A contribution for predicting geotextile clogging during filtration of suspended solids

Predicting geotextile clogging by fine particles in suspension in water is possible by the use of an empirical model describing the increase of head loss in the geotextile due to clogging. The present paper describes this model and shows that it is possible to fit the model parameters and find their physical significance by means of geotextile clogging tests. This work makes it possible to estimate a maximum acceptable quantity of injected particles to the geotextile, before clogging. The model results are in good agreement with experimental results obtained for different geotextiles and soils, as well as for different concentrations of fine particles in water.