摘要

A database of 80 embankment dams has been compiled that includes 23 dams that are reported to have experienced some form of internal erosion. An assessment is made of the potential for seepage-induced internal instability of the filter zone in all dams, using five empirical criteria for shape analysis of the grain size distribution curve. Similarly, an assessment is made of the likelihood of core-filter incompatibility in all of the dams, using an empirical criterion for excessive erosion. These two attributes of a filter gradation, namely its potential for internal instability and its capacity for soil retention, are combined in a unified plot. Evaluation of the database reveals a correlation between the attributes of a filter gradation and deficiencies that are attributed to internal erosion. The finding implies the unified plot may serve as a preliminary screening tool in engineering practice.

  • 出版日期2014-12