Numerical modelling of flood induced seepage under levees

Abstract

Flood creates the most complex problems of engineering hydrology and extreme flood contains the crucial risk for urban areas, infrastructure, industry and agriculture. The aim of this paper is to study the transient flow caused by flood for levee of Filyos River. Numerical modeling based on finite element method was performed in the analyses. PlaxFlow which is an add-on module to Plaxis 2D, is used for the time variation of seepage in several points of interest within the levee. Exit velocity at several points of interest within the levee and degree of saturation of levee and hydraulic gradient were investigated. In addition, under seepage of water through different soil types underneath Filyos levee was examined. The results of transient flow analyses when piping occurred and sand boil formed were presented for different soil types.