Assessment of Core-Filter Configuration Performance of Rock-Fill Dams under Uncertainties

Calamak M., YANMAZ A. M.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOMECHANICS, vol.18, no.4, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0001114
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOMECHANICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Rock-fill dams, Core, Filter, Uncertainty, Seepage analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, TRANSIENT UNSATURATED FLOW, STOCHASTIC-ANALYSIS, HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY, HETEROGENEOUS SOILS, GROUNDWATER-FLOW, FINITE DOMAINS, MEDIA, MODEL
  • TED University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Probabilistic analyses are conducted for seepage through a rock-fill dam having two different core-filter configurations: one sloping and the other a central symmetrical core-filter arrangement. Uncertainties in core and filter are considered, assuming their hydraulic conductivities as random variables. For this purpose, finite-element software used for groundwater flow and seepage analyses is coupled with a random-number-generation algorithm. Monte Carlo simulations are performed for probabilistic seepage analyses. The suggested method is applied to a 30-m-high rock-fill dam. Results showed that the uncertainty in core and filter causes a decrease in the seepage rates of both configurations. It is concluded that in case of uncertainty, the central symmetrical core-filter configuration is more successful than the sloping configuration in decreasing seepage.