EXPERIMENTAL MODEL FOR SEEPAGE FLOW THROUGH LEAKY HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES

Abstract

The hydraulic structures founded on permeable soils are usually exposed to seepage, therefor, they are provided with curtain walls or sheet piles in order to reduce or eliminate the detrimental effects of the seeping water. The sheet pile or the curtain wall under hydraulic structures may leak due to deterioration with time or construction problems. The main objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of such leaks on the total head and seepage losses. Simulation of defected sheet piles is made. An experimental model is built to investigate the problem. It is concluded that the area and position of slots have an effect on the total head and seepage losses.