Structural Design of Constructed Wetland Embankments for Stability Under Saturated Flow Conditions

Authors

  • Sizhe Zhang Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China Author
  • Bin Jiao Department of Neurology; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China Author
  • Yan Zeng Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China Author
  • Qiying Sun Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China Author
  • Xiaoyu Chen Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China Author

Keywords:

Constructed Wetland Embankments, Saturated Flow Stability, Geotechnical Design, Seepage Analysis, Slope Stability, Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure

Abstract

Constructed wetlands are widely utilized for sustainable wastewater treatment and ecological restoration, however, the structural stability of wetland embankments under saturated flow conditions remains a critical engineering concern affecting long-term operational reliability and environmental safety. This study investigates the structural design of constructed wetland embankments for stability under varying saturated hydraulic conditions. The proposed design framework integrates geotechnical analysis, seepage evaluation, slope stability assessment, and hydraulic loading considerations to improve embankment performance and resistance to failure mechanisms. A comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of soil properties, embankment geometry, saturation level, hydraulic conductivity, vegetation effects, and drainage conditions on structural stability and deformation behavior. Finite element and slope stability modeling techniques were employed to analyze pore water pressure distribution, seepage flow patterns, factor of safety, and stress concentration within wetland embankment systems during continuous saturated operation. Results demonstrated that increasing saturation and hydraulic loading significantly affect embankment shear strength and slope stability, particularly in poorly drained or highly permeable soil conditions. The study further revealed that optimized embankment geometry, proper drainage design, and incorporation of reinforced soil layers substantially improve resistance to seepage-induced instability and erosion. Comparative analysis indicated enhanced structural performance and reduced deformation under optimized design configurations compared to conventional embankment systems. Additionally, vegetation reinforcement and controlled hydraulic management contributed to improved long-term stability and environmental resilience of the wetland infrastructure.

Published

2021-10-05

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2022): Journal of Engineering Science

Section

Articles