Scale Physical Model of a Drywell

Abstract

The accelerated growth in population is causing pressure on the availability of water resources, specially overexploited groundwater. To help nature, aquifer recharge is convenient, given the fact that quality and supply are guaranteed, without environmental deterioration. However, efficiency and functionality of aquifer recharge depends on soil characteristics and properties, as well as other factors. This works presents the methodology of implementing a scale physical model of a drywell with the goal of investigating the process of infiltration, and to improve its functioning under permanent flow conditions. Tests under steady and permanent flow conditions, with and without soil, were performed. Fifteen pressure transducer sensors, centralized to an Arduino Mega motherboard, were adapted to the well. Calibration of transducers was performed hydrostatically. Their behavior was lineal and then, adjusted with linear regression. Three tests under permanent flow (sand, sand-clay, and clay-sand) were performed, observing that the sensors responded according to the expected lineal behavior in the three different tests. In summary, the scale model represents adequately and drywell.