Research to improve the applicability of ICOLD Bulletin 164 on internal erosion

ICOLD Bulletin 164 on internal erosion in existing dams, dikes and levees and their foundations is available in two volumes from www.icold-cigb.org. The Bulletin has been prepared because internal erosion results in many failures, causing numerous fatalities, but has not been well understood. The Bulletin has drawn on research and practice to develop an understanding of the mechanics of internal erosion. Using this new knowledge, the Bulletin makes it possible for engineers to estimate the water level at which internal erosion will lead to failure by each of the four initiating mechanisms: concentrated leak erosion, backward erosion, suffusion and contact erosion. Further research may provide knowledge to improve on engineers’ ability to predict the response of dams to the hydraulic forces that initiate internal erosion. Examples from the Bulletin are used to show where more laboratory and field research may contribute to expanding the applicability of the new understanding of internal erosion mechanics, including methods to extend the range of soil gradings of vulnerable soils, to determine the extent of crest desiccation and cracking, and improved methods to determine in-situ permeability