The influence of climate and climate change on the stability of embankment dam slopes

摘要

Seepage pressures in the downstream slopes of embankment dams are largely controlled by surface climate and by the permeability of their fill. These influences are considered in this paper. The types of seepage regime which can result are described. Shallow movement may develop in clays due to seasonal effective stress changes. Such stress changes are prevented by a layer of free draining gravel below the topsoil. The influence of climate change on the stability of embankment slopes is likely to be small. The stability of abutment slopes is considered in a companion paper in this conference (Vaughan et al, 2002).