Novel Approach for Health Monitoring of Earthen Embankments
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 141, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper introduces a novel modular approach for the monitoring of desiccation-induced deterioration in earthen embankments (levees), which are typically used as flood-defense structures. The approach is based on the use of a combination of geotechnical and noninvasive geophysical probes for the continuous monitoring of the water content in the ground. The level of accuracy of the monitoring is adaptable to the available financial resources. The proposed methodology was used and validated on a recently built, 2-km-long river embankment in Galston (Scotland, United Kingdom). A suite of geotechnical probes was installed to monitor the seasonal variation of water content over a 2-year period. Most devices were calibrated in situ. A novel procedure to extrapolate the value of water content from the geotechnical and geophysical probes at any point of the embankment is shown. Desiccation fissuring degrades the resistance of embankments against several failure mechanisms. An index of susceptibility is proposed here. The index is a useful tool to assess the health state of the structure and prioritize remedial interventions.
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Acknowledgments
This research was carried out within the project “Long Term Deterioration of Flood Embankments” funded by the Scottish Executive and by Grant 0708 from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Research and Development Enabling Fund. Mr. Marco Secondi is thanked for his help in setting out the instrumentation and acquiring and managing the database from the field. Ms. Chiara Grisanti is thanked for contributing to Figs. 9, 10, and 15.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 141 • Issue 3 • March 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 30, 2013
Accepted: Sep 9, 2014
Published online: Nov 7, 2014
Published in print: Mar 1, 2015
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