A Review on Effects and Control of Seepage through Earth-fill Dam

Abstract

All earthfill dams have seepage from water percolating slowly through the dam and its foundation. Many seepage problems and failure of earth-fill dams have occurred because of inadequate seepage control measures. This study was reviewed the conditions, causes, and effects of seepage and control measures in the earth dam. Types of earth dams such as homogeneous embankment, zoned embankment and diaphragm embankment well were highlighted.  Seepage conditions, such as rapid water level decreases or the water falling below the level expected with normal use (sudden drawdown condition), wet spots and aquatic vegetation (like cattails) below the dam; causes, such as poor compaction of environment soil, poor foundation and abutment preparation, Rodent holes, Rooted tree roots and wood and so no and effects due to piping, internal erosion, solutioning, internal pressure and saturation and uplift, heave and blowout were highlighted. This study also examines the control measures included cut-offs; upstream clay blanket; filter blanket; seepage drains; berms and loading berm; upstream and downstream slope protections; And relief well. Besides, in order to keep continuous watch on the health of dam and monitor that is, take curative steps before failure occurs., instruments such as pore pressure, settlement gauges, horizontal movement devices, and seismic activity measurements should be embedded into the dam were mentioned.