Failure of the Downstream Shoulder of Rockfill Dams Due to Overtopping or Throughflow

This paper presents the results of an extensive laboratory set tests aimed to study failure downstream shoulder highly permeable rockfill subjected overflow. The experimental research comprised testing 114 physical models by varying following elements: (i) median size uniform gravels (7 45 mm); (ii) configuration dam, i.e., upstream and shoulders crest or just shoulder; (iii) dam height (from 0.2 1 m), (iv) length 0.4 2.5 (v) slope 3.5 H:V), (vi) type impervious element (i.e., central core, face, no element). allowed us identify two mechanisms, slumping particle dragging. In addition, was observed be one most important variables in this parametric study, as it influenced pore water pressures inside discharge, occurrence other mechanism failure.