The importance of the coefficient of permeability of soil in Geotechnical Engineering is diverse. It is the characteristics of the soil to transmit water through its pores. Some important uses of permeability are discussed in the following

  • Calculating seepage 
  • Rate of consolidation; settlement of structures
  • Calculation of uplift pressure and piping

Calculate seepage:

The coefficient of permeability is used to calculate total discharge in seepage calculation.

seepage calculation

Rate of consolidation; settlement of structures:

The coefficient of permeability is used to find the coefficient of consolidation. 
coefficient of consolidation


Calculation of uplift pressure and piping:

Water goes under structure through voids and this is known as seepage. This seepage water provides uplift pressure to the structure. To calculate this uplift pressure coefficient of permeability is necessary.

Piping is also a result of seepage though it happens in a different way. It goes through the structure which is shown in the figure. 


piping of water seepage

There are many factors affecting coefficient of permeability of soil. These factors should be kept in mind before using the coefficient of permeability value in any calculation.