Failure Behavior Attributed to Internal Erosion Caused by Conduit Cracks in Homogeneous Embankment

Abstract

This study determines the effects of leakage attributed to conduit defects on the failure behavior on the downstream slope of a homogeneous reservoir. To analyze the failure mechanism, model experiments and a three-dimensional deformation–seepage analysis were conducted based on the failure shape, pore-water pressure, hydraulic gradient, and settlement, and the results were compared with the changes in the water storage capacity of the failed reservoir owing to conduit defects. The comparison showed that failure estimation based on settlement gauges and water storage capacity is limited in its ability to detect rapid changes compared with monitoring methods. An area of potential failure owing to internal erosion was formed at a location that is 1.4–2.4 times the conduit height on the downstream slope. The findings of this study can provide insights for determining the pre-reinforcement required to prevent or minimize reservoir failure due to the fact of leakage.