B-1 Design of Filter Gradation (Megech Dam)

The particle size grading for core materials was prepared from over 30 test
pits from the proposed borrow area batches #1 - #5. The gradations are
plotted on the adjoining fig.B-1. Based on these, a design gradation
representing the finest filter layer has been calculated.

The design of filter envelop has been adopted taking into consideration the
filtering, segregation, permeability and stability requirements.

Requirement for the filter are as follows:

 The limiting of particle finer than 0.075 mm to 5%, will ensure the filter
functioning;
 Filter grading limits to be such that the coefficient of uniformity of the
filter Cu will be less than 20, say 18; and
 Size of coarse limit not greater than five times the fine limit for any %
passing.

Based on the plotted grading:

d15B = 0.0123 mm (for drainage purpose – based on a representative median

value)

35 to 90% of the particles are finer than #200 sieve. This classifies the core
material as a type 2A soil category. Suitable maximum filter:

D 15F (max) ≤ 0.7 mm

Take D 15F (max) = 0.4 mm

For permeability:

D15F (min) ≥ 4 * d15B

D15F (min) ≥ 4 * 0.0123 mm
D15F (min) = 0.05 mm (the minimum recommended is 0.1 mm)
Therefore, take D15F (min) = 0.1 mm.
 In addition, < 2% (or utmost 5%) fines passing the #200 sieve (0.075
mm).

To prevent the use of possible gap-graded filters,

Cu (Coefficient of Uniformity) = D 60/D10 < 6

D10F (max) = D15F(max)/1.2 = 0.4 mm /1.2 = 0.12 mm

D10F (min) = D15F(min)/1.2 = 0.1/1.2 = 0.083 mm
D60F (max) / D10 F(max) < 6
D60F (max) = 6×0.12 = 0.72 mm
D60F (min) = 6× 0.083 = 0.5 mm

For D10F (min) = 0.12 mm (< 0.5 mm), take D90F (min) = 2.5 mm
For D10F (max) = 0.33 mm (< 0.5 mm), take D90F (min) = 7.5 mm

Since the particle size of D10F (min) and D10F (max) are fine, additional filter
layer (coarser) is required.

Consider the above D15 F (max) and D85 F (min) as a base soil for the design
of the second filter.

d15B = 0.4 mm

Based on its gradation, the F1 filter is classified as a Type 3 soil. A suitable

maximum filter has:

For permeability3:
D15F (min) = 4* d 15B
D15F (min) = 4*0.4 mm
D15F (min) = 1.6 mm

The width of the allowable filter design band must be kept relatively narrow
to prevent the use of possible gap-graded filters. The ratio between the
D15F(max) and D15F(min) should be 5 or less. Taking a ratio of 3:
 D15F (max) = 3 * d 15F (min)
D15F (max) = 3 * 1.6 mm
D15F (max) = 4.8 mm

Cu (Coefficient of Uniformity) = D 60/D10 < 6

D10F (max) = D15F(max)/1.2 = 4.8 mm /1.2 = 4 mm

D10F (min) = D15F(min)/1.2 = 1.6/1.2 = 1.33 mm
D60F (max) / D10 F(max) < 6 (Take 4)
D60F (max) = 4×4 = 16 mm
D60F (min) = 4×1.33 = 5.33 mm

For D10F (min) = 1.33 mm (1 to 2 mm), take D90F (min) = 20 mm

For D10F (max) = 4 mm (2 to 5 mm), take D90F (min) = 40 mm
Since the particle sizes of D10F (min) and D10F (max) are coarse, no
additional filter is needed.
Figure B1: Filter Design Example (Megech Dam).