Modelling flow through unsaturated zones: Sensitivity to unsaturated soil properties

Abstract

A numerical model to simulate moisture flow through unsaturated zones is developed using the finite element method, and is validated by comparing the model results with those available in the literature. The sensitivities of different processes such as gravity drainage and infiltration to the variations in the unsaturated soil properties are studied by varying the unsaturated parameters a and n over a wide range. The model is also applied to predict moisture contents during a field internal drainage test.