Erosion of Mixed Soils Under Steady Flows: Effects of Seepage

Critical shear stress and erosion rate are two key parameters in predicting sediment transport under hydrodynamic loads. Seepage and clay content can significantly influence these two critical parameters. Using an in-house erosion–seepage system (ESS), this study explores the erosion process in mixed soils and its relationship to seepage under steady currents. Unlike previous studies that focused on sandy seabeds or clay without seepage, this study considers a mixture of clay and sand and establishes relationships between erosion rate, critical shear stress, clay content, and seepage in sand–clay mixtures. It compares the applicability of two non-linear models to sand–clay mixtures with seepage. The developing variation patterns of their parameters are examined, and the mechanisms that influence these patterns are analyzed.