Facile Assessment Method for Constant-Head Pumping Tests in Confined Aquifers
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, vol.30, no.5, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 30 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1061/jhyeff.heeng-6575
- Journal Name: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC
- Keywords: Confined aquifer, Constant-head pumping test, Parameter estimation
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Accurate evaluation of aquifer parameters is crucial for effective groundwater management and environmental protection. For this purpose, a constant-head pumping test is useful, particularly for formations with low hydraulic conductivity where constant-rate tests are challenging. This study presents a novel methodology for determining aquifer parameters from constant-head pumping tests in confined aquifers. The proposed approach builds on area matching, comparing the area under the observed discharge-versus -time curve, plotted on a log-log scale, with the area under the theoretical dimensionless discharge-versus-dimensionless time curve. The approach links the field data to the theoretical type curve through a straightforward model optimized with the differential evolution algorithm. It was validated with both synthetic and real-world data sets. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach estimates transmissivity and storativity with high accuracy. Overall, it offers a robust and practical tool for aquifer characterization, enhancing groundwater management and hydrological predictions.