Hvorslev Slug Test Solution for Confined Aquifers

Description

Well-aquifer configuration for Hvorslev (1951) slug test solution for confined aquifers

A mathematical solution by Hvorslev (1951) is useful for determining the hydraulic conductivity of nonleaky confined aquifers. Analysis involves matching a straight-line solution to water-level displacement data collected during an overdamped slug test. The Hvorslev method also yields appropriate estimates of K for overdamped tests in unconfined aquifers (more information).

AQTESOLV provides visual and automatic methods for matching the Hvorslev solution to slug test data. This easy-to-use and intuitive software promotes rapid and accurate determination of aquifer properties. The software also includes recommended head ranges (Butler 1998) that reduce ambiguity when matching straight-line solutions to concave slug test data.

Assumptions

The following assumptions apply to the use of the Hvorslev method of slug test analysis:

  • aquifer has infinite areal extent
  • aquifer is homogeneous and of uniform thickness
  • aquifer potentiometric surface is initially horizontal
  • control well is fully or partially penetrating
  • a volume of water, V, is injected or discharged instantaneously from the control well
  • aquifer is nonleaky confined
  • flow is steady

Solution Options

provides the following options for the Hvorslev slug test solution:

  • partially penetrating wells
  • correction for gravel pack porosity
  • hydraulic conductivity anisotropy

Benchmark

AQTESOLV benchmark for Hvorslev (1951) slug test solution for nonleaky confined aquifers

AQTESOLV benchmark for Hvorslev (1951) solution matched to an overdamped slug test in a confined aquifer using recommended head range (Butler 1998). Butler (1998) reported K=16.1 m/day for these data.

References

Hvorslev, M.J., 1951. Time Lag and Soil Permeability in Ground-Water Observations, Bull. No. 36, Waterways Exper. Sta. Corps of Engrs, U.S. Army, Vicksburg, Mississippi, pp. 1-50. [pdf]

See also: solution methods, slug tests

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