Calculation Model of Multi-Well Siphoning and Its Feasibility Analysis of Discharging the Groundwater in Soft Soil

Abstract

The use of a siphon is a drainage method that does not require the use of external power, and siphons are used extensively in practice. The application of siphons in the treatment of soft soils has become a popular approach in recent years. Analyzing the change in the water level in multi-well siphoning is the basis of the application of siphons. The calculation model of multi-well siphoning is established through equivalent transformation. A finite difference method is used to solve the model, and the accuracy is verified by comparing the results with a test of the model and with field tests. Using the numerical model, the feasibility of siphoning drainage in soft soil is demonstrated from two aspects, i.e., well spacing and the permeability coefficient. The results show both the “minimum drop increase” and the “average drop increase”, as well as the spacing of the decreases or increases in the permeability coefficient. When the permeability coefficient is 1 × 10−8 m/s and the well spacing is 2 m, the decrease in the water level is approximately 9.72 m after 100 days of drainage. It is feasible to apply siphon drainage technology to discharge the groundwater in soft soil.