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Experimental Observations of Headcut Erosion During Embankment Breaching

Author(s): Yonghui Zhu; Yajun Xie; Xiaolong Guo; Gensheng Zhao

Linked Author(s): Gensheng Zhao, Yonghui Zhu

Keywords: Embankment breaching; Headcut; Erosion; Slope mass failure; Tests

Abstract: Laboratory experiments and observations of real embankment failures indicate that the headcut erosion is the dominant mechanism for most embankment breaches. Due to the large complexities and uncertainties involved in the headcut erosion process, so far understanding of the mechanism of headcut erosion is still unsatisfactory, and the state-of-the-art of the modeling technology (especially the mathematical modeling) of headcut erosion is far from advanced. In this paper, laboratory experimental observations of headcut erosion during embankment breaching are described. Altogether 18 tests were conducted, varying in the soil cohesiveness (clay content), depth of tailwater, and presence (or not) of an erodible foundation. Processes of the headcut erosion are observed, and effects of the headcut material, erodibility of foundation, and tailwater depth on the headcut erosion are analyzed.

DOI:

Year: 2013

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