Analysis and Estimation of Seepage Through Earth Dams with Internal Cut Off

Abstract

The study of seepage through earth-fill dams is very important for the constructed dams to ensure that the control of seepage is sufficient for the safe and sustainable operation of the dam. It is also important in the design and construction of new dams to ensure that the seepage through and under the dam will be well controlled. Construction horizontal, inclined, trapezoidal or pipe filters one of the dam protection methods. Cut off also can be constructed to minimize seepage discharge directed to the downstream face of the dam. Seepage through an earth dam with internal cut off is experimentally studied in the laboratory of Irrigation Engineering and Hydraulics Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt on a Hele-Shaw model. Also, using computer program SEEP/W (which is a sub-program of Geo-Studio). The experimental and numerical analyses of seepage through earth-fill dam with internal cut off is conducted. Results from solutions are compared with each other.