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Numerical investigation of suffusion-induced infiltration patterns and microscopic interactions in gap-graded soils under cyclic seepage
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DOI：10.1007/s11440-026-03161-9.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Suffusion, a potential threat to the long-term stability of geotechnical structures, requires in-depth investigation of its dynamic evolution mechanisms under complex cyclic hydraulic conditions. In this study, a coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM) model is developed to simulate suffusion in gap-graded sands, considering cyclic seepage and periodic fines infiltration. The model aims to reveal the effects of gradation characteristics and hydraulic fluctuations on particle infiltration, migration, and retention. Macroscopic analysis demonstrates that retained fine content is significantly influenced by the coarse-fine particle size ratio. An appropriate size ratio close to 4 effectively retains fine particles within the soil skeleton, forming fine-particle clusters. Narrow pores promote surface accumulation of fines that are readily washed out during flow reversal, whereas open pores provide insufficient geometric constraint and therefore allow continuous fine-particle loss. Stronger hydraulic forces accelerate the erosion process under more open pore network, while an appropriate size ratio helps fine particles overcome entrance resistance, achieving deeper capture. Several typical infiltration trends are identified, highlighting the influence of skeleton structure and hydraulic load variations on suffusion. This study provides detailed analysis for assessing the internal stability of gap-graded soils under fluctuating water levels, and emphasizes the scientific necessity of considering cyclic hydraulic behavior and its induced non-steady microstructural responses.
Keywords:
CFD-DEM
Cyclic seepage
Gap-graded soils
Infiltration
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