Model Test Study on Seepage of Jointed Loess

Abstract

This paper focuses on the influence of joints on seepage capacity of a soil mass, the water infiltration range, the area of the wet zone, and water content distributions. Tests were performed using a self-designed seepage device to determine the hydraulic conductivity of loess samples with natural joints. The test results indicate that joints greatly improve the seepage capacity of a soil mass; the depth and quantity of infiltration for the jointed sample are larger than those for the intact sample. The infiltration depths of the jointed sample are about 2.6 times that of intact specimens, and the measured areas of wet zones of the jointed sample are about 2.2 times that of an intact sample. Due to the existence of the joint, higher water content is observed at the joint location. In comparison, the water content distributions are relatively horizontal for the intact sample.