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Synopsis In the application of finite element methods to analysis of seepage through earth dams, previous researchers have reported various methods for adjusting the phreatic line with differing degrees of success in satisfying the exit boundary conditions. This paper reviews five such methods for phreatic line adjustment, and reports the results of a set of comparison tests for assessing their relative performance in terms of (a) position of the phreatic line, (b) pore pressures, and (a) estimation of seepage flow rates. It is concluded that the method used for the adjustment of the phreatic line makes no significant difference to the results obtained in principal applications and the choice of method depends, therefore, on its suitability for the particular application and the ease with which it can be implemented.
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