Author(s): Philip H. Mitchell; Bruce Hunt

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Abstract: Numerical solutions are obtained for unsteady seepage through an embankment cross section that is typical of the many flood control embankments used in New Zealand. Free surface profiles following an instantaneous drop in river level are presented in dimensionless form and are checked with a Hele-Shaw experiment. A criterion is found for assessing the applicability of the instantaneous drawdown assumption in any given application. The solutions are compared with commonly used solutions of the linearized and nonlinear Dupuit equation, and it is found that both Dupuit approximations break down because of relatively large vertical velocity components along the free surface that occur immediately after the sudden drop in river level.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00221688509499353

Year: 1985