Conceptual considerations of evaluate internal erosion phenomenon via no-erosion filter test and continuing erosion filter test

¹ Geotechnical Engineer, National University of Colombia, Geotechnical Research Group, School of Mines
² Associate Professor, National University of Colombia, Geotechnical Research Group, School of Mines

^a Corresponding author: jramosr@unal.edu.co

Abstract

Some widely-graded soils may exhibit, under the influence of steady seepage flow, a behaviour in which grains of the finer fraction migrate through the interstices of the matrix formed by the coarser fraction. The migrating fines may accumulate at a downstream location within the soil. Alternatively, and where there is no capacity for retention at the downstream or exit boundary, the behaviour may lead to a washing out and consequent loss of the finer fraction. The phenomenon of erosion is termed internal instability, and the soils are considered internally unstable. Taking into consideration (i) the specimen reconstitution by method of compaction, (ii) the application of a vertical stress to the specimen, and (iii) the use of multi-stage seepage flow with head-control, to measure the origin of a conduit through the coarser fraction, some test devices were conducted by different authors to evaluate this phenomenon, the purpose of this paper is to present some considerations and key aspects about internal erosion in dams and filter compatibility with core material (specimen reconstitution, test procedure, consolidation, seepage flow, test program and its relevance to the reality). The main reason to present this investigation is due to the absence of any specified regulatory or standard test method. Given the importance of filter compatibility of the zoned earth core dam and filter materials, as well the grading stability of each zone in the presence of seepage flow, additional consideration will be given to performing Continuing Erosion Filter (CEF) tests on the core-filter interface, using the laboratory permeameter device.