Research solutions to ensure seepage safety for the homogeneos earth dams constrcted in the Western plateau of Vietnam by compaction technology.

Abstract

     In the Western plateau of Vietnam there has been constructed number of homogennous earth dams with rich clay content soil. This high clay content soil is often swollen and dissolved sensitively with water content and, therefore, the dams have relatively low seepage safety coefficient. In order to ensure safety for the dams, researches are needed in selections of structure solutions; constructed methods; and quality appraisal of execution methods. In this paper, firstly comments are given for the conditions of earth dam construction in the Western plateau of Vietnam by compaction technology. Secondly, focus is paid on synthesis analysis in selecting water-proof measures for the dam system. In addition, Finite Element method (FEM) is applied to analyze consolidation process, creating scientific basis for choosing structure solutions, construction technology and quality appraisal of execution methods. Application is done for the Dak Yen dam, in Kontum province, Vietnam.