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ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #413345
Research Project: Development of a Monitoring Network, Engineering Tools, and Guidelines for the Design, Analysis, and Rehabilitation of Embankment Dams, Hydraulic Structures, and Channels

Location: Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit

Title: Prediction of soil erosion using 3d point scans and acoustic emissions

Author
item Wise, Jarrett
item AL DUSHAISHI, MOHAMMED - Oklahoma State University

Submitted to: Water
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2024
Publication Date: 3/30/2024
Citation: Wise, J.L., Al Dushaishi, M. 2024. Prediction of soil erosion using 3d point scans and acoustic emissions. Water. 16(7). Article 1009. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16071009.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w16071009

Interpretive Summary: Over half of the approximately 12,000 earthen watershed dams sponsored by the USDA have exceeded their planned 50-year service life. While dams are considered quite safe, they face threats from age, land use changes, extreme weather events, structural deterioration, and sedimentation. When severe weather events occur with risks of flooding, overtopping of the dams are a concern since they can cause catastrophic erosion with little to no warning. To combat this issue, a new methodology was developed to determine if vibrations within the soil can be used to predict erosion. A laboratory experiment was built to resemble a dam overtopping event in which water discharge, soil erosion, and soil vibrations were measured. The soil vibrations were analyzed and compared to the measured erosion in which a linear relationship between vibration magnitude and erosion values was observed. The outcomes of this research show that soil vibrations can be used passively in the field to monitor the integrity of earthen dams in real-time providing a valuable tool for monitoring and maintenance. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Technical Abstract: Over half of the approximately 12,000 earthen watershed dams sponsored by the USDA have exceeded their planned 50-year service life. Age, land use changes, extreme weather events, structural deterioration, and sedimentation filling flood pools pose increased risks of dam incidents and potential failures. Among various mechanisms leading to integrity issues, soil erosion is of particular concern due to its potential to occur with little warning. The objective of this research is to determine if soil erosion can be predicted using acoustic emissions. A simulated dam overtopping experiment was replicated in a test flume with dimensions of 0.61 m by 4.27 m (2 ft. by 14 ft.) with a 13.7% slope and a 0.15 m (6 in) layer of inorganic clay (USCS CL) compacted at 17.4% moisture content. A constant flow discharge of 0.07 m3/s (2.37 cfs) was applied to induce erosion. The test was performed until complete failure of the test section occurred. Throughout the experiment, a sonar radar, a 3D scanning total station, and an accelerometer were used to monitor water level, erosion levels, and vibrations, respectively. Frequency analysis of the water induced vibrations were compared to measured erosion volumes to determine if in-situ vibrations can predict erosion. The results revealed a linear relationship between erosion volume and time, with noticeable changes in the frequency domains as erosion progressed. The outcomes of this research have the potential to provide real-time insights into the integrity of earthen dams concerning erosion, offering a valuable tool for monitoring and maintenance.USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.