Assessing Embankment Dam Filters That Do Not Satisfy Design Criteria
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 127, Issue 5
Abstract
A method is presented for assessing the particle size distribution of the filters in a dam compared to the soil the filter is protecting, to determine whether the filters are sufficiently fine to give no, excessive, or continuing erosion. The method is based on the analysis of the results of laboratory tests and the characteristics of dams that have experienced piping incidents. The method can be used to determine whether filters that are coarser than required by modern filter design criteria will eventually seal or experience continuing erosion leading to possible failure of the dam in the event piping initiates.
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Received: May 27, 1999
Published online: May 1, 2001
Published in print: May 2001
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