Author(s): Agnieszka Dabska; Bartosz Bednarz; Karol Borzynski; Kacper Kawczynski

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Keywords: Fine sand; Hydraulic heave phenomenon; Density index; Permeability coefficient; Empirical formul

Abstract: The work aims to assess the impact of the heave phenomenon on the permeability properties of fine sands based on laboratory tests. The critical issue is that soil structure changes as hydraulic heave occurs, affecting the soil porosity responsible for the permeability characteristics of the soil. The results of laboratory tests conducted on a unique stand are presented. Three fine-grained sands with three different density indexes were used. The sands’ permeability was examined before the critical hydraulic gradient of the heave was tested. Hence, the soil volume changes were accurately measured, and permeability was examined again. The constant head method was used for permeability tests. Moreover, the permeability was evaluated based on empirical formulas for sands before and after structure changes. The values of tested and calculated sand permeability were precisely analysed and compared. It was revealed that the hydraulic heave phenomenon significantly impacts the permeability properties of sands, causing an increase in their permeability. The results can have important implications for the design and safety assessment of hydraulic structures, foundations and other engineering structures founded on soil susceptible to failure due to seepage, highlighting the need to consider the heave phenomenon in the design process.

DOI:

Year: 2024