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Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering

ISSN 2095-2430

ISSN 2095-2449(Online)

CN 10-1023/X

Postal Subscription Code 80-968

2018 Impact Factor: 1.272

Front Struc Civil Eng    2012, Vol. 6 Issue (4) : 431-436    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11709-012-0183-5
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Embankment dam foundation analysis for the decrease of internal erosion likelihood
Marc SMITH()
Hydro Québec, 75 René-Lévesque, West Montreal, Canada
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Abstract

A zoned embankment dam is founded on clay underlain by a sand deposit. Major seepage phenomena were noticed in the foundation downstream from the dam where the vertical seepage forces in the sand layer were expected to exceed the downward forces due to the overlying clay. Modern technologies were applied to delineate critical zones to help design optimal rehabilitation measures. A global electromagnetic survey was carried out to detect and map the main sources, pathways and exits of seepage. Based on these global findings, a more detailed analysis was then conducted to identify zones where thickness of the foundation clay is minimal, pore pressures in sand are higher and thus where the factor of safety against uplift is lower and internal erosion is more likely to occur. Clay thickness evaluation required the determination of land surface as well as clay-sand contact elevations. A laser airborne survey was performed to model the land surface elevation. Data concerning the clay-sand contact elevation came from the interpreted stratigraphy based on a series of boreholes and cone penetration tests. This data was combined in a geostatistical model along with the measured piezometric levels in the foundation. This resulted in a contour map showing factors of safety against uplift over the entire downstream area. The use of modern technologies, namely electromagnetic and laser surveys as well as geostatistical tools, was instrumental in defining the limits of an otherwise spread-out problem and to provide an optimal solution, in terms of costs and effectiveness, for the long-term stabilization of the foundation.

Keywords seepage detection      geostatistical analysis      dam monitoring      internal erosion      LIDAR survey     
Corresponding Author(s): SMITH Marc,Email:smith.marc@hydro.qc.ca   
Issue Date: 05 December 2012
 Cite this article:   
Marc SMITH. Embankment dam foundation analysis for the decrease of internal erosion likelihood[J]. Front Struc Civil Eng, 2012, 6(4): 431-436.
 URL:  
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fsce/EN/10.1007/s11709-012-0183-5
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fsce/EN/Y2012/V6/I4/431
Fig.1  Aerial view of dam and downstream area
Fig.2  Cross section of dam and foundation
Fig.3  Detected upward seepage exits
Fig.4  Land surface model
Fig.5  Distribution of estimated piezometric levels in sand
Fig.6  Minimal factors of safety against uplift
Fig.7  Location of relief wells and decrease of piezometric levels in sand
1 Smith M, C?té A, No?l P, Babin D. Characterizing seepage at the junction of two embankment dams. In: Proceedings of the Canadian Dam Association Annual Conference Whistler, Canada, Oct 3–8. 2009
2 Olsen M J, Stuedlein A W. Discussion of use of terrestrial laser scanning for the characterization of retrogressive landslides in sensitive clay and rotational landslides in river banks. Canadian Geotechnical Journal , 2010, 47(10): 1164–1168
doi: 10.1139/T10-067
3 Isaaks E H, Srivastava R M. An Introduction to Applied Geostatistics. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989
4 Smith M, Konrad J M. Assessing hydraulic conductivities of a compacted dam core using geostatistical analysis of construction control data. Canadian Geotechnical Journal , 2011, 48(9): 1314–1327
doi: 10.1139/t11-038
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