Seepage flow-stability analysis of the riverbank of Saigon river due to river water level fluctuation

TL;DR

This study investigates how fluctuations in river water levels impact the stability of the Saigon Riverbank, combining field data and numerical analysis to understand erosion and failure mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a coupled finite element analysis of riverbank stability considering water level fluctuations, supported by extensive field investigation data.

Findings

River water level fluctuations significantly influence riverbank stability.

Field data identifies key factors contributing to erosion.

Numerical analysis demonstrates the impact of water drawdown on failure risk.

Abstract

The Saigon River, which flows through the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is of critical importance for the development of the city as forms as the main water supply and drainage channel for the city. In recent years, riverbank erosion and failures have become more frequent along the Saigon River, causing flooding and damage to infrastructures near the river. A field investigation and numerical study has been undertaken by our research group to identify factors affecting the riverbank failure. In this paper, field investigation results obtained from multiple investigation points on the Saigon River are presented, followed by a comprehensive coupled finite element analysis of riverbank stability when subjected to river water level fluctuations. The river water level fluctuation has been identified as one of the main factors affecting the riverbank failure, i.e. removal of the balancing hydraulic forces acting on the riverbank during water drawdown.