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Kinematic History of a Salient-recess Junction Explored through a Combined Approach of Field Data and Analog Sandbox Modeling
Published on: August 5, 2016
Modelling the failure modes in geobag revetments.
1School of Built Environment, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK. aysha_akter@yahoo.com
Summary
Sand-filled geotextile bags (geobags) stabilize riverbanks, but failure modes are unclear. This study uses a validated discrete element model (DEM) to understand geobag revetment failure mechanisms and identify critical locations and toe scour influences.
Area of Science:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- River Engineering
- Computational Mechanics
Background:
- Sand-filled geotextile bags (geobags) are increasingly used for long-term riverbank stabilization.
- The failure mechanisms of geobag revetments are not well understood, despite widespread application.
- Key performance influencers include geobag-geobag, geobag-water flow, and geobag-water flow-riverbank interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a detailed understanding of failure mechanisms in geobag revetments.
- To utilize a discrete element model (DEM) validated with laboratory data for this analysis.
- To investigate the influence of critical bag locations, water depths, and toe scour on revetment stability.
Main Methods:
- Development of a coupled discrete element model (DEM) simulation.
- Validation of the DEM model using laboratory-measured velocity data.
- Incorporation of mapped velocity fields into the DEM simulation for geobag revetment failure analysis.
Main Results:
- The validated DEM model successfully identified critical bag locations under varying water depths.
- The model reasonably represented toe scour and its impact on the bottom geobag layer.
- The simulation provided insights into the complex interactions influencing geobag performance.
Conclusions:
- Discrete element modeling offers a detailed approach to understanding geobag revetment performance.
- The validated DEM model can predict critical failure points and the effects of hydraulic forces.
- This research enhances the understanding of geobag revetment stability in riverbank engineering.
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