Post-erosion mechanical response of internally unstable soil of varying size and flow regime

Mehdizadeh, A., Disfani, M. M. and Shire, T. (2021) Post-erosion mechanical response of internally unstable soil of varying size and flow regime. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 58(4), pp. 531-539. (doi: 10.1139/cgj-2019-0790)

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Abstract

One of the leading causes of dam failure is internal erosion. The impact of erosion of non-plastic fine particles, known as suffusion, on the soil structure and strength has been studied experimentally. However, influences including sample size have not been thoroughly investigated. Internally unstable gap-graded cohesionless soil samples with various sizes were investigated using an erosion-triaxial apparatus. Samples were subjected to downward inflows of different seepage velocities. The results indicated that the potential for clogging increased with an increase in specimen length, leading to less fine particle erosion. Internal erosion changed the mechanical soil behaviour even after the loss of fines equal to five percent of the overall sample volume. Eroded specimens with similar intergranular void ratios showed similar undrained post-erosion behaviour. However, the magnitude of the post-erosion initial undrained peak shear strength is a function of coarse particle interlocking, residual fine content and equivalent intergranular contact index. It was also found that the steady state line remained unchanged after erosion of fine particles and the mobilized friction angle at the steady state line is independent of the residual fine content.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Shire, Dr Thomas
Authors: Mehdizadeh, A., Disfani, M. M., and Shire, T.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:Canadian Geotechnical Journal
Publisher:NRC Research Press
ISSN:0008-3674
ISSN (Online):1208-6010
Published Online:12 June 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:First published in Canadian Geotechnical Journal 58(4): 531-539
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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