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Impact of Filter Drains on Seepage Dynamics in Earth Dams: A Modeling Approach

Florante D. Poso a , Jenny B. Calot b

a Civil Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines

b Civil Engineering Department, FEU Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines

2024 IEEE 16th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM), (2024), pp. 1-5

Abstract: Seepage is a critical factor influencing the stability of earth dams, as uncontrolled seepage can result in internal erosion, piping, and structural failure. This paper proposes assessing how effective a filter drain is in reducing the exit gradient and managing seepage near the downstream slope of a homogenous earth dam. The study utilizes SEEP/W software for modeling and analyzing seepage dynamics in a homogenous and isotropic earth dam. The results indicate that without a filter drain, seepage flow is directed toward the toe of the dam, a particularly vulnerable point where structural collapse or damage is most likely to occur. However, with the installation of a filter drain, the seepage flow direction and the phreatic line are shifted away from the toe, thereby reducing the risk of instability. The findings also reveal that variations in the length of the filter drain influence the exit gradient, while the assumed permeability values have a minimal impact on the exit gradient. These results provide valuable insights into optimizing filter drain design for improving the stability and safety of earth dams.

Recommended Citation

Poso, F. D. & Calot, J. B. (2024). Impact of Filter Drains on Seepage Dynamics in Earth Dams: A Modeling Approach. 2024 IEEE 16th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1109/hnicem64917.2024.11258856
F. D. Poso and J. B. Calot, "Impact of Filter Drains on Seepage Dynamics in Earth Dams: A Modeling Approach," 2024 IEEE 16th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM), pp. 1-5, 2024. doi: 10.1109/hnicem64917.2024.11258856.
Poso, Florante D., and Jenny B. Calot. "Impact of Filter Drains on Seepage Dynamics in Earth Dams: A Modeling Approach." 2024 IEEE 16th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM), 2024, pp. 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1109/hnicem64917.2024.11258856.
Poso, F. D. & Calot, J. B.. 2024. "Impact of Filter Drains on Seepage Dynamics in Earth Dams: A Modeling Approach." 2024 IEEE 16th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM): 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1109/hnicem64917.2024.11258856.

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