A preliminary comparative study of seepage behaviour behind retaining walls with crumb rubber and geocomposite

A retaining wall is built to provide support to the soil when there is a change in elevation of the ground. Weep holes present in the retaining wall help water to seep through it. Filter protection should be made behind the weep holes to prevent soil erosion around the weep holes. The classic filter material that is widely used is gravel, which is packed according to Hudson’s law. Laboratory experiments were conducted to understand the seepage function of alternative material such as crumb rubber and geocomposite (fabricated) in a homogenous sand layer and in-situ soil. The time taken by the water to reach the weep holes was calculated and compared. From the results, it is suggested to use crumb rubber as an alternative packing material behind the weep hole.