Experimental Investigation of Internal Erosion of Gap-Graded Sands

Abstract:

Internal erosion often occurs in earthen water-retaining structures such as embankment dams, levees, or dikes, which are created by seepage flows through soil or other porous material where coarser and finer particles are mixed. This erosion process may be referred to as suffusion, resulting in the transportation of fine particles carried away from the soil structure by seepage. If internal erosion occurs, the strength of the soil will be changed, and gaps or cavities in the soil structure may be created, leading to the collapse of the soil, posing a risk of damage to earthen water-retaining structures. This research investigates internal erosion behaviour of gap-graded sands with various fine contents using a series of upward seepage tests. An in-house developed apparatus with a measurement of hydraulic gradient and permeability is used to investigate the initiation and progress of internal erosion.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1000)
• Pages: 77-85
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-6Cu6PZ
• Online since: December 2024
• Authors: Kasidit Chawanaputorn*, Jitrakon Prasomsri, Suched Likitlersuang
• Keywords: Internal Erosion, Sand, Soil Permeability, Suffusion

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