Forecasting dam behaviour is of paramount importance to avoid collapses. It consists of detecting and controlling deterioration mechanisms. This paper sets out to propose a multi model methodology to model complex dynamic systems, such as dams. It defines three models based on expert knowledge: a structural model, a functional model and a behavioural model. They are developed from the stories o...

There is a worldwide interest in the proper design of embankment dams to resist earthquake loadings. For the first time in Iran, a complete ambient vibration survey due to low-level loads such as wind, machinery activities, low level tectonic activities, and water exit from bottom outlet was performed on Marun embankment dam. These kinds of ambient vibration tests are suitable for manifesting t...

There is a worldwide interest in the proper design of embankment dams to resist earthquake loadings. For the first time in Iran, a complete ambient vibration survey due to low-level loads such as wind, machinery activities, low level tectonic activities, and water exit from bottom outlet was performed on Marun embankment dam. These kinds of ambient vibration tests are suitable for manifesting t...

In this paper, a mesh-free approach called smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is proposed to analyze the seepage problem in porous media. In this method, computational domain is discredited by some nodes, and there is no need for background mesh; therefore, it is a truly meshless method. The method was applied to analyze seepage flow through a concrete dam foundation. Using the SPH method, the...

Abstract—Cavities are frequently found beneath conduits on pile foundations in old embankments. Cavity reduces seepage length significantly and consequently causes piping failure of embankments. Case studies of embankment failures indicate that the relative settlement between ground and pile supported-concrete conduit was the main reason of the cavity. In this paper, an attempt to simulate the ...

The aim of this investigation is to study the dynamic behavior of a zoned core earth-fill dam. Due to lack of suitable clay materials, the Mamloo dam is designed as zoned core that is composed of three vertical zones including central lean clay (CL) core and two sides clayey gravel (GC) layers. Seismic behavior of dam was analyzed in two cases including homogenous clayey core and zoned core by ...

The evolutions of practices of seismic slope stability analysis of earth embankment/dam are discussed in this paper. The basic concepts of various methods, salient features, advantages and limitations of each of them are elucidate. Methods for both stability analysis and deformation calculation are presented. Methods for calculation of deformation of post liquefaction stage are also briefed.

After some initial trials with RCC the first 3 RCC dams were constructed almost simultaneously. The Zaaihoek Dam and De Mistkraal Weir were designed and constructed by DWAF while the Arabie Dam, now called Flag Boshielo Dam, was designed by a consultant and constructed by a contractor for the then Leboa Homeland Government. The latter, a composite dam with a concrete spillway and an embankment ...