Experiments with water and slurries in hanging geotextile bags: A further appraisal

Dewatering experiments with hanging geotextile bags filled with water and slurries are described. The theory for draining bags filled with water was presented in an earlier paper (Weggel et al., 2010). A procedure suggested in that paper was used to analyze data on water and slurry-filled bags which was compared with the theory presented therein. Experiments with only water draining from the bag confirm the validity of the theory. Earlier experiments by one of the authors (Merida) conducted with soil slurries are reanalyzed using the procedures proposed in the earlier paper. Asymptotic (long-term) dewatering values are determined for the slurry-filled bags. The effect of a non-circular bag cross-section is considered for low water/slurry levels near the seam at the bottom of the bag. New equations are presented that consider the non-circular (elliptical) bag cross-section. Experimental values of a k factor which relates the measured results to those from a circular cross-section are determined.

► Experimental data for draining water-filled geotextile bags agree with theory. ► The theory is used to analyze experimental data of draining slurry-filled bags. ► Asymptotic values for the amount of water released from the bags are determined by comparing theory with data.