Approximate equations for the method of fragment

The method of fragment is a simple and approximate technique for solving confined seepage flow problems. In this method, the flow domain is divided into few fragments along the equipotential lines that are assumed to be vertical and a dimensionless form factor is defined for each fragment. The flow rate and the exit hydraulic gradient can be computed using the form factors. Griffiths proposed three types of fragments that are adequate to solve most configurations, incorporating anisotropy in permeability, and presented design charts for determining the form factors. In this paper, through extensive numerical modeling simulations, equations are developed for the form factors and they are validated. These equations enable quicker computations and the method of fragment be implemented in spreadsheets