Journal Published Online: 18 March 2021
Volume 44, Issue 6

A Large-Scale True Triaxial Seepage Apparatus for Evaluating Impact under High Stress State and High Hydraulic Heads

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Seepage phenomenon can be characterized as a hydromechanical coupled issue that threatens the performance of hydraulic facilities as well as infrastructures. In this study, a large-scale true triaxial seepage apparatus was developed to investigate the hydraulic parameters of coarse-grained cohesionless soil under complex stress states and various water heads. A specimen with a maximal size of 1,050 by 550 by 550 mm was provided, and a 3-D loading system was equipped. The loading capacity in all 3 directions reaches 9 MPa, and the water supply system can produce a water head equivalent to 300 m. A detailed description of each component of the true triaxial seepage apparatus is presented. A series of tests were carried out using coarse-grained cohesionless soil naturally sampled from BaTang Dam in Sichuan Province, China. The experimental arrangement encompassed the repeatability tests and various horizontal seepage tests under different triaxial stress states. Test results show that the hydraulic conductivity of the test soil exhibits a negative power relationship with the hydraulic gradient. The newly developed apparatus is verified to be a useful tool to investigate the hydraulic features of coarse-grained cohesionless soil under triaxial stress conditions.

Author Information

Chen, Chenghao
Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
Chen, Shengshui
Key Laboratory of Failing Mechanism and Safety Control Techniques of Earth-rock of the Ministry of Water Resources, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
Mei, Shiang
College of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
Tang, Yi
Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
Li, Yuhan
Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
Pages: 18
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20200070
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20200070