Confined Flow Through Soils: The Method of Fragments Approach - Hardcover

Madanayaka, Thushara; Sivakugan, Nagaratnam

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1138495921 ISBN 13: 9781138495920

Publisher: CRC Press, 2026

Synopsis

This book offers a simple seepage solution method for practising geotechnical engineers. It outlines the background and fundamentals of seepage analysis, covers the method of fragments (MoF) for problems in the Cartesian plane, and extends this from plane flow to axisymmetric problems.

Permeability principles and laboratory and empirical methods for determination of permeability are set out, followed by flow nets in both isotropic and anisotropic cases, seepage force, and critical hydraulic gradient. MoF solutions for double-walled and axisymmetric cofferdams are then presented, and guidance is given on the implementation of the MoF in a spreadsheet for determining flow rates and exit hydraulic gradients. Further, simple seepage solutions are presented for three-dimensional flow scenarios associated with square and rectangular cofferdams, as well as selected underground engineering applications, such as underground mine stopes. The findings have been validated extensively using numerical models and laboratory models.

This book suits practising engineers, hydrologists, and researchers needing simple methods to compute flow rates and exit hydraulic gradients in seepage problems, especially cofferdams.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Thushara Asela Madanayaka is a senior lecturer in geotechnical engineering of the Department of Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka. He holds a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from James Cook University, Australia, and a M.Eng in Geotechnical Engineering and bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. With over 17 years of combined academic and industry experience, his research focuses on analytical and semi-analytical modelling of seepage, with particular emphasis on method of fragments based seepage solutions, engineering behaviour of fine and coarse grained soils, and shear strength characterization of sandy soils.

Dr. Nagaratnam Sivakugan received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, with First Class Honours. He earned his MSCE and PhD from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, US. As a registered professional engineer of Queensland and a Chartered Professional Engineer, he has done substantial consulting work for the geotechnical and mining industries in Australia and overseas, including the World Bank.

Edition details

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1138495921
• ISBN 13: 9781138495920
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128