INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON

Bali, Indonesia, June 1ST – 6TH , 2014

Overview of laboratory testing on erosion of soils in embankment dams

Santos, Ricardo Neves Correia dos

Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Lisbon, Portugal
ricardos@lnec.pt

Caldeira, Laura
Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Lisbon, Portugal

Maranha das Neves, Emanuel

Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal

ABSTRACT

An overview of the most relevant laboratory tests available in literature for evaluating erosion of
soils in embankment dams is presented, as well as the most significant findings resulting from their
use. The relevant advantages and disadvantages of each test are also highlighted.
These tests are mainly focused on specific aspects of the internal erosion process leading to dam
failure. This process is considered to include four main sequential phases: initiation of erosion,
continuation of erosion, progression of erosion, and breach formation. Internal erosion may initiate
by the transport of soil particles by increased seepage (e.g. in a crack). The process continues as
detached particles are carried away to downstream zones, whenever no proper filtering layer is
present. The process may progress to develop a pipe (piping) and lead to the formation of a breach,
before the erosion can be detected and intervention successfully carried out.
Laboratory testing on erosion in soils have been directed toward the evaluation of some of the
factors influencing mainly phases of initiation and continuation of erosion. Tests are usually
performed to access the performance of the downstream filter and/or the behaviour of the base
material (core). In most test apparatuses, an isolated soil specimen simulating the downstream filter
or the core is used, or both placed in sequential (horizontal or vertical) layers with flow
(perpendicular or tangential) to the interface. Usually, the potential benefits of certain zones located
upstream of a damaged core are neglected.
Lastly, a new laboratory device to investigate phenomena related to the progression of erosion is
briefly introduced. In particular, the equipment allows studying the potential for a shell or a transition
zone, upstream of a damaged core, to prevent the increase of flow or to enter into the flaw in the core
and help to clog it off.

Keywords: Embankment dams, erosion, piping, laboratory testing