Post-erosion mechanical response of internally unstable soil of varying size and flow regime

One of the leading causes dam failure is internal erosion. The impact erosion non-plastic fine particles, known as suffusion, on soil structure and strength has been studied experimentally. However, influences including sample size have not thoroughly investigated. Internally unstable gap-graded cohesionless samples with various sizes were investigated using an erosion-triaxial apparatus. Samples subjected to downward inflows different seepage velocities. results indicated that potential for clogging increased increase in specimen length, less particle Internal changed mechanical behaviour even after loss fines equal 5% overall volume. Eroded specimens similar intergranular void ratios showed undrained post-erosion behaviour. magnitude initial peak shear a function coarse interlocking, residual content, equivalent contact index. It was also found steady state line remained unchanged particles mobilized friction angle at independent content.