JAYAPRAKASH NARAYAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Dharmapur, Mahabubnagar – 509 001

AFFILIATED TO JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY,
MASAB TANK, HYDERABAD – 500072, Telangana, India.

“A CASE STUDY ON QUICK SAND CONDITION”

A Dissertation submitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad in

partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in
CIVIL ENGINEERING

Submitted by

M.BHANU PRAKASH 19365A0101

A. SINDUJA 19365A0120

M. THARUN KUMAR 19365A0107

MD. AFROZ 19365A0133

Under the Guidance of

K. RAVI KUMAR
M. Tech (Geotechnical Engineering)
Asst Prof.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

JAYAPRAKASH NARAYAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Dharmapur, Mahabubnagar (509 001),Telangana State, India.
Office:+ 918886680001,+918886680012,9951946677, web:www.jpnce.ac.in
2021-2022

i
 JAYAPRAKASH NARAYAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Dharmapur, Mahabubnagar – 509 001
AFFILIATED TO JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY,
MASAB TANK, HYDERABAD – 500072, Telangana, India

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

Certified that the work entitled “A CASE STUDY ON QUICK SAND

CONDITION” is a bonafied work carried out by, 1) M. BHANU PRAKASH,
HT. NO :- 19365A0101, 2) A. SINDUJA , HT.NO:- 19365A0120, 3) M. THARUN
KUMAR , HT.NO:- 19365A0107, 4) MD. AFROZ, HT.NO:- 19365A0133. in partial
fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Technology in civil Engineering of the Jayaprakash
Narayan College of Engineering, Mahabubnagar, Afflicated to Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University, Hyderabad during the year 2021-22. It is certified that all
corrections / suggestions indicated for internal assessment have been incorporated in the Report
deposited in the department library. The project report has been approved as it satisfies the
academic requirements in respect of Project work prescribed for the said Degree.

Guide Head of the Department

K. RAVI KUMAR KHAJA BEGUM

Asst Professor Asst Professor

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
There are many people instrumental for the successful completion of this dissertation
work. First, I owe my parents my deepest gratitude, as nothing would have been really possible
without their constant support and encouragement.

The heights reached by the great men did not come in a single fight, but they, on their way
stepped on successes crossing all the stones of failures. Accordingly I now take up this privilege
of remembering with gratitude those people behind the success of my project, which really
pushed me across the stones of failure.

As APJ Abdul Kalam sir has said, “A good teacher explains, a better teacher demonstrates but
the best teacher inspires”, this is how my guide Asst. Prof. Mr. K. Ravi Kumar guided me
through my project work. I would like to thank him for permitting me to undertake the
dissertation work under his able guidance, for his very useful suggestions, support and
guidance. They have been pillars of strength, and their presence has inspired me to do all the
better and there aren’t enough words to describe it.

I would be failing in my duty if I don’t thank our beloved HOD Asst. Prof KHAJA BEGUM
and our Principal, Dr. SUJEEVAN KUMAR AGIR SIR for their constant encouragement
and resolve.

I also take this opportunity in expressing my gratitude and respect to my project Coordinator
Asst. Prof Mr. Mohd Quayyum for his cooperation and support in all aspects.

I finally take this opportunity in expressing my gratitude and respect to all my department
faculty, those who have directly and indirectly helped and encouraged me during the course of
this project.

iii
 DECLARATION

We 1) M. BHANU PRAKASH HT.NO:- 19365A0101, 2) A. SINDUJA HT.NO:-

19365A0120, 3) M. THARUN KUMAR, HT.NO:- 19365A0107 4) MD. AFROZ, HT.NO:-
19365A0133 students of 4th year Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering ,
JAYAPRAKASH NARAYAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, hereby declare that under the
supervision of our guide Asst Prof K. Ravi Kumar of Civil Dept., JAYAPRAKASH
NARAYAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, have independently carried out the project titled
‘A CASE STUDY ON QUICK SAND CONDITION’ and submitted it in partial fulfillment
of the requirement for the award of degree of Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering
by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad during the academic year 2021-
2022

M. BHANU PRAKASH

A. SINDUJA

M. THARUN KUMAR

MD. AFROZ

Date:-

Place:- Mahabubnagar

iv
 ABSTRACT

Soil being a complex material, with different variety of situations occur which are not
welcomed for a civil engineer.

Bulk of manmade structures are either made of soil or resting on natural soil involving
large quantities of soil.

Being a civil engineer with knowledge on different issues of soil which may occur
during and after the construction of a structure are going to rectified. Here in this project
remedial measures to be taken to prevent the failure of the structure which plays a significant
role in construction of buildings and hydraulic structures are discussed.

Quick sand condition being one of the most fascinating and treacherous situations met
by a field engineer in which soil loses of its bearing capacity and leads to failure of structure
should be properly explored.

The proper knowledge on the quick sand condition which help us from prevention of
failure of the structure. Due to this condition it becomes very essential to take care about the
soil activities.

This being the main objective of our project which is carried in the direction to give full
knowledge on the concept on quick sand condition, reasons for its occurrence and also the
preventive measures are enumerated.

