Numerical study on the effect of meso-structure on hydraulic conductivity of soil-rock mixtures

Meso-structure of soil-rock mixture (SRM) has a great influence on its hydraulic conductivity. However, the potential relationship between them has not been systematically studied. In order to reveal the effect of meso-structure on seepage characteristics of soil-rock mixtures (SRMs), the pore seepage model based on the finite-discrete element method (FDEM) is used to predict the effective hydraulic conductivity (keff) of soil-rock mixtures in this paper. Firstly, the model is verified through a simple example. Then, the effects of rock size, content, shape, angle, distribution, and mixed two different shapes of rock blocks on keff of SRMs are investigated. Finally, the seepage failure pattern of soil-rock mixtures is predicted according to the seepage flow velocity obtained by the simulation results. The approach in this study provides a new quantitative tool for determining the effective hydraulic conductivity of soil-rock mixtures and has a wide range of engineering application prospects.