Seepage erosion - an improved technique for soils evaluation in till-core dams

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Some types of soils experience internal instability, or erosion, as a result of groundwater seepage.  We can classify a soil as potentially unstable, by comparing it to an idealized soil curve that is believed to define the boundary between stable and potentially unstable soils.  However, we are currently unable to establish the critical seepage condition at which the onset of that potential instability occurs.  To do so with confidence would require a database of specialized laboratory test results, a companion theoretical explanation, and a correlation to field observations.  The intent of this proposal is to expand upon a series of recent laboratory experiments at UBC, to create a select database of test results, and use it develop and verify a theoretical explanation from an idea published in the scientific literature.  We anticipate this will yield an advanced technique for evaluation of internal instability in potentially erosive soils.  An immediate application of the technique would be to the design, operation, performance monitoring, maintenance and safety evaluation of earth dams, such as those used for generation of hydroelectricity.