Identification of Earthen dam seepage regime under condition of data ambiguity

Abstract

One case of seepage regime identification in earthen dam on the basis of visual and instrumental observations is considered in terms of data ambiguity and uncertainty regarding either dam condition, soils permeability or seepage control and drainage features operability both in dam body and foundation. The technique of identification of dam fill hydraulic conductivity based on correlation analysis of piezometric readings is proposed. Contour maps of groundwater levels were examined. As well as simulation modelling was performed in order to determine the most probable seepage computational model of earth dam corresponding in the best way to monitoring data. While simulating special attention was being payed to seepage control and drainage features performance. Thus it was approved that earth dam seepage regime meets the criteria of safety against seepage.