Evaluation of the Erosion Potential of Embankment Core Materials Using the Laboratory Triaxial Erosion Test Procedure

Abstract : Triaxial erosion tests were used to study how the erosion rate in typical embankment dam core materials is influenced by soil compaction and by the chemistry of the eroding fluid. The tests were performed in a specially modified triaxial cell which was able to apply confining pressure to compacted embankement dam materials and to direct the flow of eroding fluid through a preformed erosion channel to model the conditions that exist in the core of an embankment dam. In addition, tests were performed to develop a method for testing the effectiveness of filters in preventing erosion from cracked embankment dam core materials.