Permeability MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Henry Darcy (1856) first studied flow of water through soil (sand filters) and gave Darcy's law.

Formula

v = k i, Q = k i A

Step-by-step solution

1. In 1856, Henry Darcy did experiments on flow of water through sand beds. 2. He found that discharge is proportional to hydraulic gradient and area: Q = k i A. 3. This is Darcy's law of flow through soil. 4. So the answer is (D) Darcy.

Explanation

Darcy found that the velocity of flow through soil is directly proportional to the hydraulic gradient (v = k i). This law is valid for laminar flow and is the base of permeability study in soils.

Why the other options are wrong

A: Francis is known for the Francis turbine and weir formula. B: Rankine is known for his earth pressure theory. C: Boussinesq is known for stress distribution in soil under point load.

Shortcut

Flow through soil is Darcy's law (v = k i).

Common mistake

Confusing Darcy with Boussinesq, who studied stress distribution, not flow.