Estimation of Permeability Coefficient Using Fractal Dimension of Particle Size Distribution Curve in Granular Soils

Since particle size distribution curves are useful to estimate permeability of soil, many formulae for permeability coefficient (k) have been published using the parameter from the curves and factors, such as grain size, particle shape and void ratio of soils. However, the parameters such as and derived from only some discrete points on the curve are insufficient to represent the whole gradation. In this paper fractal dimension which is quite new concept and known to be able to represent the entire curve of particle size distribution is employed for the parameters. An empirical formula of permeability coefficient has been developed with fractal dimension and percent of finer than 0.075 mm. The formula developed from this study has confirmed its effectiveness by a series of laboratory tests and comparison to other published formulae. It is found that permeability coefficient is proportional to fractal dimension and inversely proportional to percent of fines.