The real-life examples of structures failed due to quick sand condition are included for
the proper understanding of the extent of damage if failure occurs.

KEY WORDS: Quick sand condition, fascinating, treacherous, remedial measures, bearing
capacity.

v
 INDEX
BONAFIED i

CERTIFICATES ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii

DECLARATION iv

ABSRTACT v

LIST OF FIGURES ix - x

LIST OF TABLES xi

DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION 01 - 08

1.1 : Concept of quick sand condition 04

1.2 : How to survive quick sand 06

1.3 : Critical hydraulic gradient line 07

1.4 : Occurrence of quick sand condition 07

CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW 09 - 11

2.1 : Literature review 10

CHAPTER 3 : FACTORS AFFECTING QUICK SAND CONDITION 12 - 14

3.1 : Factors affecting quick sand condition 13

3.1.1 : Seepage pressure 13

3.1.2 : Type of soil 13

3.2 : Some important definitions 14

3.2.1 : Total stress 14

3.2.2 : Effective stress 14

3.2.3 : Pore water pressure 14

vi
CHAPTER 4 : SEEPAGE FAILURES IN DAMS WHICH RESULTED

IN CAUSING QUICK SAND CONDITION 15 - 18

4.1 : Seepage failures 16

4.1.1 : Backward erosion piping 16

4.1.2 : Heave-piping failure 17

4.2 : Liquefaction 18

CHAPTER 5 : METHODS TO PREVENT QUICK SAND CONDITION 20 - 31

5.1 : Different ways to prevent quick sand condition 20

5.1.1 : Increasing the path of percolation 20

5.1.2 : Reducing seepage 20

5.1.3 : Providing drainage filter 20

5.1.4 : Loaded filter 21

5.2 : Various methods 21

5.2.1 : Cut-off wall 21

5.2.2 : Sheet pile wall 21

5.2.3 : Upstream impervious blanket 22

5.2.4 : Grout curtain 22

5.2.5 : Prefabricated lining membrane (Geo membrane) 23

5.2.6 : Relief wells 24

5.2.7 : Rock toe drain 24

5.2.8 : Horizontal drainage filter 25

5.2.9 : chimney drains 25

5.2.10 : Drainage trenches 26

5.2.11 : Clay lining (Bentonite clay) 26

5.2.11.1 : Bentonite dry blanket method 28

5.2.11.2 : Bentonite wet blanket method 29

5.2.12 : Ground anchors 29

vii
 5.2.13 : Compaction piling method 30

5.2.14 : Downstream seepage berms 30

5.2.15 : Toeing in the foundation into the surrounding ground 31

5.3 : Our proposal to prevent quick sand condition 31

5.3.1 : Hydrophobic soil layer 31

CHAPTER 6 : REAL LIFE DAM FAILURES 33 - 37

6.1 : Quail Creek Dam (Utah, USA) 34

6.2 : Teton Dam (Idaho, USA) 35

6.3 : Baldwin Hills Dam (California, USA) 36

CONCLUSION 38

REFERENCE 39

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES
S. NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

1 Figure 1.1 : Quick sand condition 2

2 Figure 1.2 : Quick sand condition 3

3 Figure 1.3 : A model of upward flow of water

4
causing quick sand condition
4 Figure 1.4 : How to survive quick sand condition 6

5 Figure 4.1 : Backward erosion pipe failure 16

6 Figure 4.2 : Liquefaction 18

7 Figure 5.1 : Cut-off wall 21

8 Figure 5.2 : Sheet-pile wall 21

9 Figure 5.3 : Upstream impervious blanket 22

10 Figure 5.4 : Grout curtain 22

11 Figure 5.5 : Prefabricated lining membrane 23

12 Figure 5.6 : Relief wells 24

13 Figure 5.7 : Rock toe drain 24

14 Figure 5.8 : Horizontal drainage filter 25

15 Figure 5.9 : Chimney drains 25

16 Figure 5.10 : Drainage trenches 26

17 Figure 5.11 : Bentonite clay 27

18 Figure 5.12 : Bentonite dry blanket method 28

19 Figure 5.13 : Bentonite wet blanket method 29

20 Figure 5.14 : Ground anchors 29

21 Figure 5.15 : Compaction piles 30

22 Figure 5.16 : Downstream seepage berms 30

23 Figure 5.17 : Hydrophobic soil 31

ix
24 Figure 6.1 : Quail creek dam 34

25 Figure 6.2 : Teton dam 35

26 Figure 6.3 : Baldwin hills dam 36

x
 LIST OF TABLES
S. NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

1 Table 6.1 : List of dam failures 37

xi
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

When flow of water takes place in the upward direction, the seepage pressure also acts
in the upward direction and the effective pressure is reduced. If seepage pressure becomes
equal to the pressure due to submerged weight of soil, the effective pressure is reduced to zero.
In such a case, a cohesionless soil loses all its shear strength, and the soil particles have a
tendency to move up in the direction of flow. This phenomenon of lifting of soil particles is
called quick sand condition or quick condition or boiling condition.

