Hydraulic Fracturing in Embankment Dams
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 112, Issue 10
Abstract
There is now sufficient evidence to conclude that concentrated leaks occur commonly through the impervious sections of embankment dams by hydraulic fracturing without being observed, even in dams which are not subjected to unusually large differential settlement. Usually these concentrated leaks do not cause erosion, either because the velocity is too low or because the leak discharges into an effective filter. Subsequently the leakage channel is squeezed shut by swelling or softening of the embankment material forming the walls of the crack. In the typical case no measurable leakage emerges downstream and there is no other indication that a concentrated leak developed and was subsequently sealed. This action probably occurs to some degree in most embankment dams.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 112 • Issue 10 • October 1986
Pages: 905 - 927
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 ASCE.
History
Published online: Oct 1, 1986
Published in print: Oct 1986
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