A new fragment for seepage beneath impervious structures

摘要

A new fragment type is developed using finite elements, with results presented in the form of charts for the estimation of seepage beneath levees and other water-retaining structures. The chart solutions are then compared with existing approximate solutions based on blanket theory. The charts are shown to agree well with existing methods, while including the option of anisotropic permeability, levee embedment, narrower levees and finite widths of the seepage zones. The charts are also shown to be useful in finite-element mesh design, by indicating the minimum distance needed in the mesh to model an infinite boundary.