Fig : 1.1 Quick sand condition

It is to be emphasized that quick sand is not a special type of sand. It is a condition

which occurs in a soil when the effective stress is zero. During this stage, a violent and visible
agitation of particles occurs and soil behaves as a liquid having no shear strength. Any
cohesionless soil can become quick when the upward seepage force is large enough to carry
the soil particles upward.

The quick sand condition may also develop in gravel when the hydraulic gradient
exceeds the critical gradient. But the seepage force required to maintain quick condition is very
large, which may not be available. In coarse sand and gravels water escapes easily due to high
permeability. It requires large heads to make quick condition. But it is not possible in practice.

The cohesive soil has shear strength equal to the cohesion intercept even when the
effective stress is reduced to zero. Therefore, do not become quick as soon as effective stress

2
is reduced to zero. So quick sand condition does not in clay soils as their cohesion holds the
grains together even upward flow at critical hydraulic gradient.

The quicksand phenomenon occurs when a stream of water fills the voids of sand,
cancelling the friction between the grains. This situation occurs in the river banks, lakes,
beaches, and in regions close to underground water sources.

This phenomenon when the sand is submitted to a condition of constant ascending flow,
in such a way that it undergoes a specific tension, resulting in a soil resistance equal to zero.
With that the balance of the grains is broken, making the ground unstable.

Fig : 1.2 Quick sand condition

3
1.1 CONCEPT OF QUICK SAND CONDITION:

Below figure shows the physical model to analyse quick sand condition in laboratory. The
water flows from left tank to the right tank such that the flow through the soil in the right tank
is in the upward direction.

Fig : 1.3 A model of upward flow of water causing quicksand condition

The total stress at the bottom of soil sample is,

σ = ϒ sat x L

The upward pressure at the bottom of the soil sample = Water pressure from the left tank.

Pore pressure, u = ϒw x (h+L)

Effective stress, σ’ = σ - u

σ’ = ϒ sat x L – ϒw x (h+L)

σ’= ϒ sat X L – ϒw x h – ϒw x L

σ’= ϒ sub x L – ϒw x h

4
For quick condition,

Where, i is called hydraulic gradient.

Taking the specific gravity of soil as 2.65 and void ratio as 0.65, the value of i becomes unity.

If I become unity, then i = iC

i.e. h/L =1

or, h=L

This indicates that when quicksand condition is achieved the head causing flow equals to the
thickness of length of the specimen.

The shear strength of a cohesionless soil is given by:

τ= σ’ tan ϕ

Where , τ= Shear Strength

σ’ = Effective stress

ϕ= Angle of internal friction

When the effective normal stress σ’= o, τ = 0.

If shear strength of a soil is zero, it behaves as liquid.

In such situation the soil is said to be in quick condition.

5
If the critical hydraulic condition is exceeded, the soil particles move upwards, and the soil
surface appears to be boiling.

During this stage, a violent and visible agitation of particles takes place. The discharge
suddenly increases due to an increase in the coefficient of permeability in the process. If a
weight is placed in the surface of the soil, it sinks down.

When a natural soil becomes quick, it cannot support the weight of a man or animal.

Contrary to common belief, the soil does not suck the victim beneath its surface. As a matter
of fact, quicksand behaves like a liquid with a unit weight twice that of water.

1.2 HOW TO SURVIVE FROM QUICK SAND:

Fig : 1.4 How to survive from quick sand condition

A person can easily float in it with about one-third of its body out of quicksand. But quicksand
is highly viscous; movement in it would require a great effort and energy.

A person may die by drowning (suffocation) if he gets tired and its head sinks into the quick
sand.

If a person is caught in quicksand, he should keep his head above the soil surface and move
slowly towards the bank. He should try to catch some tree on the bank and try to pull himself
out of quick sand,

6
It is to be emphasized that quick sand is not a special type of sand. it is a condition that occurs
in the sand when the effective stress is zero.

Any cohesionless soil can become quick when the upward seepage force is large enough to
carry the soil particles upward. Due to the presence of cohesion, quick sand condition does not
take place in clay soil.

1.3 CRITICAL HYDRAULIC GRADIENT LINE

 The hydraulic gradient at the critical condition when the soil particles just begin to
move is known as critical hydraulic gradient line.
 When the exit gradient is equal to or greater than the critical hydraulic gradient, the soil
is said to be in quick condition
 Critical hydraulic gradient depends on the specific gravity and void ratio of the soil.

1.4 OCCURRENCE OF QUICK SAND CONDITION:

Quick conditions of soil brought about by seepage forces are frequently encountered at
the bottoms of foundation excavations in fine sand below the water table of a natural water
basin.

It is quite possible that a foundation pit excavated in a fine soil during the late summer,
when the position of ground water table is low, is almost dry. But in rainy season when position
of ground water table is high, seepage caused by increased hydrostatic head of raised ground
water table may create a quick sand condition.

 Excavation in granular materials behind coffer dams alongside rivers.

 Any place where artesian pressures exist i.e., where head of water is greater than the
usual static water pressure.
 Downstream side of hydraulic structures.

