Using CT-scanning to study internal erosion in soils

Adrian G&lstrok, owacki, Céline Bouin, Yannic Ethier, Jean-Sébastien Dubé, François Duhaime

In the proceedings of: GeoEdmonton 2018: 71st Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 13th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: In-Situ Testing

ABSTRACT: The decision to select a granular material as a construction material depends, in part, on its internal erosion susceptibility, particularly for embankment dams and dikes. The internal erosion (suffusion) is commonly determined by the application of empirical criteria based on the shape of the soil grain size distribution curve. A new analysis method, the X-ray micro Computed Tomography, can be used in addition to the conventional methods in order to determine the susceptibility of the specimens to internal erosion. Micro-CT images are capable of producing the 3D microstructure of the specimens before and after flow tests. Furthermore, micro-CT scans can provide insight into the porosity structure, grain size distribution and particle migration. This research looks into how micro-CT images of granular material can be obtained and analyzed as well as the limitations of such scans. Procedures are presented in order to avoid and reduce noise in micro-CT images and to obtain repeatable and reliable data from the specimens.

RÉSUMÉ: pour les digues et barrages en remblai dépend en partie de sa . La susceptibilité est souvent déterminée à de critères empiriques basés sur la forme de la courbe granulométrique. Cet article présente un nouvel outil permettant de déterminer par la microtomographie aux rayons X. Cette méthode avantage de reconstruire la microstructure 3D des spécimens granulaire avant et après des essais en perméamètre. Les microtomographies donnent la structure des pores, la granulométrie et le mouvement des particules. Cet article montre comment les microtomographies peuvent être obtenues et analysées, ainsi que leurs limitations. Des procédures sont présentées pour diminuer ou éliminer les artéfacts dans les microtomographies et pour obtenir des résultats fiables et reproductibles.

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