Impact of storage coefficient on numerical modelling of trench drainage

The present paper deals with the numerical modelling of trench drainage in variably saturated porous media. In particular, the effect of the unsaturated storage coefficient form on the rate of transient seepage into the trench is investigated. Several numerical analyses are performed for two different soil types. The numerical results derived using a pressure head-dependent storage coefficient, are compared to those derived using constant storage coefficients. It is shown that simplifying assumptions using constant storage coefficients may predict too fast drainage rates.