Author(s)

C. Tzimopoulos, M. Sakellariou Makrantonaki, A. Spiridis & G. Arampatzis

Abstract

A special algorithm is developed to optimize the function of van Genuchten, which is used for the simulation of the soil characteristic curve. This function is non-linear so the method of conjugate directions is used. A start point and a gradient are chosen and the next point is found by the optimum step size procedure (O.S.S.P.). The selected directions for the solution are found using the property of conjugate gradients and each direction is a function of the present and the last gradient. 1 Introduction The unsaturated state of the soil is described by the soil water content 9 (crnVcm^) and the pore water pressure (suction) W (cm). The

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