Finite element analysis of deformation and arching inside the core of embankment dams during construction

Abstract

© 2015 Engineers Australia. One of the dangers affecting the integrity of the clay core of rockfill dams and consequently the dam’s stability is arching. Due to the different stiffness and consequently the different settlement of the core and shell material of a dam, a load transfer from the core to the shell occurs during and after dam construction. This can cause a total stress decline inside the core that can lead to horizontal cracking through arching action. This study considers the staged construction of the dam body, and employs a finite element analysis to investigate the effect of the parameters, namely the elasticity modulus of filter and transition zones and core geometry, on arching action inside the dam core. The model uses the geometrical and material parameters of the Chenareh Dam located in Ilam province in western Iran.