Evaluation of hydraulic conductivity through particle shape and packing density characteristics of sand–silt mixtures

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between saturated hydraulic conductivity with particle shape and packing density characteristics of silty sand soils. The article presents a series of hydraulics tests performed on three kinds of sand with different particles shapes (Chlef rounded sand, Fontainebleau sub-rounded sand and Hostun sub-angular sand) mixed with low plastic rounded Chlef silt in the range of 0–30% fines content. The sand–silt mixture samples were tested in the constant-head permeability device at a loose relative density (Dr = 18%) and a constant room temperature (T = 20 °C). The obtained results indicate that the measured saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) correlates very well with the fines content (Fc), packing density in terms of [maximum void ratio “emax,” minimum void ratio “emin,” predicted maximum void ratio “emax”pr and predicted minimum void ratio “emin”pr] and particle shape characteristics ratios in terms of roundness ratio (Rr = Rhs/Rmixture) and sphericity ratio (Sr = Shs/Smixture) of the silty sand materials under consideration. Moreover, the analysis of the available data show a noticeable success in exploring the prediction of the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) based on the particle shape and packing density characteristics (Rr, Sr, emax, and emin) of the studied sand–silt mixture samples.