Finite element modelling of a two dimensional transient flow using saturated and unsaturated theory

A two-dimensional finite element model capable of fully analysing a combined saturated-unsaturated transient flow in a porous medium is developed. The non-linear "pressure head-based" Richard's equation is used in this work. A new method for obtaining seepage face has been adopted for the numerical simulation. The model is validated by experimental results and a good agreement, with the numerical ones, is found even for the area close to the seepage face.