Barker Solution for Nonleaky Confined and Fractured Aquifers
Related Solution Methods
Additional Topics
A mathematical solution by Barker (1988) is useful for determining the hydraulic properties (hydraulic conductivity and specific storage of the aquifer or fractures; hydraulic conductivity and specific storage of matrix; and flow dimension) of confined (single porosity) and fractured (double porosity) aquifers. Analysis involves matching the Barker solution to drawdown data collected during a pumping test. The so-called generalized radial flow model simulates unsteady, n-dimensional flow to a fully penetrating source in an isotropic, single-porosity confined aquifer or a double-porosity fractured aquifer. AQTESOLV includes options for slab and spherical matrix blocks in the double-porosity case.
AQTESOLV provides visual and automatic methods for matching the generalized radial flow model to pumping test data. This easy-to-use and intuitive software promotes rapid and accurate determination of aquifer properties.
Assumptions
The following assumptions apply to the use of the Barker generalized radial flow model:
- aquifer has infinite extent
- aquifer is homogeneous, isotropic and of uniform extent of flow region
- potentiometric surface is initially horizontal
- aquifer is confined
- flow is unsteady
- wells are fully penetrating
- water is released instantaneously from storage with decline of hydraulic head
Solution
Options
AQTESOLV provides the following options for the Barker generalized radial flow model:
- constant or variable pumping rate with recovery
- multiple pumping wells
- multiple observation wells
- boundaries
References
Barker, J.A., 1988. A generalized radial flow model for hydraulic tests in fractured rock, Water Resources Research, vol. 24, no. 10, pp. 1796-1804.
Moench, A.F., 1984. Double-porosity models for a fissured groundwater reservoir with fracture skin, Water Resources Research, vol. 20, no. 7, pp. 831-846.