Design and assessment of a new model device for testing internal erosion and piping

M Caruso, D. Sterpi, C. Jommi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

One of the most frequent causes of failure of earthen structures subjected to water seepage, such as pervious dams and embankments, is the internal erosion of particles developing into piping. Similar phenomena may also occur in permeable foundation soils under impervious dam structures. This study focuses on the design and set up of a new laboratory device for testing internal erosion and piping on the representative elemental volume and on the small scale.The possibility is given to investigate the influence of the stress state and of the flow path length and direction, with respect to the soil layers inclination, for given seepage conditions. The quantity of eroded particles and the pore pressure distribution along the flow path are measured during the process. The results of preliminary tests on glass beads samples, in unsaturated conditions and under unconfined seepage, allow for a first assessment of the device control and testing procedure.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComputer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics - Proc. of the 14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
PublisherCRC Press / Balkema - Taylor & Francis Group
Pages501-506
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781138001480
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Event14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014 - Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 22 Sept 201425 Sept 2014

Conference

Conference14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityKyoto
Period22/09/1425/09/14

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