Validation of a new finite element formulation for unsaturated flow in porous stiff solids.

Resumo

This paper presents the validation of a finite element formulation of Richards’ equation for transient
unsaturated flow. The formulation is presented and its results are compared to an exact analytical solution obtained
for the model of Gardner of water retention curve and hydraulic conductivity. The results obtained with a coarse
regular mesh with the element are in excellent correspondence with the analytical solution. Numerical aspects of
application of this formulation for unsaturated flow in concrete slabs are commented.