Permeability of Soil by Variable Head Method... Soil Mechanics Laboratory.

The property of the soil which permits water to percolate through its continuously connected voids is called its permeability. Water flowing through the soil exerts considerable seepage forces which has direct effect on the safety of hydraulic structures. The quantity of water escaping through and beneath and earthen dam depends on the permeability of the embankment and the foundation soil respectively. The rate of settlement of foundation depends on the permeability properties of the foundation soil.