A Review of Porous Media Theory from Woltmans Work to Biots Work

Porous media consist of physically and chemically different materials and have an extremely complicated behavior due to the different material properties of each of its constituents. In addition, the internal structure of porous materials has generally a complex geometry that makes the description of its mechanical behavior quite complex. Thus, classical continuum mechanics cannot explain the behavior of materials with pore spaces, such as concrete, soils and organic materials in waste landfill. For these reasons, porous media theory has been developed in the nineteenth century. Biot had the greatest influence on the development of porous media theory. Biot's work has been referred by many authors in the literature. Development of numerous fundamental equations in porous media theory were made possible due to Biot's work. His contributions made the greatest influence on porous media theory. Therefore, it is highly advantageous to review Biot's publications. This work presents a review of Biot's work. It shows how porous media theory has been developing so far and provides a chance to discuss the contribution of his work to the modern porous media theory.