Evaluation of Sharp Interface Approach in modeling of LNAPL spreading and migration on the water table

A. Talebi, G. Habibagahi

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Geoenvironmental Engineering

ABSTRACT: When the light non-aqueous phase liquid reaches the water table it will migrate in the direction of ambient groundwater flow. One of the simple models used to predict spreading and migration of LNAPL is the well known Sharp Interface Approach proposed by Corapcioglu (1996). The objective of this study is to examine the adequacy of Sharp Interface Approach in modeling of LNAPL spreading and migration on the water table. Simulation of LNAPL spreading and migration was performed in an aquarium filled with sand and subjected to a constant hydraulic gradient of water flow. Spreading and migration of LNAPL was monitored over the study area. Numerical results obtained using finite difference approach were compared with the observed behavior to discuss the discrepancies. The results show that although there is some difference between the experimental and numerical results, they both show the same trend in LNAPL migration in direction of groundwater flow.

RÉSUMÉ: Lorsque la liquide Légère de phase non aqueuse arrive à la nappe phréatique, elle émigre dans la direction de l'écoulement ambiant d'eaux souterraines. Un des modèles simples employés pour prévoir la propagation et la cette migration de LNAPL sur la nappe phréatique. La simulation de la propagation et de la migration de LNAPL a été effectuée dans un aquarium rempli de sable et soumis au gradient hydraulique constant de l'écoulement d'eau. La propagation et la migration de LNAPL ont été surveillées. Des résultats numériques obtenus utilisant l'approche de différence finie ont été comparés au comportement observé pour discuter les anomalies. Les résultats montrent que bien qu'il y ait une certaine différence entre les résultats expérimentaux et numériques, tous les deux montrent la même tendance à la migration de LNAPL dans la direction de l'écoulement d'eaux souterraines.

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Cite this article:
A. Talebi; G. Habibagahi (2011) Evaluation of Sharp Interface Approach in modeling of LNAPL spreading and migration on the water table in GEO2011. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{GEO11Paper115,author = A. Talebi; G. Habibagahi ,title = Evaluation of Sharp Interface Approach in modeling of LNAPL spreading and migration on the water table,year = 2011}