A Simplified Method for Leakage Estimation of Clay Core Dams with Different Groundwater Levels

Clay core dams are widely applied in reservoir construction, regulating water resource and provide electric power. Leakage is a common problem the leakage amount, which not only affects economic benefits of project, but also relates to safety dam body, difficult estimate. According Darcy’s law stable seepage theory, an analytical method can be proposed calculate clay gain flux short time. By making some reasonable assumptions, we propose formulae for calculation different conditions position groundwater levels, below or above bottom. Both sets contain two parts calculation, i.e., from bottom body. using method, estimated considering influence level. To prove rationality simple numerical model established Geo-studio 2020 dam, where relative errors between solutions less than 10%. verify feasibility engineering applications, was Sichuan, China, calculated methods by establishing three-dimensional model. The results show strike balance precision efficiency.