7
The quick sand condition may be summarized as under:

1. Quick sand is not a special type of soil. It is a hydraulic condition.

2. Two factors are required for a soil to be quick: strength must be proportional to effective
stress and the effective stress must be equal to zero.
3. A cohesionless soil becomes quick when the soil pressure and seepage pressure equals,
and effective stress becomes equal to zero.
4. In quick sand condition cohesionless soil loses its shear strength and soil particles move
in upward direction.
5. The critical gradient at which a cohesionless soil becomes quick is about unity.
6. The cohesive soil does not become quick when the effective stress is equal to zero, as it
still possesses some strength equal to the cohesion intercept.
7. The amount of flow or discharge required to maintain a quick condition in a soil increases
as the permeability of the soil increases.
8. The range of void ratio between which quick sand condition occurs in cohesionless
granular soil deposits is 0.6 to 0.7.
9. A quick condition is most likely to occur in fine sand coarse silt.
10. Quick sand behaves like a liquid with a unit weight about twice that of water.

8
 Chapter 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

9
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

The formulation of the concept of effective stress for porous media such as soils is most
often attributed to Terzaghi (1923). In the context of developing the classical one-dimensional
consolidation theory for saturated clay, he realized that two stress components make up the
total stress (σ) acting on an element of soil: the intergranular stress (σ’) and neutral stress or
pore water pressure (u). For soils, the intergranular stress provides the strength, and any change
in linear and volumetric strains is controlled by the intergranular stress. It is therefore called
the effective stress.

Karl Von Terzaghi first proposed the relationship for effective stress in 1925. For him,
the term ‘effective’ meant the calculated stress that was effective in moving soil, or causing
displacements. It has been often interpreted as the average stress carried by the soil skeleton.
According to Terzaghi

σ’ = σ – u

This equation has been shown to hold for soils for most practical purposes. Only for
extensively high pressures are deviations from this expression sufficiently large to be
measurable. Further discussion of the relation between the intergranular and the effective stress
is presented by Skempton (1960).

Alec Skempton in his work in 1960, has carried out an extensive review of available
formulations and experimental data in literature about effective stress valid in soil, concrete
and rock, in order to reject some of these expressions, as well as clarify what expression was
appropriate according to several work hypothesis, such as stress – strain or strength behaviour,
saturated or non-saturated media, rock/concrete or soil behaviour, etc.

Significant deviations from the effective stress calculated from above equation have
been measured for porous media such as concrete and rock. In these materials the contact areas
and the compressibility of the different phases are quite different from those in soils. Numerous
investigations have been carried out to determine the nature of the effective stress principle for
geological materials, and several candidate expressions have been proposed in the literature.

10
 Since Terzaghi’s expression may be inadequate for some porous media, the effective
stress can be defined as the stress that controls the stress strain, volume change, and strength
behaviour of a given porous medium, independent of the magnitude of the pore pressure. The
pore pressure may be zero or negative, or it may be positive and very large, but the effective
stress must be expressed such that it produces the same material response for any pore pressure.
The concept of effective stress should be based on the principles of mechanics and it should be
possible to derive an expression for σ’ whose validity can be determined by comparison with
appropriate experimental data.

A review is given of the expressions proposed for the effective stress in porous media.
This is followed by a detailed analytical development of a new expression for the effective
stress. Appropriate expressions are devised to check the salient features of the new
comprehensive expression. Finally, a discussion is presented of the results and their relevance
to porous media such as soil, concrete and rock.

Whereas Terzaghi is credited with the discovery of the effective stress in 1923, he did
not ‘the principle’ until 1936. However, in 1913, Fillunger speculated that the pore water
pressure itself does not have any influence on the strength of porous media. He repeated this
hypothesis in 1914, and in 1915 he reported the results of unjacketed tensile tests on cement
and masonry specimens. Fillunger (1915) observed that a pore pressure of up to several
hundred atmospheres acting inside and outside the pores in the porous media has no influence
on the strength of solid skeleton. He had in other words realized the effects of the effective
stress at an earlier date than Terzaghi. Fillunger (1936) was also the first to clearly state that
consecutive equations should be formulated foe the ‘surplus pressure over the weighted pore
water pressure’, not for the total stress.

11
 Chapter 3

FACTORS AFFECTING QUICK

SAND CONDITION

12
 CHAPTER 3

FACTORS AFFECTING QUICK SAND CONDITION

3.1 FACTORS AFFECTING QUICK SAND CONDITION

The various factors that affect the quick sand condition are as follows:

3.1.1 SEEPAGE PRESSURE

 Percolation of water through the soil pores under an energy gradient is known as
seepage.
 The pressure exerted on the soil due to seepage of water is known as seepage force or
seepage pressure.
 It is the seepage pressure that is responsible for the phenomenon of quick sand and is
of vital importance in the stability analysis of earth structures subjected to the action of
seepage.
 Higher seepage pressure can lead to the occurrence of quick sand condition.

3.1.2 TYPE OF SOIL

 Type of soil also plays a significant role in the occurrence of quick sand condition.
 Quick sand condition occurs in cohesionless soil.
 The phenomena of quick sand condition does not occur in cohesive soils, because in
cohesive soil even when the effective stress becomes equal to zero, it still possesses
some strength equal to the cohesion intercept.
 A quick condition is most likely to occur in fine sand coarse silt.

