Influence of the coefficient of uniformity on the size and frequency of constrictions in sand filters

Taylor, H.F., O'Sullivan, C., Shire, T. and Moinet, W.W. (2019) Influence of the coefficient of uniformity on the size and frequency of constrictions in sand filters. Geotechnique, 69(3), pp. 274-282. (doi: 10.1680/jgeot.17.t.051)

[img]
Preview
Text
157346.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

943kB

Abstract

Constrictions between voids control the filtration and permeability properties of granular materials. This study uses high resolution microcomputed tomography (microCT) images and discrete element modelling (DEM) to analyse two important characteristics of constrictions in granular filters: (i) the constriction size distribution (CSD) and (ii) the constriction density per unit volume. The results demonstrate the importance of the particle size distribution (PSD) and void ratio of the granular material in determining the constriction density, with more widely graded materials having more densely spaced constrictions. The PSD is shown to be the main determinant of the CSD, in agreement with previous studies. The data are used to examine proposed approaches to estimate constriction spacing or void size.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Shire, Dr Thomas
Authors: Taylor, H.F., O'Sullivan, C., Shire, T., and Moinet, W.W.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:Geotechnique
Publisher:ICE Publishing
ISSN:0016-8505
ISSN (Online):1751-7656
Published Online:13 March 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 The Authors
First Published:First published in Geotechnique 69(3): 274-282
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record