Hydraulic losses through sand boils : measurements and theory

The results of this study illustrate that the head loss across a sand boil (and associated cover layer) is a function of the flow velocity through the boil and the properties (diameter and density) of the sand grains being transported. A simple hydraulic theory was found to favourably predict the trends in the head loss profiles observed in the field. By coupling the hydraulic theory for sand boil head losses to numerical models for predicting BEP, the risk of embankment failure due to BEP can be more accurately assessed.