Publication detail

Experimental Research on Backward Erosion Piping Progression

ŘÍHA, J. PETRULA, L.

Original Title

Experimental Research on Backward Erosion Piping Progression

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

Internal erosion is caused by seepage body forces acting on the soil particles. One of the most dangerous modes of internal erosion at hydraulic structures is backward erosion piping, which usually initiates at the downstream end of a seepage path, e.g., at the downstream toe of the dam. The progress of backward erosion and the development of erosion pipes were tested in a newly developed laboratory device for three types of sand with grain sizes of 0/2, 0.25/2, and 0.25/1. The piezometric head along the gradually developing seepage “pipe” was observed by seventeen piezometers and seven pressure sensors. The seepage amount was measured by the volumetric method. The critical hydraulic gradient was determined and related to the soil porosity. The progression of the seepage path and relevant characteristics such as the piezometric and pressure heads and the amount of trapped sediment were observed by two synchronous cameras. Based on the analysis of the results of 42 tests, a new empirical formula for the backward erosion rate was proposed. The characteristics of lateral erosion were evaluated and compared with the available literature, which provided reasonably good agreement.

Keywords

seepage; experimental research; backward erosion piping; lateral erosion; critical hydraulic gradient

Authors

ŘÍHA, J.; PETRULA, L.

Released

29. 7. 2023

Publisher

MDPI

Location

Swiezerland

ISBN

2073-4441

Periodical

Water

Year of study

15

Number

15

State

Swiss Confederation

Pages from

1

Pages to

17

Pages count

17

URL

Full text in the Digital Library

BibTex

@article{BUT184386,
  author="Jaromír {Říha} and Lubomír {Petrula}",
  title="Experimental Research on Backward Erosion Piping Progression",
  journal="Water",
  year="2023",
  volume="15",
  number="15",
  pages="1--17",
  doi="10.3390/w15152749",
  issn="2073-4441",
  url="https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/15/2749"
}