A 3D time-dependent backward erosion piping model

Backward erosion piping (BEP) is a failure mechanism of hydraulic structures like dams and levees on cohesionless foundations subjected to seepage flows. This article models the time-dependent development of BEP using numerical simulation of the erosion process. A 3-dimensional finite element equilibrium BEP model is extended with a formulation for the sediment transport rate. The model is compared to and calibrated with small- and large-scale experiments. Finally, a large set of simulations is analyzed to study the effects of factors such as grain size, scale (seepage length) and overloading on the rate of pipe progression. The results show that the development of BEP in the small-scale experiments is predicted well. Challenges remain for the prediction at larger scales, as calibration and validation is hard due to limited large-scale experiments with sufficiently accurate measurements. The results show that the progression rate increases with grain size and degree of overloading and decreases with seepage length, which is consistent with experimental observations. The model results provide a better physical basis for incorporating time-dependent development in the risk assessment and design of levees.