Centrifuge model tests on the use of geosynthetic layer as an internal drain in levees

Abstract

The objective of the paper is to examine the use of a geosynthetic layer as an internal drain in a levee subjected to flooding through centrifuge model tests. Three levee sections, having an upstream slope of 1V:1H and downstream slope of 1.5V:1H, were modelled at 30 gravities in a 4.5 m radius large beam centrifuge available at IIT Bombay. Out of the three levee sections modelled, one levee section was without any drainage layer (or clogged drain), while the other two had different types of horizontal drainage layers, namely, sand and nonwoven geotextile layer. The flood was induced with the help of a custom developed and calibrated in-flight flood simulator. At the onset of flood and subsequent seepage, pore water pressures within levee section, and surface settlements were measured using pore water transducers (PPTs) and linear variable differential transformer (LVDTs) respectively. Digital image analysis was employed to trace surface settlements, and downstream slope face movements at the onset of flooding during centrifuge tests. Levee section without any horizontal drain or clogged drain experienced a catastrophic failure. In comparison, the levee sections with an internal drain (sand/geotextile) remained stable at the onset of flooding. In the case of a levee with a sand drainage layer, the phreatic surface was observed to confine within the levee section itself, whereas it was found to migrate towards toe gradually in the levee section with a nonwoven geotextile layer. It is attributed to either due to suppression of drainage capacity of nonwoven geotextile layer or due to washing of fine particles into pores of nonwoven geotextile layer. Further, seepage and stability analyses were carried out numerically and compared with centrifuge test results. In order to address blocking of pores of nonwoven geotextile layer, a concept of sandwiching nonwoven geotextile layer with sand was explored. By sandwiching nonwoven geotextile layer with sand on either side, the thickness of drainage layer can be of the order of 0.05H.