A Comparative Analysis Between Electric and Numerical Seepage Modelling Techniques in Stratified Soils

Abstract

This paper presents an implementation of the Electric Analogue model to study seepage in stratified (multi layered) soil under the apron of heading-up structures. Different scenarios for the hydraulic conductivity values of the layers and their configurations under the apron are simulated. A new electric analogue experimental methodology is developed to model the process of seepage in stratified soil under heading up structures. The electric model is compared to a numerical model. The equipotential lines and pressure distribution under the apron are plotted using both the experimental and numerical model for each of the different scenarios. The results show good agreement between the two models. This gives rise to the applicability of the electric analogy to simulate the seepage process in both single and multi-layered problems.