Finite Element Method of Analyzing Steady Seepage with a Free Surface

A new iterative approach to steady seepage of ground water with a free surface has been developed using the finite element method. This approach eliminates a number of difficulties that were inherent in the iterative procedures previously used to solve this problem and rapid convergence is now assured in all cases. The method is applicable to heterogeneous porous media with complex geometric boundaries and arbitrary degrees of anisotropy. It can handle problems where the free surface is discontinuous and where portions of the fr•e surface are vertical or near vertical. In addition, infiltration or eVapo[ranspiration at the free surface can be handled with ease. Several examples are included to demonstrate the power of this new approach and to show how it can apply to a wider variety of free surface problems than has been possible before.