A multi-scale assessment of the flow mechanics of polymer support fluids in granular soils
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Suo, si
Qu, Mingliang
Jefferis, Stephan
Blunt, Martin
O'Sullivan, Catherine
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Polymer fluids present a number of advantages over bentonite-based alternatives for excavation support. Much is still to be learned about the permeation of these non-Newtonian fluids in soils and especially more permeable soils and there is uncertainty around the support forces imparted to the soil. This study develops a numerical framework based on a pore-network modeling approach to quantify the grain drag forces induced by polymer flows in sand packings. The model captures the shear-thinning rheology of polymer fluids and the emergent data reveal the distinct flow dynamics and their influence on grain-scale interactions. The shear-thinning rheology of these fluids amplifies flow heterogeneity, leading to a non-linear relationship between individual grain drag and the total applied pressure gradient if it exceeds a critical threshold. Implications of these fundamental observations for engineering practice are demonstrated through an example application to excavation support during diaphragm wall construction.
Date Issued
2026-06-01
Date Acceptance
2025-12-22
Citation
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2026, 152 (6)
ISSN
1090-0241
Publisher
American Society of Civil Engineers
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume
152
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© 2026 American Society of Civil Engineers. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2026-04-08