This paper aims at revealing mechanical behavior of volcanic coarse grained soils subjected to seepage flow. In order to accomplish the purposes, a series of upward seepage tests was conducted to grasp piping phenomenon in compacted volcanic soils and to investigate the effects of differences in compaction conditions on its behavior. In the experiments, the movement of soil particles in seepage flow tests was observed using an X-ray CT scanner in detail. The test results showed that destabilization of soil structures due to seepage flow is changed depending on an increase of amount of finer soil particles, and that internal erosion is induced by loss of fine particles with the changes in void ratio. As a result, a significant variation in hydraulic conductivity was generated. Additionally, internal stability of volcanic soils under several geotechnical conditions was elucidated by empirical criterion. In the consideration of the results, it was shown that volcanic coarse grained soil including pumice particles with a low specific gravity was internally unstable. Based on the results, a geotechnical evaluation was discussed for the stability of soil structures such as embankments constructed by volcanic coarse grained soils.

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