet valve). When the right basin is full (water is running into the overflow tube), fill the left basin. Adjust the incoming flow so that the water level remains constant. Smooth any uneven areas on the base bed. Insert the injection lances about 10 mm into the sand bed. Open the contrast medium valve. If the forming streamlines are too wide, the valves must be shut slightly. If too little or no dye is released, the valves must be opened.

03/99

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

4.2.2

Determining a Flow Field The flow lines from the experiment described above are used to determine a flow field. Attach transparent paper to the glass. Use a pen to trace the outline of the sand bed and the flow lines on the paper. Draw rectangles between the streamline pairs. From these rectangles, develop the equipotential lines over the entire flow field. The equipotential lines must intersect the flow lines at right angles. Interpolate additional flow lines between the experimental flow lines so that a rectangular network is created with the equipotential lines.

The seepage rate dq can be determined using the equations from Chap. 4.1.3.

4 Theoretical Principles

15

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

4.2.3

Pressure distribution with a retaining wall The pressure distribution can be illustrated using the manometer board. The 14 pressure measuring points are distributed and numbered evenly along the length of the pan. The example of the retaining wall shows clearly that the pressure decreases in the direction of flow.

4.2.4
03/99

Stream Lines through an Earth Bank An earth bank is set up in the pan according to Fig. 4.5. The injection lances are inserted in the side facing the higher water level. The top injection lance should be positioned as closely as possible to the water level. Flow lines similar to Fig. 4.6 will form. The topmost flow line represents the water level in the dam. Care must be taken to ensure that every flow line is vertical with respect to the surface facing the high water (equipotential line).

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

Fig. 4.5

Streamlines through an earth bank

4.2.5

Pressure Distribution on a Foundation The preparation of the experiment is similar to that described in Chap. 4.2.1. In addition, the model "foundation pressure" is then also included in the experiment set-up according to Fig. 4.6. The top of the right overflow tube should be at the same level as the top of the foundation panel. The model must lie horizontally on the sand bed and be placed directly along the retaining wall. Any gaps between the retaining wall and "foundation" must be sealed with a thin rubber mat. It is possible to illustrate the distribution of pressure at the foundation using the model tubes. The retaining wall is then set deeper, which shows that the pressure on the foundation is decreasing.

4 Theoretical Principles

16

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

Lengthening or shortening the streamlines has a direct influence on the distribution of pressure. This is often used to reduce pressure on the foundation structures.
Model: foundation pressure Retaining wall position 1 Pressure distribution 2 Pressure distribution 1

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

Flow lines 1

Flow lines 2 Retaining wall position 2 Fig. 4.6 Foundation pressure with various streamlines

4.2.6 4.2.6.1

Pressure on a Bulkhead Preparing the Experiment The experiment is set up according to Fig. 4.7. Fasten the model "bulkhead" in the centre of the pan. An interval of about 90 mm should be maintained between the base of the pan and the bulkhead. Fill the space between the two filter plates with sand according to Fig. 4.7. The surface of the sand bed should be about 100 mm below the top of the pan.

4 Theoretical Principles

17

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

Filter plate

Filter plate Model: bulkhead

Sand bed Pressure without drainage

03/99

Pressure with drainage Pressure with drainage

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

Fig. 4.7

Experiment set-up: bulkhead

Adjust the left overflow tube. The top of the overflow tube should be about 50 mm below the surface of the sand. Adjust the right overflow tube. The top of the tube should be about 10 mm above the base of the pan.

4.2.6.2

Performing the Experiment Slowly fill the left basin with water.

The distribution of pressure at the bulkhead is illustrated via the water level in the tubes.

4 Theoretical Principles

18

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

4.2.7

Flow lines of a Drainage Ditch

Filter plates Sand bed

The experiment is set up according to Fig. 4.8. Flow lines will form similar to Fig. 4.8.

03/99

Flow lines Fig. 4.8 Flow lines in a drainage ditch

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

4 Theoretical Principles

19

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

5 5.1

Appendix Symbols and Units A c Flow cross-section Coefficient m2 m m m3

dF, dF Surface area dh, dh Potential decrease dm, ds Length

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

dq, dq Seepage flow

m3 mh
m

Height

Permeability coefficient

m3 m2h
m3/h m m

Q h L

Throughput Slope Length of path of flow

5 Appendix

20

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

5.2

Models

Bulkhead

Pile retaining

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

03/99

Fundament

5 Appendix

21

HM 169

Drainage & Seepage Tank

5.3

Technical Data Main dimensions (l x w x h): 1600 x 670 x 1875 Tare weight: approx. 235

mm kg

Power supply: 230 V~ / 50 Hz Alternatives optional, see type plate Inner dimensions of pan (l x w x h): 1480 x 100 x 616 Tank volume: 96 Usable pan volume: approx. 82 Centrifugal pump: maximum flow rate: maximum pumping head: Volume capacity of supply tank: 0.5 Designed for contrast medium: dye Ltr. Ltr. Ltr.

03/99

mm

All rights reserved G.U.N.T. Gertebau GmbH, Barsbttel, Germany

34 34

Ltr./min m

5 Appendix

22