3D analysis of the 174-m high Quxue asphalt-core rockfill dam in a narrow canyon

The site for the high Quxue Dam has a narrow canyon with very steep abutments and complex geology in Sichuan Province, China. Various types of embankment concrete dams were considered an asphalt-core dam (ACED), 174 m high, was selected. asphalt core is slender impervious element some concerns have been raised about reliability safety type (ACEDs). This paper presents case study highest ever built measured numerical analyses deformations. A 3D non-linear FE analysis performed Dam, results compared those computed by 2D to effects canyon. are monitoring data from construction first impoundment. maximum settlement inside during only 0.7 due good basaltic rockfill used heavy compaction layers 1.0 – 1.2 thickness. agree well downstream displacements deflected shape thin impoundment, while overpredicted displacement factor two. At reservoir level 3 below full supply level, 80 mm stiff restraining valley. behaviour modelled constitutive relationship proposed Duncan Chang (1970) . parameters determined laboratory tests prior adjusted better match field observations vertical settlements construction. As exhibits pronounced visco-elastoplastic behaviour, material modelling based on long-term triaxial creep samples drilled out core. performance record-high ACED document that expressed not warranted. suitable even ACEDs valleys abutments.