MODEL TESTS ON LEVEES REINFORCED WITH SHEET PILES UNDER HIGH WATER CONDITIONS WITH/WITHOUT SEISMIC LOADING HISTORY

In order to study the performance of levees reinforced with steel sheet piles under high water condition, a series of model tests was conducted by simulating the high water condition before and after applying severe seismic loading history. As a result, the seepage behavior through the subsoil layers underlying the levee was not significantly affected by the seismic loading history. It was also verified that, irrespective of the seismic loading history, the sheet piles installed at the levee crest or shoulder are effective in preventing the breakage of levees caused by overflow. In addition, applicability of drainage works at the foot of the levee in preventing the seepage failure was confirmed.