Abstract
Hydrogeologists always look for reliable techniques to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifers with which they are concerned, for better groundwater management and conservation. The use of grain size distribution for unconsolidated aquifer materials is considered feasible and sound. Several empirical equations to calculate hydraulic conductivity using grain size distribution are well established in the literature. The present paper describes a computer program, HYDCOND, which is designed to calculate hydraulic conductivity using grain size data. In addition, the program calculates grain size statistics and classifies the aquifer materials in terms of their main size percentage. HYDCOND is menu-driven, interactive and user friendly program. It was tested extensively and successfully using materials from Minjur aquifer in central Saudi Arabia. The results were found to be reliable and comparable to those obtained using other, costly techniques. HYDCOND can be implemented successfully to calculate hydraulic conductivity in all types of aquifers in Saudi Arabia and other regions of the world.