Numerical study of uplift induced levee failure for the design of a centrifuge test

In geotechnical engineering, physical and numerical models seek to shed light on multiphase phenomena that threaten earth structure stability. This is the case of river levees: when subjected to non-ordinary hydraulic loads, local and global failures with consequent floods could occur. If, on one hand, centri-fuge models can replicate the real phenomena, exploiting the enhanced gravity, while scaling geometrical features and time, on the other, numerical models ex-tend the possible case studies by capturing key elements, governing the hydro-mechanical behaviour of the earthworks. However, the two techniques could complement and benefit each other. In this research, a potential failure mecha-nism, induced by the development of uplift pressures beneath the toe of a levee characterized by a peculiar stratigraphic profile, is investigated. The foundation consists of a shallow weak low-permeability layer, overlying a coarser and more permeable one, this latter acting as a hydraulic preferential flow path between riverside and landside. Results of a preliminary numerical study carried out with different methods are presented and discussed. The study aims to improve under-standing of complex failure mechanisms and to encourage the development of more robust forecasting methods. Indeed the results have provided fundamental guidance for a centrifuge experimental set up.