Laboratory Modeling of the Mechanisms of Piping Erosion Initiation
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 6
Abstract
A laboratory modeling program has been conducted to assess the mechanics of initiating the piping erosion process in sandy soils. The models were performed on several soils, differing in gradation, grain size, grain shape, and specific gravity. Observations and monitoring of pore pressures within the samples during the modeling identified four stages in the development of piping initiation: initial movement, progressive heave, boil formation, and total heave. By linking the observed behavior with the measured pore-pressure regime in the sample, a model for the mechanics of piping development has been developed. Finite-element seepage analyses were performed to model the progression of piping development in the laboratory models and corroborate the developed model of mechanics. The findings of the study identified a new model for the initiation of piping development that can be applied to the assessment of piping in the field.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant CMMI 1131518. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and not necessarily the views of NSF.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 140 • Issue 6 • June 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 11, 2013
Accepted: Jan 31, 2014
Published online: Mar 7, 2014
Published in print: Jun 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Aug 7, 2014
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