Author(s): Chang-Xi Mao; Xiang-Bao Duan; Pei-Yu Mao
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Cutoff walls; Seepage flow; Levees
Abstract: In the beginning of this paper, the foreign and domestic development backgrounds of seepage control measures for levees are reviewed. Then the anti-seepage effects of suspension-type or incomplete cutoff walls in steady and unsteady seepage flow are introduced in view of such two aspects as seepage discharge and water head or hydraulic gradient by the utilization of the findings of experiments and computational analysis. The effects of suspension-type cutoff walls on controlling the continuous development of risks of piping are analyzed with the major hazardous cases of levees. It is believed that suspension-type cutoff walls can keep water exchange equilibrium between river water and groundwater of nature. The rational layout and proper depth of suspension-type cutoff walls are finally proposed as references for designers. Meanwhile, it is pointed out that the design of levees is different from that of reservoirs without emphasis on anti-seepage, but the seepage control schemes of drainage, toe cover weights and cutoff walls in line with actual local conditions shall be taken into synthetic consideration.
Year: 2002