A Comparative Analysis Between Electric and Numerical Seepage Modelling Techniques

Abstract

This paper presents an implementation of the Electric Analogue model to study seepage under the apron of heading-up structures in different seepage control scenarios. The scenarios include different configurations of sheet-piles and lengths as well as the inclusion of a variable-length downstream blanket. The electric model is compared in this research to SEEP2D numerical model. The equipotential lines and pressure distribution under the apron are plotted using both the experimental and numerical models in 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.