Using finite-element method to analyze the consolidation of earth dam

Abstract

     Finite-element method is a useful tool for solving complex problems in general engineering and hydraulic engineering construction in particular. In this article, using finite-element formulation for coupled pore fluid diffusion and stress analysis problems are described to analyze the consolidation of earth dam. Pore pressure within the core of the earth dams plays a decisive role in the performance of the dams. Using the finite-element software package (ABAQUS) is described to analyze a typical earth dam. Computation results show that although the pore pressure may be high during the construction stage of the dam, it will be dissipated to a reasonable level as the consolidation process of the core will last a long time. However, if water rapid drawdown has occurred in short time for these dams, the pore fluid can drain rapidly leading to a reduction in the pore pressure, the forces acting on the soil particles suddenly increase due to the reduction in buoyancy. The frictional resistance between the soil particles may not be sufficient to resist this increased shear stress to which they are subjected. Some important results are also given for the pore water pressure distribution and settlement of earth dam during construction, fill-up of the reservoir and rapid drawdown period.