Boundary‐Element Analysis for Unconfined Seepage Problems

Abstract

A boundary‐element solution procedure is illustrated and applied to the analyses of both steady‐state and non‐steady‐state unconfined seepage problems. These analyses are performed for a laboratory model and prototype earth dams to determine the position of the free surface in a steady‐state condition, as well as the movement of the free surface in a transient condition resulting from drawdown of the water level in a reservoir. Applicability of this method is evaluated based on comparisons between the numerical solutions and measured laboratory and field data.