Centrifuge model tests on the effect verification of drainage works on concrete-covered levees

Abstract

In this study, a centrifuge model test was conducted to investigate the infiltration of river water into a concrete-covered levee at high water levels, focusing on the presence or absence of drainage works at the landside slope toe. When a conventional concrete retaining structure was installed at the landside toe, river water infiltrated the levee body and increased the pore water pressure near the toe. Furthermore, replacing the concrete retaining structure with a gabion showed that incorporating a drainage function into the retaining structure helped mitigate the rapid increase in pore water pressure within the levee and prevented drainage failure near the slope toe. These results indicate that the toe drainage works and the gabion retaining structure act as a protective measure, effectively preventing soil erosion and structural deformation of the levee.