The state-of-the-art of stability analysis of embankments, levees and cut slopes is discussed under three main headings; analysis of the forces, determination of shear strength and choice of method of analysis and method of determination of shear strength to particular cases of embankment loading. Stability analysis by the limiting equilibrium methods of slices or sliding block are recommended for use at the present time. Reasons are given for including the earth forces on the sides of the slices in the analysis. The Q, R, and S types of shearing are described and four methods of expressing shear strength data are presented in terms of in situ location, total stresses, consolidation stresses, and effective stresses. The methods of analysis and the shear strength to use are given for the following cases of loading: construction, steady seepage, and rapid drawdown. The determination of excess pore pressure which develops in compressible core material upon rapid drawdown is discussed. Also the use of stability charts is indicated.

Stability Analysis of Embankments

Dams are engineering structures with significant social and economic benefits as well as risks. A structural or operating failure of the dam poses a threat to nearby industrial sites, human settlements, and the environment. Usually, the consequence is an immense economic loss for the region. Therefore, it is of great importance to ensure dam health and functionality. The dead load of the dam body itself and the impounded water, among other things, can cause horizontal and vertical displacements of the dam body. If these displacements surpass a critical limit, the structural integrity of the dam is threatened. Therefore, the surface deformations need to be monitored. In this study, we discuss the different mechanisms, which lead to the deformation of a dam and how they can be monitored. First, an overview of the different construction types of dams currently in use is given. Whereby the focus is on embankment dams, since our main observation target, the Parapeiros-Peiros Dam, is an embankment dam. Second, the deformation processes an embankment dam may be subject to during its lifetime are described. Additionally, the conventionally used instruments and methods to measure these deformations, such as geodetic triangulation or optical leveling networks, are discussed. Based on the deformation processes known from the literature, we outlined what characteristics of an embankment dam need to be taken into account when setting up a deformation monitoring system. The monitoring system, we propose, works continuously and semi-automatically. The main task is to accurately map the surface deformations of the dam body and the surrounding area using SAR images and GPS positions of several control points. Afterward, changes in the behavior of the dam need to be identified and analyzed.

How to set up a dam monitoring system with PSInSAR and GPS

. A knowledge-based expert system was developed to aid in the selection of the type of dam. The dam type selector expert system (DTSA ES) was designed to determine the type of dam on the alluvium foundations. Detailed expert knowledge is required to estimate the type of dam and to develop an expert system. The DTSA ES utilizes rules of thumb used by an expert for determining the selection of the type of dam. The DTSA ES was developed using a shell program. The expert system was tested on several dam sites in order to validate the decision obtained. The use of this expert system, containing knowledge about the selection of dam type, can be helpful to students, potential owners or contractors in selecting dam types. The current prototype always needs additional parameters for more detailed analyses of new developments. However, the current DTSA ES is designed to include existing information about dam types.

Development of an Expert System for Selection of Dam Type on Alluvium Foundations

The focus of this research is on small, well-established, homogeneous earthfill embankment dams that are currently in use and whose performance was previously outside the Reservoirs Act 1975, but are now governed by the new Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Many uncertainties are associated with such structures, a situation that can lead to the threat of dam failure when extreme climate conditions develop. Therefore, merely carrying out a deterministic assessment for such structures is insufficient and more sophisticated models, which reflect uncertain conditions of the dam site are required. This research presents the new advanced probabilistic slope stability model with precipitation effects (APSMP) developed by integrating the First Order Second Moment method (FOSM) with the deterministic slope stability model with precipitation (ASMP) using sliding block formulation. For the purpose of this study, the selected precipitation scenarios (rainfall intensity and duration) are obtained from past Met Office rainfall records and by applying the latest probabilistic model for predicting future precipitation projections for the UK (UKCP09).

It is demonstrated that by implementing APSMP the notional reliability and probability of upstream and downstream slope failure for small homogeneous earthfill embankment dams can be quantified. To reflect the critical conditions conducive to slope failure a benchmark has been developed, as a reference for comparison of the effect of precipitation on the notional reliability and performance classification of the embankment’s slopes. By considering the probabilities of failure collated from APSMP and their associated performance, the impact critical precipitation effects could have on the notional level of engineering risk associated with slope failure is also identified. Hence, the dam’s risk, as categorized by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, can be reassessed in terms of engineering risk.

From the results obtained using APSMP a more informed assessment of small homogeneous earthfill embankment dams using limited information, including the level of uncertainty associated with the available site data, can therefore be carried out. Such an approach is therefore well placed to support and enhance the decision making process when evaluating the likelihood of dam failure, its impact on infrastructure performance and public safety, especially in relation to future climate effects.

/pdf/the-probabilistic-assessment-of-small-homogeneous-uk-3vszsvbfq2.pdf

The probabilistic assessment of small homogeneous UK earthfill dams affected by climate change : precipitation

After construction of a dam impounding water in a reservoir, a monolithic seepage field develops in the surrounding rock mass. Here, a new finite element method is proposed for determining the shape and characteristics of the 3D monolithic seepage field including the free surface, considering complex drainage systems consisting of densely-spaced drainage holes and drainage galleries. To this end, the previously proposed virtual flux method is improved by a refined numerical integration scheme and a regularized Heaviside function for distinguishing the subregions below and above the free surface within a particular finite element. Leakage and overflow drainage holes are modeled as internal boundaries. The proposed numerical method is verified by an academic example, for which the analytical solution is available. Finally, the numerical simulation of the seepage field developing in the vicinity of a high dam and underground power house, constructed in the context of a hydropower plant project in China is used to show its application to a problem in engineering practice.

/pdf/a-new-numerical-method-for-the-analysis-of-monolithic-3ira41l4al.pdf

A new numerical method for the analysis of monolithic seepage problems with complex drainage systems in a groundwater recharge area for a hydropower station in China

Earthfill dams may be designed with any of a wide range of cross sections and compositions, depending upon the setting. They must be optimum products of the local materials and must harmonize with their sites. One of their principal merits is adaptability to foundations that might be unsuitable for other types of dams. Although earth dams can accommodate difficult site conditions, they still must be provided with foundation support that will keep deformations within acceptable limits.

Earthfill Dam Design and Analysis

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Earthfill Dam Design and Analysis