Flow under retaining structures: A new application of network method

The network method is here applied with sufficient precision and negligible computing time, to simulate seepage flow on permeable soils located under concrete dams. Differential equations of the problem are spatially discretized and implemented by a network model. The numerical solution is provided by standard electric circuit simulation codes. Programming routines using Matlab allow graphical solutions in terms of streamflow and potential iso-lines. Seepage loss is evaluated for isotropic and anisotropic soils as well as under the influence of sheet piling scenarios.