Abstract:

Whole analysis model about the bank slope (above water and underwater) and the riverbed was established to study directly the influence of river scour effect on seepage flow and deformation of embankments by using theoretical analysis and finite element technique. Tractive force of river, gravity stress and seepage force is considered comprehensively in the model. Moreover, the influence of river scour on the whole stability of embankment slope is also analyzed by strength reduction FEM. The results indicate that the maximum value of seepage velocity occurs at the toe of embankment slope; and the river scour increases seepage velocity in slope to some extent. Horizontal displacement of the slope increases greatly considering effect of river scour. The closer it is to the toe of slope, the bigger the increase of displacement becomes. What’s more, the toe of embankment slope suffers from the influence of seepage flow and river scour most easily for different water levels. Plastic-strain range expands further in embankment and riverbed, and the safety factor of embankment reduces when the effect of river scour is considered. In addition, influence of river scour on seepage flow and deformation and stability of embankment increases with the rising of river water level.

Key words: embankment, river scour, seepage-stress coupling analysis, stability, shear strength reduction FEM