Influence of initial water saturation in earthen levees on results of numerical modelling of infiltration processes

Abstract

Levees in Poland are mostly earthen constructions. The stability of earthen levees depends largely on factors such as the construction material, meteorological conditions and natural elements. The influence of initial water saturation of pore space on levee stability is analysed in this paper. Analysis was performed using numerical modelling and water pore pressure results were compared against data obtained from sensors located in a levee. The numerical modelling shows the moderate influence of initial water level on distribution of water pore pressure during high water level.