Failure of an Earth Dam: A Case Study
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 109, Issue 2
Abstract
In the semi‐arid zones, seasonal variations in temperature and moisture content are extensive. This may induce severe cracking of the core of an earth dam, particularly in places where the soil is poorly compacted. The winter rains often result in flash floods leading to a rapid build up of reservoir level. Consequently, water flowing through the core has high gradients. Moderately dispersive soils, in such an environment, may become highly dispersive. Such a mechanism of failure has been postulated on the basis of a case study of an earth dam failure in Wadi Qattarah, Libya. Practical implications of this failure mechanism are pointed out in relation to earth dam construction practices in semi‐arid zones.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 109 • Issue 2 • December 1983
Pages: 244 - 259
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 ASCE.
History
Published online: Dec 1, 1983
Published in print: Dec 1983
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