Centrifuge model tests on seepage failure of geotextile-reinforced earth dam with weak layers

Weak layers are commonly encountered in earth dams due to construction defects, material failures, and other factors, increasing the risk of seepage failure. Also there are few related studies. This study simulated the seepage failure process of earth dams with weak layers in a centrifugal environment. The effects of different geotextile widths, quantities, and positional arrangements on the seepage failure of earth dams with weak layers were investigated. This paper simulates weak layers by excavating a groove and filling salt, rather than by embedding perforated pipes to simulate internal defects, effectively replicating the actual stress conditions in earth dam piping channels. The tests results indicate that geotextiles can provide support to the soil above the eroded weak layer, facilitating the stable lateral expansion of piping channels. The failure time of the earth dam increases with the width and quantity of the geotextiles. However, when the weak layer is located beneath multiple layers of geotextiles, the earth dam gradually collapses.