Effects of Physical Properties on Erosional and Yield Strengths of Fine-Grained Sediments

Abstract

AbstractDue to interparticle forces between clay particles in fine-grained sediments, erodibility and transport mechanisms for fine sediments are different from those for coarse sediments, and the capability to predict the erosion resistance of fine sediments is still in question. In this study, sediment specimens with different kaolinite contents were prepared by mixing ground silica and Georgia kaolin with tap water. Geotechnical tests were carried out to obtain the sediment physical properties. The erosional and yield strengths of the specimens were determined through hydraulic flume experiments and rheometer tests, respectively. Relationships among the erosional and yield strengths and the sediment physical properties were developed. In dimensionless form, erosional and yield strengths of fine sediments are predicted by sediment properties including clay-size fraction and water content. In addition, a relationship is obtained to predict Shields’ parameter as a function of the corresponding dimensionle...