Brief insights: In-situ permeability test in weathered and poorly-graded rockfill

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Publication Title
Brief insights: In-situ permeability test in weathered and poorly-graded rockfill

Abstract
Rockfills safeguard the core of engineered earth structures, enhancing strength and mitigating pore pressure accumulation. Factors such as significant thermal oscillations, severe frost/thaw, wetting/drying cycles, and shifts in rainfall patterns are likely to speed up the weathering of in-place rockfill particles. Throughout the past decade, investigations at CEDEX have revealed signs of particle alteration, including potential crumbling in aged dams, harbors, and embankments. These alterations result in significant changes in particle size distributions, consequently leading to a decline in drainage efficiency and overall structural strength. While large-scale laboratory tests such as permeameter, triaxial tests, or Rowe's cell, are able to assess the permeability of coarse-grained soils, in-situ tests performed on a larger scale appear to yield even more reliable results. These tests replicate natural conditions, including porosity, compaction, true grain-size distribution, and boundary conditions. This paper presents a case study on the in-situ measurement of permeability in a weathered, poorly- graded rockfill, providing valuable insights into real-world conditions.
Authors
C. Laina-Gomez; D. Escudero-Merino; E. Asanza-Izquierdo

Published In

18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)

Theme

C - Risk analysis and safety evaluation

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