A model for filter cake formation on geotextiles: Experiments

The results of 34 experiments of flow through and filter cake sediment accumulation on a geotextile are presented to verify a theoretical numerical model presented in a companion paper by Weggel and Ward (in this issue). Two low permittivity geotextiles (ψ=0.05 s−1) and three sediments were investigated. The three sediments were a well-sorted Ottawa sand, a fine sand and a well-graded, light weight plastic material. The sediments were suspended in a 1.37 m-long Plexiglas tube and allowed to settle on the geotextile. The time variation of the rate of flow through the geotextile/sediment system was measured and compared with the rate predicted by theory. Comparison between the numerical model and experiments is very good.