50 / 2025-04-24 12:55:18

Filtration investigation using components of the base contact network

The structural integrity of embankment dams depends on the ability of filters to mitigate the risk
of internal erosion failure. Granular filters are designed to trap finer base particles within the pore
space of coarser filter particles. Using the component membership from the base particle contact
network, a meso-scale investigation of the number, size, and spatial distribution of components
can yield insight into filtration heterogeneities. The current work investigates the base particle
components resulting from mono-disperse gravity-led DEM filtration simulations retaining 75%
of base particles on average. The filtration samples investigated showed the formation of a giant
component at the top of the sample, a few medium size components in top 40% of the filter and
smaller components throughout the filter depth. These meso-scale insights provide a starting point
for further investigations into the filtration heterogeneities and how these can be used for optimised
filter design.