Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering
>> 2014,
Volume 8,
Issue 2
doi:
10.1007/s11709-014-0257-7
RESEARCH ARTICLE
3D finite element method (FEM) simulation of groundwater flow during backward erosion piping
1. Department of civil Ergineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.2. Deltares, Delft 2628, Netherlands.3. Section Geoengineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628, Netherlands
Available online: 2014-05-19
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Abstract
Backward erosion piping is an important failure mechanism for cohesive water retaining structures which are founded on a sandy aquifer. At present, the prediction models for safety assessment are often based on 2D assumptions. In this work, a 3D numerical approach of the groundwater flow leading to the erosion mechanism of backward erosion piping is presented and discussed. Comparison of the 2D and 3D numerical results explicitly demonstrates the inherent 3D nature of the piping phenomenon. In addition, the influence of the seepage length is investigated and discussed for both piping initiation and piping progression. The results clearly indicate the superiority of the presented 3D numerical model compared to the established 2D approach. Moreover, the 3D numerical results enable a better understanding of the complex physical mechanism involved in backward erosion piping and thus can lead to a significant improvement in the safety assessment of water retaining structures.
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