An efficient method for the free surface seepage flow problems

Based on the concept of 'true air element' and 'true node' proposed by the authors for the modelling of changing mesh problems in geotechnical problems, a simple but efficient finite element procedure for the solution of free surface seepage flow is developed. In the present method, the mesh used for the analysis will remain unchanged. Very rapid convergence with significant reduction in solution time and computer memory are achieved with the proposed method. Some interesting results in the seepage flow problems which are commonly overlooked are also discussed.