Effects of boundary conditions on the stability of a river levee built on a low-permeability soil layer overlying a coarse-grained deposit are studied using finite element method (FEM). It is shown that the FEM analyses could predict stable or unstable conditions of the levee depending on the assumed distance between the levee and the external boundary of the mesh, where the water table is assumed undisturbed. Possible causes of this notable drawback are discussed and commented upon. The calibration, though a back analysis of piezometer measurements, of the numerical seepage model is suggested that could limit the observed boundary effects.
INFLUENCE OF THE BOUNDARY CONDITIONSIN THE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF RIVER LEVEES
CIVIDINI, ANNAMARIA;GIODA, GIANCARLO
2011-01-01
Abstract
Effects of boundary conditions on the stability of a river levee built on a low-permeability soil layer overlying a coarse-grained deposit are studied using finite element method (FEM). It is shown that the FEM analyses could predict stable or unstable conditions of the levee depending on the assumed distance between the levee and the external boundary of the mesh, where the water table is assumed undisturbed. Possible causes of this notable drawback are discussed and commented upon. The calibration, though a back analysis of piezometer measurements, of the numerical seepage model is suggested that could limit the observed boundary effects.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.