Seismic Permanent Deformation Analysis for Gravel Dams in High Altitude Meizoseismal Areas

It is commonly believed that the permanent deformation is introduced by the meizoseismal impacts of embankment dams, which is impossible to be reinstated and will further endanger the safety and normal use thereof. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the dam have been established with the equivalent nodal force approach to calculate the permanent deformation of the dams under seismic protection. It was indicated by the results that the acceleration response of dams was not intense in the meizoseismal areas and the vertical seismic permanent deformation mainly occurred at the top of the dams, of which the collapse rate is less than 1% with small lateral and horizontal seismic permanent deformation. Moreover, the dam profile has been indicated with inward shrinkage upon the seismic permanent deformation, which is beneficial to the stability of the dam slopes. However, seismic measures are required to improve the seismic performance of the dam area because of the large acceleration and permanent seismic deformation at the dam tops. The research results provide a decision basis for seismic hazard assessment and reinforcement solutions of similar dams.

DYNAMIC RESPONSE AND STABILITY ANALYSES OF AKOSOMBO DAM USING NUMERICAL ANALYSIS

Dams are very important in Ghanas economic development and environmental improvement. Although Ghana dams are seismically far from the active zone, accurately analysed dams should be evaluated since failure could severely impact the people in the flood environment and the regions economy on a large scale. This paper proposes a numerical procedure for the static, slope stability, and dynamic analysis of the Akosombo embankment dam. Nineteen horizontal acceleration time histories recorded data was used based on Maximum Design Earthquake (MDE), Maximum Credible Earthquake (MCE), Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) and Operating Basis Earthquake (OBE) data. The numerical results estimated showed that the Akosombo embankment dam is likely to experience moderate deformations during the different design earthquakes. The result also indicated that non-linear analysis capable of capturing dominant non-linear mechanisms could be used to assess the stability of embankment dams. The factor of safety (FS) calculated was greater than 1.5 for high reservoir, rapid drawdown condition and low reservoir condition whereas, the FS values were found to be 1.42 for slow drawdown condition.

Evaluation of Suitability of Red Clay from Selected Areas of Gercus Formation, Sulaimaniyah, North Iraq, for the Construction of Embankment Dams

In this research, a geotechnical assessment was conducted for clay of the Gercus Formation to determine its suitability for embankment dams. The selected area is located in the north of Iraq. Six samples were collected from two sites in Dokan (Sulaimaniyah) and Haibat Sultan mountain (Koysinjaq), three samples each. Various geotechnical (physical, mechanical and chemical) tests were conducted based on standard specifications. The results of the grain size test of clay samples showed their conformity with Zone C curves and their suitability for the construction of embankment dams, according to the Iraqi standard for roads and bridges. The results of the plasticity limits test showed that the soil is made of fine, low plasticity silt (ML), and low plasticity clay (CL), according to the unified standard soil classification. The water content and plasticity limit tests (liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index) demonstrated that these clays are conformable with the limits of the Iraqi standards. The results of the modified compaction test found a maximum dry density value of 1.962 g/cm3 with an optimum moisture content of 11.5%. The results of the permeability index (K) revealed low permeability according to the Das classification and, therefore, showed the suitability of the samples as raw filling materials in the construction of dams. Chemical tests (sulfate content, organic materials content, total dissolved salts, gypsum content, and pH value) showed compatibility with the requirements for the use in dams construction under the Iraqi standard (SoRB/ R5).

Interpretasi Instrumentasi Piezometer Dalam Rangka Pemantauan Keamanan Bendungan Kedung Ombo

The embankment dam is the most widely built dam in the world, especially in Indonesia. However, embankment dams are also prone to collapse. Dam failures due to the piping process through the dam body account for 30.5% of the total dam collapses worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically monitor and evaluate the condition of pore water pressure and seepage in a dam which is usually carried out using installed instrumentation. Very little has been done on instrumentation interpretation of earthfill dams in Indonesia, which is a very worrying condition. It is possible that old or even new dams have shown behavior that leads to a decrease in safety. This condition can be monitored by instrumentation in the dam if interpreted properly. Kedung Ombo Dam as an old embankment dam but has a fairly complete instrumentation can be evaluated for safety related to pore water pressure and phreatic line (seepage line). Pore water pressure evaluation is carried out by collecting piezometer readings and reservoir water level fluctuations over a period of several years. The results of the research on the interpretation of piezometer readings indicate that the overall safety of the Kedung Ombo dam is still good in terms of pore water pressure conditions. However, there are some anomalous conditions that should be investigated further