Numerical Modeling of the Effects of Toe Configuration on Throughflow in Rockfill Dams

Smith, Nils Solheim; Ravindra, Ganesh H. R.; Sigtryggsdóttir, Fjóla G.

doi:10.3390/w13131726

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…The Laplace equation for continuous groundwater seepage was first solved using a finite element simulation, which was presented [16]. The foundation rock for Canada's Bennett Dam was allegedly evaluated for probable seepage flows and uplift pressure using the finite element method [17]. Utilizing the thermal technique in the ANSYS computer code, numerically simulated instances of earth dams have no set free surfaces [18].…”

Section: Formulation Of Numerical Finite Elementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Storage Earth Dam Failure due to Liquefaction Caused by Earthquakes

Kiraa,

Zeidan,

Nasr

et al. 2023

TOCIEJ

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Aims: We are researching causes and criteria for the liquefaction dam failure by analyzing the safety of the dam under static and dynamic loads against shear failure using the finite element technique, which is used to simulate stability assessment for selected earth dams under different loading conditions. Background: Storage Massive earth dams are vulnerable to collapse during earthquakes, which can have severe effects ranging from direct human casualties to indirect economic losses. How seismically fragile earth dams are and what issues may arise from a failure depend on how they respond to earthquakes. Slope failure, piping, displacement, and/or settlement are examples of seismic responses that are caused by weak soil and/or the liquefaction of loose sands. Earth dam failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including seepage through the dam body, hydraulic issues, structural instability, and liquefaction failure brought on by earthquakes. Objective: The objective of this study is to find a way to design of earth-fill dams. Methods: The finite element method is a numerical solution. This method is based on a grid pattern (not necessarily rectangular) which divides the flow region into discrete elements and provides N equations with N unknowns. Material properties, such as permeability, are specified for each element, and boundary conditions (heads and flow rates) are set. The finite element method has several advantages over the finite difference method for more complex seepage problems. Results: The Lower San Fernando Dam is dangerous under dynamic loads, and the F.O.S. values for the upstream and downstream directions are 0.264 and 0.183, respectively. 1350 m2 is the Lower San Fernando Dam's liquefaction area. 40.67% of the Lower San Fernando Dam's overall foundation area is represented by that figure. Tapar (India) dam is hazardous due to slope failure under dynamic loads, and the F.O.S. values for the upstream and downstream directions are 0.5 and 0.109, respectively. Tapar Dam in India has a liquefaction area of 457 m2. This amount equals 52.33 percent of the Tapar (India) dam's entire foundation area. The slope failure under dynamic loads and the F.O.S. values of 0.313 and 0.548 for the slopes of the river upstream and downstream of Fatehgadh dam (India), respectively, lead to the conclusion that it is dangerous. 333.5 m2 is the size of the liquefaction area of the Fatehgadh dam in India. The foundation area of the Fatehgadh (India) dam as a whole is represented by that figure at 78.75%. Saluda Dam in Columbia is an unsafe slope failure under dynamic loads, and the F.O.S. values for the upstream and downstream directions are 0.102 and 0.101. Saluda Dam in Columbia has a 32095 m2 liquefaction area. This value represents 32.96% of the Saluda Dam's total foundation area (Columbia). Conclusion: Conclusions state that 32.96% of the minimum liquefaction zone area is what causes liquefaction failure. Under the effect of seismic stresses, a safe design standard for storage earth dams is produced. The evaluation must also take into account the specifications for safety limitations based on global norms, regulations, and codes. examining the dam safety requirements for dynamic loads.

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Section: Formulation Of Numerical Finite Elementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Storage Earth Dam Failure due to Liquefaction Caused by Earthquakes

Kiraa,

Zeidan,

Nasr

et al. 2023

TOCIEJ

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“…Elkamhawy et al [19] established a two-dimensional steady state model to calculate the leakage amount of the Ismailia canal and assessed the anti-seepage effect of lining. Smith et al [27] calibrated a numerical simulation tool, which can be widely used for seepage analysis. Beiranvand and Komasi [28] investigated the anti-seepage effects of the cut-off wall of the Eyvashan earth dam based on the numerical solutions and the experimental results.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Simplified Method for Leakage Estimation of Clay Core Dams with Different Groundwater Levels

Yang

Shen

et al. 2022

Water

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Clay core dams are widely applied in reservoir construction, regulating water resource and provide electric power. Leakage is a common problem in reservoir construction, and the leakage amount, which not only affects the economic benefits of the project, but also relates to the safety of the dam body, is difficult to estimate. According to Darcy’s law and stable seepage theory, an analytical method can be proposed to calculate the leakage of the clay core dam to gain the seepage flux in a short time. By making some reasonable assumptions, we propose formulae for seepage calculation in different conditions of the position of the groundwater levels, below or above the reservoir bottom. Both sets of formulae contain two parts of leakage calculation, i.e., leakage from the reservoir bottom and leakage from the dam body. By using the proposed analytical method, the leakage of clay core dams can be estimated considering the influence of the groundwater level. To prove the rationality of the analytical method, a simple numerical model can be established using Geo-studio 2020 to calculate the seepage flux of the clay core dam, where relative errors between numerical solutions and analytical solutions are less than 10%. To verify the feasibility in engineering applications, the proposed method was applied to calculate the seepage of a clay core dam in Sichuan, China, which was also calculated using numerical methods by establishing a three-dimensional model. The results show the rationality of the analytical method, which can strike a balance between precision and efficiency.

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“…Three contributions to this special issue refer to different solutions to protect dams against overtopping [3][4][5]. A rockfill toe can be added to the downstream shoulder of a rockfill dam to increase the resistance in the event of overflow.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Several geometrical configurations are possible for that toe, from completely external to completely internal to the dam shoulder. Smith et al [3] analyzed, by a combination of physical and numerical modeling, the effect of the rockfill toe configuration on the throughflow. It is quite relevant for the safety of the dam, considering that the failure strongly depends on the position of the water surface inside the dam.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is quite relevant for the safety of the dam, considering that the failure strongly depends on the position of the water surface inside the dam. They conclude that "the internal and combined toe configurations are effective in lowering the phreatic line within the dam, for enhanced slope stability compared to the cases without a toe or an external toe" [3] (p. 18).…”

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confidence: 99%

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