Consequences of electromagnetic stimulation on hydraulic conductivity of soils

A. Farid, S. Azad, J. Browning, Elisa H. Barney Smith

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hydraulic conductivity is a measure of the rate at which water flows through porous media. Because of the dipole properties of water molecules, any electric field can affect hydraulic conductivity. In this study, the effect of radio-frequency (RF) waves on hydraulic conductivity is investigated. This is important both for the geophysical measurement of hydraulic conductivity as well as remediation using electromagnetic waves. Bentonite clay and sandy samples are tested in rigid-wall, cylindrical permeameters and stimulated using a CPVC-cased monopole antenna vertically centered in the permeameters. The permeameters are encased within RF cavities constructed of aluminum mesh in order to prevent interference from outside and to confine the RF wave to the medium. Falling-head and constant-head tests are performed to measure the hydraulic conductivity of the clayey and sandy soil samples, respectively. The results show a correlation between the change in the hydraulic conductivity and the characteristics of the RF stimulation. The change is, however, different for sandy and clayey soils.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPIERS 2013 Stockholm - Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium, Proceedings
Pages1510-1514
Number of pages5
StatePublished - 2013
EventProgress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium, PIERS 2013 Stockholm - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 12 Aug 201315 Aug 2013

Publication series

NameProgress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium
ISSN (Print)1559-9450

Conference

ConferenceProgress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium, PIERS 2013 Stockholm
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period12/08/1315/08/13

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