A thermodynamics-based model on the internal erosion of earth structures

X. S. Zhang, H. Wong, C. J. Leo, T. A. Bui, J. X. Wang, W. H. Sun, Z. Q. Huang

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    42 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The present paper describes a model of internal erosion of earth structures, based on rigorous thermodynamic principles and the theory of porous media. A particular focus of this paper is concerned with the initial stage of internal erosion, when the pore volume forms a continuous network, without the formation of macroscopic cavities or channels. The continuum approach is applicable in this case. The soil skeleton saturated by a pore fluid is treated as the superposition of three continua in interaction, with independent velocity fields. The pore fluid itself consists of a mixture of water and eroded particles. The erosion kinetics is based on the shear stress developed at the solid-fluid interface. The applicability of the model is illustrated by numerical simulations based on the finite element method. These simulations show how the phenomenon of piping can progressively arise, and preferentially in regions where hydraulic gradients are critical. Effects of mechanical degradations due to internal erosion are at the same time demonstrated.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)479-492
    Number of pages14
    JournalGeotechnical and Geological Engineering
    Volume32
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

    Keywords

    • erosion
    • finite element method
    • seepage
    • soil mechanics
    • thermodynamics

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