Weighing up weighted filters. Issue 1 (3rd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eddleston, Malcolm
• Is Part Of: Dams and reservoirs. Volume 32:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2022-03-03
• Subjects: dams, barrages & reservoirs -- geotechnical engineering -- risk and probability analysis; Dams -- Periodicals; Reservoirs -- Periodicals; 627.8
• DOI: 10.1680/jdare.21.00027a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-1494

Abstract

Abstract : In recent years, the understanding of the mechanisms leading to internal erosion in existing embankment dams and advancement in risk assessments have indicated that a number of UK dams have an intolerable risk of internal erosion. A popular risk-reduction approach is to incorporate a retrofit weighted filter to the downstream slope, which improves both internal erosion resistance and slope stability. In developing such designs, great emphasis is rightly placed on the selection of the correct filter grading to resist erosion; however, a variety of factors need to be considered in parallel, which are sometimes not reported and may affect the effectiveness of the filter in providing sufficient risk reduction. This paper highlights some of these factors to ensure that they are fully considered in risk mitigation and designs.