University of Twente Student Theses
Effect of Desiccation Cracking on Dike Failure due to Backward Erosion Piping
Hempel, A. (2024) Effect of Desiccation Cracking on Dike Failure due to Backward Erosion Piping.
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| Abstract: | This thesis explores the effects of desiccation cracking on the failure of dikes due to backward erosion piping (BEP). As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, increasing the frequency and extreme events, such as prolonged droughts and heavy precipitations, increased formation of desiccation cracks is more likely to happen, followed by high water levels. These cracks have been linked to the degradation of soil properties, notably its hydraulic conductivity, which affects the safety of geotechnical structures. The research aims to quantify the extent to which these cracks contribute to dike failure specifically concerning BEP. The study employs a numerical model based on a base model of a dike's cross-section, which is then modified to incorporate the characteristics of desiccation cracks, such as their number, spacing, and aperture. Through a series of numerical simulations, this thesis evaluates how these variables influence the critical hydraulic head required for pipe initiation and propagation. Results indicate that while the crack aperture and the hydraulic conductivity of the cracked layer do not significantly impact BEP, the spacing and number of cracks tend to lower the critical head necessary for pipe initiation, thereby increasing the probability of dike failure. The findings suggest that desiccation cracking primarily affects the initiation phase of BEP, creating preferential pathways for water flow and reducing the need for high hydraulic heads to achieve uplift conditions. Additionally, higher spacing and number of cracks lead to a higher variability of the critical head ranges. In conclusion, the research emphasises the importance of considering desiccation cracking in dike safety assessments, especially in the context of climate change. Recommendations for future studies include a more detailed analysis of crack formation conditions, the effects of varying crack depths, the study of different soil types, and the interaction of desiccation cracks with other failure mechanisms to provide a more complete analysis of the effects of these fissures on overall dike stability. Such investigations could provide a more comprehensive understanding of dike vulnerabilities and aid in developing strategies for enhancing the resilience of flood protection structures. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Civil Engineering BSc (56952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104503 |
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