Current Research

We are engaged in a joint research project with BC Hydro to address the questions of where, and when, internal erosion may occur in an embankment dam. We perform specialist laboratory tests on soil from embankment dams, to describe the onset and progression of internal erosion processes. The general response of the test specimens is being compared with forensic observations at the now-decommissioned Coursier Dam, and with field monitoring data available around the sinkhole incidents at the Bennett Dam. More specifically, the laboratory test data are being used to develop and validate a model to predict where erosion can be expected to initiate, and at what rate it progresses, within the body of an embankment dam. Given the similarity of geologic processes and soil formation across Canada, the research findings are of general relevance to northern-climate embankment dams, regardless of size or purpose. Our work will benefit the Canadian dam sector by placing its commitment to dam safety at a level that is undeniably world-class, and befitting of a country that is the biggest producer of hydroelectric power in the world.

Prior Research

Our prior research yielded advancements in the understanding of several internal erosion phenomena (see publications). Moffat (2006), Li (2008), Crawford-Flett (2014), and Slangen (2015) investigated different aspects of seepage-induced internal instability in rigid-wall and flexible-wall permeameters. Lüthi (2011) developed a new testing technique to study concentrated leak erosion. Sotil (2013) and Roos (2015) examined the onset and progression of backward erosion in base-filter tests.

W.A.C. Bennett dam (BC Hydro)