Model test for progressive failure of a sandy embankment dam by seepage

摘要

In Japan, seepage induced failures of sandy embankment dams commonly occur during rainfall. Failure tends to be progressive, such that several sliding failures occur from the toe of a slope towards the crest. This paper presents features of progressive failure of a sandy embankment dam by seepage through a large-scale physical model test. Failure progressed as follows; at first a small circular slip occurred when the toe of the embankment became saturated, then later block-shaped failures occurred by a compound mechanism of shear and tension. These progressed towards to the crest as the dam was continuously filled with water. A slip analysis with consideration of the suction effect and renewal of the slope shapes coincides well with the results of the model test.