Scaling of infiltration rate using the similar media theory and dimensional analysis

Abstract

The infiltration rates of variable soils were scaled using factors derived from the steady state infiltrability (Ko) and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) based on the similar media theory and dimensional analysis. Infiltration rates were successfully scaled when the characteristic scaling infiltration rate equations were formulated through combination of the similar media theory and dimensional analysis. This study disproved the earlier notion that to successfully scale variable infiltration measurements, both sorptivity and steady state infiltrability were required. Thus, the study revealed that using the saturated hydraulic conductivity as a substitute for the steady state infiltrability could predict and scale infiltration rates more accurately. The study further highlighted the importance of the scaling factor (α) in any characteristic equation supposedly to have been developed from the similar media theory. Invariably, the ability of any characteristic scaling equation containing no scaling factor to scale variable infiltration measurements successfully could be fortuitous and not evolved from the similar media theory.