13
3.2 SOME IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

3.2.1 TOTAL STRESS (σ)

 At any plane in a soil mass, the total stress or unit pressure (σ) is the total load per unit
area.
 This pressure may be due to
1. Self weight of soil
2. Over-burden on the soil
 The total pressure is further constituted of two different type of stresses :
1. Effective stress
2. Pore water pressure

3.2.2 EFFECTIVE STRESS (σ’)

 Effective stress is the stress which is being transferred in the soil mass by grain to grain
contact which tends to force the soil solids to come in closer contact with each other
resulting in increased denseness, strength, reduced void ratio and mobilization of shear
strength.
 Since the pressure is transferred by grain to grain contact it is termed as inter granular
pressure.

3.2.3 PORE WATER PRESSURE (u)

 It is the pressure which is being transferred by pore fluid and is equal to the weight of
fluid column above the concerned section in soil mass.
 This water pressure acts all around the soil solids hence does not force the soil to come
in closer state of contact with each other.
 It is also termed as ‘neutral pressure’.

 Total pressure and pore water pressure is measurable.

 Effective stress is not a physical parameter and cannot be measured.
 Effective force can be only calculated by subtracting the neutral stress from total stress.

14
 Chapter 4

SEEPAGE FAILURES IN DAMS

WHICH RESULTED IN CAUSING

QUICK SAND CONDITION

15
 CHAPTER 4

SEEPAGE FAILURES IN DAMS WHICH RESULTED IN

CAUSING QUICK SAND CONDITION

4.1 SEEPAGE FAILURES

At quicksand condition, soil particles are removed with water which creates piping
below the hydraulic structure which is called piping failure.

To prevent the piping failure or quick sand condition, the hydraulic gradient permitted
should be less than the critical hydraulic gradient.

Hydraulic structures, such as weirs and dams, build on pervious foundations sometimes
fail by formation of a pipe-shaped channel in its foundation, known as piping failure. The
failure occurs when water flowing through the foundation has a very high hydraulic gradient
and it carries soil particles with it. There are two types of such failures:

1. Backward erosion piping failure

2. Heave-piping failure

4.1.1 BACKWARD EROSION PIPING FAILURE

Fig : 4.1 backward erosion piping failure

This type of piping begins with the removal of soil particles by flowing water near the
exit points. A scour hole forms near the exit when the hydraulic gradient is high. The hole
extends upstream along the foundation. The failure occurs as soon as the scour hole approaches

16
the upstream reservoir. The failure mechanism of backward erosion piping is not amenable to
theoretical solution.

Backward erosion of soil is caused by the percolating water, and the piping begins when
the hydraulic gradient at exit, known as exit gradient, exceeds the critical gradient (ic). The soil
at the exit is removed by the percolating water. When the soil near the exit has been removed,
the flow net gets modified. There is more concentration of the flow lines in the remaining soil
mass, resulting in an increase of the exit gradient. This causes further removal of the soil. This
process of backward erosion continues towards the upstream reservoir and a sort of pipe is
formed. As soon as the channel approaches the reservoir, a large amount of water rushes
through the channel so formed and the hydraulic structure fails.

Backward erosion piping may also occur in the body of earth structure, such as earth
dam. This takes place when the phreatic line cuts the downstream face of the dam and the
seepage pressure is high. It is indicated by a progressive sloughing of the downstream face.
Such failures can occur even when the exit gradient is low. If the downstream face has the
slope angle equal to the angle of internal friction of the cohesionless soil, the critical gradient
at which failure occurs is approximately equal to zero. In other words, the failure may occur
even when the seepage is almost horizontal towards the downstream face.

Backward erosion piping may also occur along any weak bedding plane in the
foundation, or along the periphery of a conduit embedded in the earth dam when the seepage
pressure is high.

Generally, backward erosion piping failure occurs when the exit gradient is greater than
the critical gradient. But, in exceptional cases, it may occur even when the overall downward
submerged weight of the soil is greater than the upward force dur to seepage. In such a case
some of the fine particles are restrained. Thereafter the seepage concentrates in the loosened
soil and results in piping failure.

4.1.2 HEAVE-PIPING FAILURE

Failure by heave piping occurs in the form of a rise or a heave of a large mass of soil
due to seepage pressure. When the seepage force due to upward flow of water at any level is
greater than the submerged weight of the soil above that level, the entire soil mass in that zone

17
heaves up and is blown out by the percolating water. This type of failure is known as heave
piping failure.

4.2 LIQUEFACTION

In loose saturated sand due to seismic loading or dynamic loading volume decrease,
hence pore pressure change is positive. Sudden decrease in effective stress is observed hence
sudden decrease in shear strength is observed. Large settlement in foundation is observed along
with vertical flow of muddy water. Such a phenomenon is known as liquefaction.

