Micromechanical assessment of an internal stability criterion

摘要: The internal stability of a soil is measure its susceptibility to suffusion and suffosion, two forms erosion. granular filters must be carefully considered when designing new embankment dams assessing the risk associated with existing dams. Current guidelines for such were empirically derived from macroscale observations consider shape particle-size distribution curve. These lack fundamental, scientific micromechanical basis. initiation propagation erosion clearly particle-scale phenomenon, this paper applies particulate mechanics provide justification one currently used criterion. study discrete element simulations idealised virtual samples that had various degrees assessed using criterion proposed by Kezdi [10]. topologies stable unstable analysed considering distributions inter-particle contact forces, number particle–particle contacts average particle stresses. Clear correlations are observed between filter per probability given participates in stress transmission. phenomenon critical fines content, at which no longer valid, also considered.