Prediction of the Geotechnical Effects Induced by Deep Drainage in Urban Area.

ABSTRACT: The geotechnical effects are discussed of the erosion of fine particles caused by the seepage flow within a granular deposit. First some laboratory tests on reconstituted soil samples are illustrated that provide the quantity of eroded particles during time depending on the imposed hydraulic gradi-ent. The experimental results permit defining an erosion law that has been implemented in a finite element code for erosion-transport analysis. After a brief description of the solution procedure, the results are presented of an application concerning a deep drainage well located within an urban area. The results of calculation provide the density of eroded particles in the vicinity of the well and a prediction of the possible settlements of the foundations of nearby buildings.