A numerical method for evaluating diffusivity parameters for coupled heat and moisture flow in unsaturated soil
Abstract
This study is designed to evaluate the transport coefficients involved in coupled heat and moisture flow equations in unsaturated soil. This technique requires the use of both theory and experimental data in conjunction with Powell’s optimization technique to calculate the material parameters governing the diffusion process during water flow. The calculated diffusion parameters of a sand-bentonite based barrier are presented. Good agreement between calibrated values and experimental volumetric water content shows that the diffusion parameters can be expressed in a linear function of the volumetric water content and temperature.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Soil and Unsaturated Flow
Groundwater flow and contamination studies
Heat and Mass Transfer in Porous Media
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 283–290
- Publication date
- 24 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter