Experimental findings of soil particle movement in 2D seepage failure of soil using particle image velocimetry

Abstract

Seepage failure is one of the most important issues associated with the performance-based design of soil at high groundwater sites. We discuss the movement of soil particles with increase in the hydraulic head difference, H, in half 2D model tests on the seepage failure of soil in front of sheet piles using PIV analyses (Particle Image Velocimetry). The following conclusions were obtained: (1) At a certain value of Hpiv lower than Hy, the micro movement of soil particles is found around the bottom tip of a sheet pile wall, where Hpiv and Hy are the hydraulic head differences at the start of soil particle movement using PIV analysis, and at the onset of deformation of the soil surface, respectively. (2) The location of the micro movement of soil particles corresponds reasonably well with the net < 0 region, where net is the net body force exerted on a unit volume of soil. (3) Micro movement of soil particles occurs at a hydraulic head difference of 73 - 100% of Hy. (4) PIV analyses show the boundaries between regions where soil particles do or do not move as well as the movement of sand particles. (5) The region of soil particle movement proves the validity of the prism of failure for Terzaghi’s method and the prismatic failure concept.