Reliability-Based Three-Dimensional Assessment of Internal Erosion Potential due to Crevasse Splays
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 4
Abstract
Geomorphic features in the soil layers underlying a structure often have a significant effect on the underseepage behavior and the potential for initiating internal erosion. Based on the assumption that the preponderance of the underseepage risk to a levee reach is due to the geomorphic features along that reach, methodology has been developed to perform a stochastic assessment of the properties of the seepage regime with the intention of assessing the probability of internal erosion initiation. The methodology consists of a response surface-Monte Carlo analysis that takes into account the uncertainty in the subsurface geometry and soil properties in assessing the seepage regime associated with the feature. Three-dimensional finite-element seepage analyses are used to develop the response surface to take into account the inherent three-dimensional aspects of the feature. As a result of the analysis, probability distribution functions with respect to hydraulic gradient and factor of safety against heave are developed. The methodology can be adapted to any type of geomorphic feature and, as an example, a crevasse splay deposit is presented.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant CMMI 1400640 and the United States Society on Dams (USSD) 2015 Scholarship. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and not necessarily the views of NSF and USSD.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 4 • April 2017
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©2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 22, 2015
Accepted: Jun 14, 2016
Published online: Oct 27, 2016
Discussion open until: Mar 27, 2017
Published in print: Apr 1, 2017
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