PURPOSES : In this study, a numerical clogging model that can be used to realistically visualize the movement of particles in cylindrical permeability test equipment was proposed based on the system coupling of computational fluid dynamics with the discrete element method and experimental permeability test results. This model can also be used to simulate the interaction of dust particles with bedding particles.
METHODS: A 4-way system coupling method with multiphase volumes of the fluid model and porous media model was proposed. The proposed model needs to consider the influence of flow on the dust particles, interaction between the dust particles, and interaction between the dust particles and bedding layer particles. The permeability coefficient of the bedding layer in cylindrical permeability test equipment was not calculated by using the permeability test result, but was estimated by using the particle packing model and Ergun model.
RESULTS : The numerical simulation demonstrated a good agreement with the experimental test results in terms of permeability and drain time. Additionally, the initial movement of particles due to the sudden drain hole opening was successfully captured by the numerical model.
CONCLUSIONS : A 4-way coupling model was sufficient to simulate the water flow and particle movement in cylindrical permeability test equipment. However, additional tests and simulation are required to utilize the model for more realistic block pavement systems.
PURPOSES : In this study, a series of fundamental falling head permeability tests were conducted on a binary particle mix bedding to determine the minimum water level, bedding layer thickness, and amount of dust that can result in the stable permeability with high repeatability. The determined condition is used to develop a CFD-DEM coupled clogging model that can explain the movement of dust particles in flowing water of a block pavement system.
METHODS: A binary particle mixture is utilized to experimentally simulate an ideal bedding layer of a block pavement system. To obtain a bedding layer with maximum packing degree, the well-known particle packing degree model, i.e., the modified Toufar model, was utilized. The permeability of the bedding layer for various water levels, bedding layer thicknesses, and amounts of dust was calculated. The permeability for a small water level drop was also plotted to evaluate the effect of dust on the bedding layer clogging.
RESULTS: It was observed that a water level of 100 mm, bedding depth of 70 mm, and dust amount of 0.3 g result in a stable permeability condition with high repeatability. The relationship between the minimum dust amount and surface clogging of the bedding layer was suggested based on the evaluation of the volumetric calculation of the particle and void and the permeability change in the test.
CONCLUSIONS: The test procedure to determine the minimum water level, bedding thickness, and dust amount was successfully proposed. The mechanism of clogging on the surface of the bedding layer was examined by relating the volumetric characteristics of dust to the clogging surface.