STUDY OF UNSTEADY TWO-DIMENSIONAL HORIZONTAL SEEPAGE FLOW USING THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Abstract

The finite element method (FEM) based on the Galerkin approach is an effective technique for modeling groundwater flow and analyzing seepage, particularly in complex and heterogeneous geological environments. It allows for accurate simulation of groundwater levels, seepage velocity, and pore water pressure, supporting reliable predictions essential for water resource and geotechnical engineering. This study applies the Galerkin-based FEM to evaluate groundwater behavior in Kon Tum City, Vietnam. A computational program developed by the authors using the Fortran language was employed to simulate various groundwater extraction scenarios. Using field data, the model assessed the storage capacity, predicted changes in groundwater levels, and calculated seepage velocity under different pumping conditions. The method’s ability to handle complex boundary conditions contributed to the precision of the simulations. The results demonstrate the FEM’s effectiveness in groundwater modeling and its practical applicability in managing water resources and planning sustainable groundwater extraction strategies.