A numerical model of ground deformation induced by single well pumping

Abstract In this paper, a numerical model is proposed to study ground deformation caused by lowering of the water table from a single pumping well. The model uses the finite element method to study the problem. In the model, the Dupuit assumption is not used due to errors that might be introduced by ignoring the seepage face and vertical flow component. Instead, a two-step iteration procedure is used to determine the actual flow paths. Field testing is performed to verify the numerical calculations. Ground deformations were measured under different pumping rates. The field measurements of the ground deformation matched well with the calculated values.