Fig : 4.2 Liquefaction

18
 Chapter 5

METHODS TO PREVENT QUICK

SAND CONDITION

19
 CHAPTER 5

METHODS TO PREVENT QUICK SAND CONDITION

5.1 DIFFERENT WAYS TO PREVENT QUICK SAND CONDITION

The different methods to prevent quick sand condition can be broadly classified as follows:

5.1.1 INCREASING THE PATH OF PERCOLATION

The hydraulic gradient depends upon the path of percolation. if the length of path is
increased, the exit gradient will decrease to a safe value. The length of path of percolation can
be increased by adopting the following method:

 Increase the base width of the hydraulic structure.

 Providing vertical cutoff walls below the hydraulic structures.
 Providing an upstream impervious blanket.

5.1.2 REDUCING SEEPAGE

With a reduction of seepage through dam, the chances of piping failure through the
body of the dam considerably reduced. The quantity of seepage discharge is reduced by
providing an impervious layer.

5.1.3 PROVIDING DRAINAGE FILTER

A drainage filter changes the direction of flow away from the downstream face. It
prevents the movement of soil particles along with water. The drainage filter is properly graded.
The drainage filter may be horizontal or in the form of rock toe. It may also be in the form of
a chimney drain.

20
5.1.4 LOADED FILTER

A loaded filter consists of graded sand and gravels. The function of loaded filter is to
increase the downward force without increasing the upward seepage force.

5.2 VARIOUS METHODS

5.2.1 CUT-OFF WALL

Fig : 5.1 Cut-off wall

 The cut-off is a wall of relatively impervious material.

 It is used to prevent seepage through the foundation.
 It is always led down into the foundation from the ground surface.
 If possible, cut-off should extend up to the impervious strata lying below the ground
level.
 Cut-off can be of cement concrete or piles such as sheet piles can also be used.
 Partial cut-offs do not prove much effective in preventing seepage.
 A 90%depth of cut-off reduces about 25% seepage.

5.2.2 SHEET PILE WALL

Fig : 5.2 Sheet pile wall

21
  Sheet piles are provided below hydraulic structures to minimize piping failure to retain
earth mass.

5.2.3 UPSTREAM IMPERVIOUS BLANKET

Fig : 5.3 upstream impervious blanket

 Such a blanket when constructed over a pervious foundation reduces the quantity of
seepage on D/S side.
 It also causes reduction in uplift pressure throughout the D/S side.
 The provision of U/S blanket is found economical and more effective when the depth
of previous overburden is large and the provision of the cut-off wall is uneconomical.
 Blankets are particularly effective when there are cracks and fissures in the foundation
beneath the dam structure. In such cases they seal such openings and reduce the seepage
considerably.
 The blanket should be composed of such material which is at least 100 times less
pervious than the foundation material.

5.2.4 GROUT CURTAIN

Fig : 5.4 grout curtain

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 Grout curtain is a barrier that protects the foundation of a dam from seepage and can be
made during initial construction or during repair. Additionally, they can be used to strengthen
foundations and contain spills.

This method is applicable for soils where there is presence of pores, fissures or cracks
etc underneath the foundation. In this method, poor soil bearing strata is hardened by injecting
the cement grout under pressure, because it scales off any cracks or pores or fissures etc. For
proper distribution of the cement grout, the ground is bored and perforated pipes are introduced
to force the grout.

5.2.5 PREFABRICATED LINING MEMBRANES (GEO MEMBRANES)

Fig : 5.5 prefabricated lining membrane (Geo membrane)

 A geomembrane is a very low permeability synthetic membrane liner used to control

or stop the flow of liquid in hydraulic structures.
 Geomembranes are made from relatively thin continuous polymeric sheets, but they
can also be made from the impregnation of geotextiles with asphalt, elastomer or
polymer sprays.

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5.2.6 RELIEF WELL

Fig : 5.6 Relief wells

 It is such a well which if not constructed would cause formation of sand boils and
possibly sub-surface piping.
 They reduce the sub surface uplift pressure D/S of the dam.
 They intercept the seepage through the foundation and control the outlet for seepage.
 Relief wells become necessary when impervious layer overlies a pervious layer and the
thickness of overlying impervious layer is less than the depth of water impounded.
 Relief wells consist of 10 cm to 15 cm diameter holes filled with filter material.

5.2.7 ROCK TOE DRAIN

Fig : 5.7 Rock toe drain

 Rock toe keeps seepage line well within the dam section.
 It also helps a great deal for the drainage purposes.
 The height of the rock toe is kept about one fourth of the height of the dam.
 Rock toe should be designed like filter
.

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5.2.8 HORIZONTAL DRAINAGE FILTER

Fig : 5.8 Horizontal drainage filter

 It is provided at the base of the dam, starting from downstream end of the dam and
extending backwards into the dam.
 Backward extension of the filter depends upon so many factors.
 But this extension may at the most be up to centre line of the dam.
 This filter controls seepage line and does not allow it to get exposed on downstream
face of the dam.
 It also accelerates the process of consolidation.
 It also causes drainage of foundation.
 If seepage pressure at the D/S end of the dam is still excessive, the horizontal filter drain
may be continued even beyond the D/S toe of the dam.
 Sometimes rock toe and horizontal filter drains are dispensed with and entire D/S
portion of the dam may be made from coarse-grained soil.

