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Constant-Head Test Analysis

  • Solution Methods
  • Constant-Head Analysis
  • Recovery Analysis
AQTESOLV Advantage
Constant-head test analysis is one of the many features not found in competing aquifer test software.

"I chose AQTESOLV for its ease of use."
--David Preston, P.E., Peachtree Environmental

AQTESOLV includes an advanced set of solution methods for the interpretation of data from constant-head tests in confined, leaky confined and fractured aquifers. Constant-head tests are alternately known as constant-drawdown tests.

  • analyze discharge from constant-head test
  • analyze recovery data with exact solution for change in boundary condition

Summary of Constant-Head Test Solutions

Summary of Constant-Head Test Solutions in AQTESOLV Pro
Solution Category Methods Available
Constant-Head Testsnew 11
Recovery Testsnew 10
Wellbore Skinnew 6
Confined Aquifersnew 5
Leaky Aquifersnew 2
Fractured Aquifersnew 4

Compare constant-head test solutions in the Pro and Standard versions.

Constant-Head (Constant-Drawdown) Analysis

AQTESOLV features solution methods for the analysis of constant-head tests. During a constant-head test, the water level in the test well is held constant while discharge declines through time. If the water level is lowered from static during the test, the term constant-drawdown test is applicable.

Analysis of a constant-drawdown test using the Jacob and Lohman (1952) solution
Figure 1. Estimation of aquifer properties by matching Jacob and Lohman (1952) type-curve solution to discharge data from a constant-drawdown test in a nonleaky confined aquifer (data from Lohman 1972).

Recovery Analysis

Interpretation of recovery data obtained after a constant-head test requires special analytical techniques because of the change in boundary condition from constant head to constant rate (during recovery, the discharge is zero and the water level in the test well returns to static).

Analysis of recovery data from a constant-drawdown test in a leaky confined aquifer
Figure 2. Estimation of aquifer properties by matching Hantush (1959) solution to recovery data following a constant-drawdown test in a leaky confined aquifer (data from Lohman 1972).

AQTESOLV features an exact method for analyzing these recovery tests. You may use residual drawdown plots (Figure 2) or the Agarwal method to analyze recovery data from a constant-head test.

See also: constant-head tests