Seepage Analysis through Rockfill Dams by Finite Element Method in a Fixed Gird

In this paper, Forchheimer equation is used as the constitutive equation for flow through rockfill, and the non-linear two-dimensional governing equation with free surface is solved by a new finite element method in a fixed grid. The model is verified by applying it to different flow conditions. The first scenario, which is assumed to be one-dimensional with analytical solution available for it, is used to verify the developed code. Other scenarios, which are two-dimensional free surface tests on a laboratory rockfill, are used to verify the model. The model shows satisfactory performance in this regard. For example, on average, a mean absolute relative error of about 2.3%, in terms of pressure head was found to exist between modelling results and observed values. Further capabilities of the model are discussed by simulating overflow through self– spillway rockfill dams. Keywords: Finite element, Method, Fixed grid, Non-Darcy flow, Non-linear flow, Rock fill dam