5.2.9 CHIMNEY DRAINS

Fig : 5.9 Chimney drains

 Under conditions of large stratification, the permeability in the horizontal direction is

more than in the vertical direction.
 This causes a greater speed of horizontal seepage than vertical seepage.

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  Chimney drain or filter, if correctly built, intercepts all the seepage from the dam
regardless of the stratification in the dam.
 Chimney drains also render earth dam earthquake resistant.

5.2.10 DRAINAGE TRENCHES

Fig : 5.10 Drainage trenches

 This measure is adopted when top stratum is pervious and thin.

 Porous drains remain enclosed in gravel filters.

5.2.11 CLAY LINING

If a suitable clay can be found on or near the dam, then clay lining may be a cost-
effective way of sealing your dam:

 A minimum 300 mm depth of compacted clay must be used.

 The clay must also be placed and compacted in layers of 100 mm at the optimum soil
moisture content
 If the dam still holds some water it should be pumped dry and all plants and silt removed
to expose a firm foundation on which to place the clay lining

The cost of clay lining depends on many factors, including:

 The transport cost of the clay

 The amount of clay to be moved
 The cost of emptying the dam
 Access to the site

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  Potential crop and income loss (because the dam will need to be emptied)

BENTONITE CLAY

Fig : 5.11 Bentonite clay

 The new technique of bentonite lining of leaking earth dams has been developed in the
last 10 years. Bentonite dam sealer is one of the best natural mineral to sealing a dam.
 Sodium bentonite is a naturally occurring clay material composed predominantly of the
active constituent montmorillonite
 It is commercially mined, and it is a very different means of achieving a water-tight
seal compared to a passive liner such as plastic.

Bentonite may be used in several ways depending on the soil type and whether it is practical to
empty the dam

The two most common application methods are:

 wet blanket
 dry blanket

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5.2.11.1 BENTONITE DRY BLANKET METHOD

Fig : 5.12 Bentonite dry blanket method

 When using the bentonite dry blanket method, the bentonite is broadcast over the area
at a rate of approximately 15 kg/m2.
 After the bentonite is spread it is mixed with the existing soil by lightly harrowing and
then compacting with a roller.
 The dry blanket method also requires the removal of all vegetation and loose rocks in
the area to be treated.
 This technique involves placing the bentonite material directly on the sloping batters of
the dam and compacting in the radial membranes
 If the dam base is made up of rock, the rock should be covered with at least 300 mm of
compacted clay mixed with bentonite

 Cost = medium
 chances of success = high
 Practicality = high

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5.2.11.2 BENTONITE WET BLANKET METHOD

Fig : 5.13 Bentonite wet blanket method

 Another option, which has a success rate of 70%, would be to broadcast the bentonite
on the water surface (wet blanket method)
 The broadcast technique involves spreading the bentonite over the water surface at a
rate of 30 kg/m2.
 The bentonite settles to the bottom, hopefully where the problem is, and seals the
storage.
 This method is not recommended, as success cannot be 100% assured.
 However, if the storage cannot be emptied then it is the only option available.

 Cost = high (due to extra coverage required)

 chances of success = medium
 Practicality = high

5.2.12 GROUND ANCHORS

Fig : 5.14 Ground anchors

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Pre-stressed anchors can be used as a temporary measure to counteract uplift forces. Permanent
application of ground anchors is limited by concerns about their long-term performance with
respect to corrosion.

5.2.13 COMPACTION PILING METHOD

Fig : 5.15 Compaction piles

The piling method is the most effective method to resist Uplift pressure. Various types of piles
are available to be used for countering uplift pressure based on soil condition and their necessity
on site.

 Compaction piles are used in loose saturated sand in order to increase density and
bearing capacity.
 These are provided in areas which are prone to liquefaction such as near river and sea

5.2.14 D/S SEEPAGE BERMS.

Fig : 5.16 downstream seepage berms

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  Additional berms may be built on the D/S side of the dam in continuation of the D/S
end.
 Such a bean is useful in controlling seepage where D/S top strata is relatively thin and
uniform or even top strata is absent.

5.2.15 TOEING IN THE FOUNDATION INTO THE SURROUNDING GROUND

 When a substructure is built inside an open excavation or temporary cofferdam, the

base slab or raft foundation can be extended outside perimeter to increase resistance to
uplift.
 The weight of backfill material on the tied-in foundation increase the weight of the
structure against uplift pressure. This method is not feasible where a diaphragm or
secant pile wall is used as a permanent retaining structure

5.3 OUR PROPOSAL TO PREVENT QUICK SAND CONDITION :

5.3.1 HYDROPHOBIC SOIL LAYER

Fig : 5.17 Hydrophobic soil

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  Hydrophobic soil is a soil whose particles repel water.
 Hydrophobic soil is formed when a fire or hot air disperses waxy compounds found in
the uppermost layer of organic matter.
 After the compounds disperse, they mainly coat sandy soil particles near the surface in
the upper layers of soil, making the soil hydrophobic.
 The layer of hydrophobicity is commonly found at or a few centimeters below the
surface, parallel to the soil profile.
 The layer can vary in thickness and abundance and is typically covered by a layer of
ash or burnt soil.
 Hydrophobic soils are found on all continents except for Antarctica. It occurs in dry
regions in the United states, Southern Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin, and in
wet regions including Sweden, the Netherlands, British Columbia, and Columbia.

