PIPING FAILURE CURVES OF RIVER LEVEE DERIVED FROM THE RELATION BETWEEN LEAKAGE FLOW RATE AND FOUNDATION DAMAGE

Abstract

 In this study, model tests were conducted focusing on the amount of water leakage in the levee in relation to the external water level, and a quantitative understanding of the risk of piping failure was attempted based on the relationship between the amount of water leakage and the degree of piping propagation after correcting for differences in soil and hydraulic conditions. The results showed that a limit range exists for the cumulative amount of leakage from the time of leakage to piping failure. From there, a new concept of piping failure curve (fatigue curve of levee strength versus time of action of the external water level) was developed. Future field flow measurements are desired for application to actual levees.