Wave Motion in Rockfill

A mathematical model, coupling an external nonlinear wave and the resulting internal flow in a rockfill embankment with an impervious core is presented. The method of characteristics along with a finite difference scheme are utilized in the numerical solution. The model deals with the non-Darcy flow regimes but can be simplified to treat Darcy flow. Wave experiments on various rectangular rockfill embankments are described. The numerical solutions for typical slow and fast drop cases are compared with the corresponding experimental results. The theoretical and experimental wave transmission curves, reflection coefficients, and run-up values are all in good agreement.