Simulation of rainfall and seepage flow on unsaturated soil by a seepage - deformation coupled method

Main Article Content

Edwin García-Aristizábal
Carlos Riveros-Jerez
Julio Saldarriaga-Molina

Abstract

This paper presents an application for the analysis of structures formed by unsaturated layered soils subjected to rainfall and seepage flow; the results are part ofa current research project on rainfall infiltration. A three - phase coupled infiltration- deformation method for unsaturated soil was used for the numerical analysis. The effects of the water permeability and horizontal drainage on the distribution ofseepage flow velocities, saturation, and generation of deformations for an unsaturatedlayered embankment were investigated. The results show that the generation of deformation on the embankment surface highly depends on the water permeability of the soil. In addition, through horizontal drainage simulations, the advantage ofthis type of solution for decreasing the pore water pressures on the back of the slope embankment, thus avoiding local failure (erosion), is shown.

How to Cite
García-Aristizábal, E., Riveros-Jerez, C., & Saldarriaga-Molina, J. (2014). Simulation of rainfall and seepage flow on unsaturated soil by a seepage - deformation coupled method. Revista Ingenierías Universidad De Medellín, 11(20), 43–56. Retrieved from https://revistas.udem.edu.co/index.php/ingenierias/article/view/645

Article Details

Author Biographies

Edwin García-Aristizábal, Universidad de Antioquia

Civil Engineer – National University of Colombia, M. Eng. - Tokyo University, D. Eng. - Kyoto University, Assistant Professor, University of Antioquia.

Carlos Riveros-Jerez, Universidad de Antioquia

Civil Engineer – Industrial University of Santander, M. Eng. - Tokyo University, D. Eng. - Kyoto University, Assistant Professor, Universityof Antioquia.

Julio Saldarriaga-Molina, Universidad de Antioquia

Sanitary Engineer – University of Antioquia, M.Eng. – University of Antioquia, D. Eng. – University of Antioquia, Associate Professor, University of Antioquia.