A layer of compacted hydrophobic soil layer can be placed at the bottom of dam in the
vertical direction to prevent the flow of water due to seepage from upstream to downstream,
thus reducing the risk of occurrence of quick sand condition.

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 Chapter 6

REAL LIFE DAM FAILURES

33
 CHAPTER 6

REAL LIFE DAM FAILURES

6.1 QUAIL CREEK DAM (Utah, USA)

Fig : 6.1 Quail Creek Dam

Location : Utah, USA

Year constructed : 1983 – 1984

Height (Dike) : 78 ft

Drainage area : 78.4 sq. Mi.

Type : Earth fill

Primary purpose : irrigation

Date of incident : January 1, 1989

Fatalities : none

Property damage : 12 million dollars

Quail Creek Reservoir, located in Washington County, Utah, is an approximately

40,000 acre-feet water storage project for irrigation, municipal, and industrial use. Design of
the project was completed in 1983 with construction beginning in November of that year. The
project consisted of an approximately 200-foot-high main dam and a 78-foot-high dike. The
dam and spillway crest elevations were set at 2995 feet and 2985 feet, respectively.

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6.2 TETON DAM (Idaho, USA)

Fig : 6.2 Teton Dam

Location : Idaho, USA

Year constructed : 1975

Height : 305 ft

Drainage area : 853 sq. Mi.

Type : Earth fill

Primary purpose : Flood control, Hydropower

Date of incident : June 5, 1976

Fatalities : 11

Property damage : 400 million dollars

Teton Dam was located in south eastern Idaho about 15 miles from Rexburg in the
valley of the Teton River. The dam and its reservoir were the principal elements of the Teton
Basin Project designed by the Bureau of Reclamation to control flooding as well as provide a
source of hydropower, irrigation, and drinking water. Construction on the Teton Dam,
reservoir, and powerhouse began in 1972 and by November 1975 the zoned earth fill
embankment was essentially complete with a structural height of 305 feet and a crest length
of 3,100 feet. Less than one year later, the dam experienced catastrophic failure on June 5, 1976
during its first filling. Failure of the Teton Dam and subsequent draining of the reservoir caused
the deaths of 11 people and approximately $400 million in damages.

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6.3 BALDWIN HILLS DAM (California, USA)

Fig : 6.3 Baldwin Hills Dam

Location : California, USA

Year constructed : 1951

Height : 232 ft

Type : Earth fill

Primary purpose : Water supply

Date of incident : December 14, 1963

Fatalities : 5

Property damage : 10 million dollars

The Baldwin Hills Reservoir was constructed in 1951 to provide water to the south and
southwest portions of the city of Los Angeles, California. Sitting atop one of the tallest hills in
the region, the reservoir was confined on three sides by compacted earth dikes and the Baldwin
Hills Dam on the northern fourth side. The Baldwin Hills Dam reached a height of 232 feet
and stretched a total of 650 feet in length. At 3:38 P.M. on December 14, 1963, the Baldwin
Hills Dam breached releasing a majority of the reservoir’s 250 million gallons of stored water.
The sudden release resulted in the death of five people and approximately $11 million in
property damage.

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A few examples of other dam failures are listed below :

DATE OF CAUSE OF
DAM LOCATION
INCIDENT FAILURE

City reservoir Nashville, Tennessee 4 / 1 / 1912 Seepage

Seepage shallow
West brook reservoir New York 15 / 5 / 1916
cut-off’s

Lake Toxaway North Carolina 13 / 8 / 1916 Piping

Lake o hills Alaska 29 / 4 / 1972 Piping

Hadlock pond dam New York 2 / 7 / 2005 piping

Table : 5.1 List of dam failures

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 CONCLUSIONS
 There are many methods to prevent quick sand condition and among all the methods,

cut-off wall and sheet pile methods are mostly used and most effective.

 Hydrophobic soil layer can be used to prevent quick sand condition where hydrophobic

soil is available. And using hydrophobic soil is economical when compared to other

methods and life of this prevention method is high as hydrophobic soil is a natural

material and non-biodegradable.

 If quick sand condition at a site is neglected, then the result can be catastrophic.

38
 REFERENCES

1. Bishop, A. W. (1955). The principle of effective stress, Tekniske Ukeblad, No. 19,

1959, 859-863. Also, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Publication No. 32,

1960, 1-5.

2. De Boer, R., & Ehlers, W. (1990). The development of the concept of effective stresses,

Acta Mechanica, Springer-Verlag, 83, pp. 77-92.

3. The erosional impact of soil hydrophobicity. R. A. Shakesby, SH Doerr, RPD Walsh,

Journal of hydrology 231, 178-191, 2000.

4. Soil hydrophobicity : an overview January 2014. Journal of Scientific Research and

Reports. 3(8) : 1003-1037.

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