Basic study on mechanical properties of ground having soil pipes

Abstract

Piping, known as a complex phenomenon of internal erosion, presents a great risk for hydraulic structures. In this research, artificial piping in laboratory was created by dissolving glucose column in uniform fine (Toyoura) sand. Properties of loosened sand due to piping effect were studied through a series of triaxial tests under different densities, pipe number and confining pressure. Piping propagation was observed according to the axial strain, radial strain and volumetric strain measured by local transducers. Furthermore, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of sand with internal pipes were also evaluated under cyclic loading before and after loosening.