Delving into Earth Dam Dynamics: Exploring the Impact of Inner Impervious Core and Toe Drain Arrangement on Seepage and Factor of Safety during Rapid Drawdown Scenarios
Utepov Y.B. Mkilima T. Aldungarova A.K. Shakhmov Z.A. Akhazhanov S.B. Saktaganova N.A. Abdikerova U.B. Budikova A.M.
October 2023Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Infrastructures
2023#8Issue 10
The study examined the intricate relationships between embankment slope configurations, toe drain designs, and drawdown scenarios. It utilized a unique combination of numerical, physical, and mathematical models. The investigation involved 16 numerical models and 8 physical models with distinct characteristics. The research explored the correlations of key parameters: matric suction, horizontal water conductivity, time, and factor of safety. The factor of safety values varied from 0.62 to 1.03 as a result of the different investigated combinations. For instance, a 1:2 embankment slope without a toe drain under instantaneous drawdown led to the factor of safety values ranging from 1.22 to 1.57. Additionally, incorporating elements like a 30 m toe drain and a 1 m per day drawdown rate influenced these values, with extremes recorded from 1.337 to 2.21, shedding light on embankment stability under diverse conditions and configurations. When subjected to a 1 m per day drawdown, water flow rates decreased significantly at the upstream face and increased downstream, accompanied by an increase in water mass flux at the upstream face and a decrease at the downstream toe, suggesting dynamic changes in water behavior in response to drawdown. Moreover, the findings unveiled significant correlations between matric suction and time (correlation coefficient of 0.950) and factor of safety and water conductivity (correlation coefficient of 0.750). Conversely, a distinct negative correlation emerged between matric suction and factor of safety (correlation coefficient of −0.864). The study’s distinctive insights contribute to our understanding of seepage behavior and dam stability across varied scenarios, offering valuable input for resilient dam construction approaches that will ensure the longevity and effectiveness of these essential structures.
embankment dam , embankment slope , rapid drawdown , seepage analysis , slope stability
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Department of Civil Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
CSI Research&Lab (LLP), Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, The University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 259, Dodoma, 41218, Tanzania
School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Energy, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 070000, Kazakhstan
Department of Algebra, Mathematical Logic and Geometry, Karaganda Buketov University, Karaganda, 100024, Kazakhstan
Department of Architecture and Construction Production, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, 120014, Kazakhstan
Department of Civil Engineering
CSI Research&Lab (LLP)
Department of Environmental Engineering and Management
School of Architecture
Department of Algebra
Department of Architecture and Construction Production
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