Slope Stability Analysis of Earthen Levee Strengthened by High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat under Hurricane Overtopping Flow Conditions

The slope stability of levees during hurricane overtopping conditions involving storm surge and wind generated wave action is an important aspect to assess the safety of earthen levees. A comprehensive slope stability investigation was conducted in this study for an earthen levee subjected to full-scale overtopping scenarios, including storm surge only overflow, wave only overtopping, and combined wave and surge overtopping conditions. The crest and the landside of the levee were strengthened by high performance turf reinforcement mat (HPTRM) to protect against overtopping erosion. A conceptual model for HPTRM strengthened levee as well as a methodology for analysis and incorporation of various overtopping flow conditions in levee slope stability is presented. The findings of this study indicate that HPTRM strengthening of the levee improves the stability of the levee significantly during wave only as well as combined storm surge and wave overtopping conditions. However, during the storm surge conditions, the factor of safety is only improved slightly as a result of strengthening of the levee by HPTRM.