Stability analysis of the downstream slope of a levee: Fid-Bau Portal

Stability analysis of the downstream slope of a levee

Singh, A.K

Consideration of the average pore water pressure and average unit weight of soil in the slope of a levee, ignoring the position of phreatic line for stability analysis is not correct. In addition, the influence of a rock-filled portion on the upstream slope, ignored in Kozeny analysis, plays a significant role in the stability of the downstream slope. In this study, levees resting on an impervious base, without a filter and with a filter, taking into consideration a realistic pore water pressure and corresponding seepage force, with unsaturated and saturated unit weights of soil above and below the phreatic line, respectively, by taking into account the capillary effect, location of the inverted filter and rock-filled portion of the upstream slope have been analysed. A numerical technique has been applied to compute the elevation of the phreatic line and a computer program was developed. The appropriate unit weight of soil above and below the phreatic line, taking into consideration the capillary effect, and actual pore water pressure ensure greater safety of the downstream slope. The factor of safety has been found to be 16.5% more for a levee with a filter than a levee without a filter for an upstream pondage depth of 18 m, this is increased by 22.0% in cases where there is an upstream rock-filled portion.