Finite element analysis of undrained stability of cantilever flood walls

In this study, new undrained stability solutions of cantilever flood walls in clay were proposed and solved by finite element analysis with a two-dimensional plane strain condition. The analysis considered flood walls in homogeneous and non-homogeneous clay layers, where the latter corresponded to a linear increase in shear strength with depth. Two parametric studies were performed for embedded length ratios and dimensionless strength gradients. Results were summarised in the form of design charts for stability number, normalised maximum shear force and normalised maximum bending moment as a function of those two parameters. Closed-form solutions were proposed for a convenient and accurate evaluation of undrained stability of flood walls in practice, and their applications were demonstrated through a back analysis of a case study.