Effect of particle-size distributions of non-cohesive homogeneous soils on seepage failure

The present study deals with the effect of particle-size distributions of non-cohesive homogeneous soils on seepage failure. For this purpose, model tests are performed by using twelve different soils whose particle-size distributions are located between fine sands and fine gravels. The model tests show that a distinction should be made between quicksand-conditions and total collapse to assess the behavior of seepage failure. In the development of failure, in addition to the unit weights of grains and the void ratios, the uniformity coefficients of soils also play a crucial role, such that non-cohesive homogeneous soils with uniformity coefficients C-U > 5 are relatively safe against seepage failure.