LaboratoryTesting to Optimize Filter Design for Dispersive Clay

J Casey

In the proceedings of: GeoVancouver 2016: 69th Canadian Geotechnical Conference

Session: CASE HISTORIES - I Tailings Dam Site Characterization & Design

ABSTRACT: Dispersive clays can pose a problem for dam designers due to their erodibility and piping potential. Design guidelines commonly used for the designing granular filters provide guidance on specifying a material that will protect a dispersive clay from piping; however filters meeting the recommended gradation may be difficult and/or expensive to produce or procure depending on project conditions. This technical paper presents the results from a laboratory testing program designed to optimize the filter design for a dispersive clay so that locally sourced materials could be used without expensive processing. The program comprised two filter compatibility tests (continuing erosion filter and slurry tests) to observe the performance of various filters. The filter tests and performance criteria were based on the work by Foster, Fell, Sherard, Dunnigan and Talbot. The results of the laboratory program are plotted against similar tests results from Foster and Fell and compared to common design guidelines.

RÉSUMÉ: Le phénomène de dispersion des argiles peut poser un problème pour let de renardage. Les critères de calcul couramment utilisés pour la conception des filtres granulaires donne des recommandation spécifiant des matériaux qui minimisent le risque de renardage; cependant, la composition des filtres qui correspondent à ces recommandations de critères de granulométrie des filtres peuvent être difficiles à se procurer sur certains sites de construction. Cette publication présente les résultats des tests conduits en laboratoire qui ont amené à une optimisation de la composition des filtres permettant une adaptation du design a la disponibilité et au cout des matériaux de construction des sites de construction. Le programme de laboratoire consiste à réaliser deux tests de compatibilité (iltré et essais sur boue) pour observer la performance de différentes compositions des filtres. Les critères de tests et de performance sur filtres ont été basés sur les travaux de Foster, Fell, Sherard, Dunnigan et Talbot et les résultats des tests en laboratoire sont présentés graphiquement et comparés à ceux de Foster and Fell et aux critères de calculs généralement acceptés.

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Cite this article:
J Casey (2016) LaboratoryTesting to Optimize Filter Design for Dispersive Clay in GEO2016. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{4204_0722164641,author = J Casey,title = LaboratoryTesting to Optimize Filter Design for Dispersive Clay,year = 2016}