Measurement of water infiltration in soil using the rain simulation method

Abstract

For the measurement of the infiltration speed under operational conditions, we were equipped by a rain simulator with the measuring surface of 0.5 m 2. The infiltration speed is determined from the defined rain intensity and water surface runoff from the measured surface. The retained water mass from the surface runoff is recorded at regular time intervals over the whole measuring period. The beginning of the water runoff from the measured surface indicates the beginning of elutriation. The measuring time is finished after the infiltration speed has been stabilised. The beginning of elutriation and infiltration speed stabilisation are typical and mutually comparable parameters for defined soil properties at the site followed.