Definition
The use of filters to reduce the flow of fine grained soil particles into coarser soils.
Seepage erosion is reported in many different geological settings and in a variety of materials. In many construction activities, there are problems with the migration of fine soil particles into coarser soils. Particle migration is directly related to the groundwater flow conditions and, in particular, to high flow velocity. As a consequence, coarser materials can become clogged due to groundwater flow and particle migration and retention. In most problematic situations, the use of granular filters or packs or geosynthetic filters helps to decrease these problems, and improve the factor of safety in constructions, as well as reducing internal erosion, formation of underground cavities and clogging.
Many examples of ground surface, slope, and structural instabilities as a consequence of internal erosion by seeping water are known. The variety and complexity of the hydraulic processes...
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Crosta, G.B. (2018). Filtration. In: Bobrowsky, P.T., Marker, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Engineering Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73568-9_125
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73568-9_125
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