Durchsickern

Durchsickern is a German verb that describes the slow passage of liquids or gases through porous or permeable materials. The process is driven by gravity, capillary forces and hydraulic pressure differences, so fluids move from regions of higher to lower potential. In technical contexts, the related term Durchsickern often appears alongside seepage and percolation phenomena. A common example is water that sifts through soil as Sickerwasser or through construction materials.

In hydrology and civil engineering, Durchsickern refers to the movement of groundwater or infiltrating water through soils, rock, or barriers. Darcy’s law is a foundational principle used to describe seepage flow in porous media: the discharge is proportional to the hydraulic gradient and the material’s permeability. Factors influencing seepage include porosity, permeability, grain size distribution, fracturing, moisture content, temperature, and chemical interactions that alter fluid properties or capillary rise.

Practical implications of seepage are significant. In geotechnical and structural engineering, seepage can threaten dam safety, undermine foundations, or cause piping and erosion in soils. In buildings, moisture that seeps through walls or basements can lead to mold, material degradation, and indoor air quality issues. Mitigation measures include drainage systems, waterproofing barriers, proper compaction, and design strategies that minimize hydraulic gradients.

In everyday language, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe information leaking gradually from closed channels to the public, i.e., information that “durchsickert”.