A Thermodynamics-Based Model on the Internal Erosion of Earth Structures |
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Authors: | X. S. Zhang H. Wong C. J. Leo T. A. Bui J. X. Wang W. H. Sun Z. Q. Huang |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China 3. Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics de l’Etat, Département Génie Civil et Batiment, CNRS, FRE 3237, Université de Lyon, rue Maurice Audin, 69120, Vaulx-en-Velin, France 5. Institute of Resources and Environment, North China Institute of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450011, China 2. LGCB/LTDS UMR CNRS 5513, Université de Lyon, ENTPE, rue Maurice Audin, 69120, Vaulx-en-Velin, France 4. School of Engineering, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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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. |
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