Assessment of Core-Filter Configuration Performance of Rock-Fill Dams under Uncertainties
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18, Issue 4
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.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18 • Issue 4 • April 2018
Copyright
© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 8, 2017
Accepted: Oct 20, 2017
Published online: Jan 18, 2018
Published in print: Apr 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Jun 18, 2018
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