The University of Queensland

Predicting internal erosion in dams using real-time coupled experiments (2024–2027)

Abstract:

Internal erosion causes nearly half of embankment dam failures globally. This project aims to develop a mechanics-based understanding of internal erosion to overcome the limitations of existing empirical approaches that do not capture the underlying physics. By innovatively coupling computational and physical experiments in real-time, this project expects to generate new insights that identify the factors leading to the initiation and continuation of internal erosion. The expected outcome of this project is a probabilistic framework able to predict the internal erosion process. This should significantly enhance and inform the design of erosion control measures and provide a holistic risk assessment for embankment dams.

Grant type:

ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award

Researchers:

• 

  Dr Adnan Sufian

  Honorary Lecturer
  

  School of Civil Engineering

  Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology

Funded by:

Australian Research Council