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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 #423372
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: Effect of lime-treatment on earthen embankment failure processes

Author
item Livsey, Daniel
item Heiner, Bryan
item Hunt, Sherry

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/21/2025
Publication Date: 9/22/2025
Citation: Livsey, D.N., Heiner, B.J., Hunt, S. 2025. Effect of lime-treatment on earthen embankment failure processes. Poster. Lighting Talk. Association of Dam Safety Officials, Dam Safety 2025 Sept 21st to Sep 25th.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Lime treated soils are increasingly utilized in earthen structures to reduce shrink and swelling of expansive clays and improve slope stability. In this study, failure of an untreated earthen embankment due to overtopping will be compared to failure of an earthen embankment treated with lime. Prior to embankment construction, lime treatment methods will be optimized to reduce soil erodibility as measured by jet erosion tests conducted on standard proctor samples prepared with varying levels of moisture content and percent lime. The cross-section of the embankments will be trapezoidal with a 3:1 (H:V) side slope. The embankment height, width at crest, and length will be approximately 1.3 m, 1.8 m, and 15 m, respectively. Flow during overtopping will be near 3.0 m3/s for each test. To simulate an embankment repair after construction, only the downstream slope of the lime-treated embankment will be treated with lime and overlain by a 0.5 m thick layer of untreated compacted soil. Break widening rates will be quantified using digital video monitoring and water levels in the forebay and tailwater will be monitored using pressure transducers. This research will provide critical tests needed to inform earthen dam design.USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.