Characterization of the Mechanical Response at the Earth-Core of a Rockfill Dam under Heavy Vehicle Loading

摘要

Given the properties of the materials and the typical cross-section of an embankment or dam, the use of structural models (i.e. finite element method) to analyze the response by calculating the set of stress-strain is straightforward. However, the use of such analysis requires accurate input information; otherwise, the results obtained may be questionable. The analysis of the effect of heavy vehicle loads on earth dams is poorly documented in past research. However, in these structures, some materials such as fine-grained core materials, can be sensitive to damage induced by stresses under moving heavy vehicles. This paper presents the formulation of empirical models associated with the mechanical response of the top part of a dam core constituted of glacial till to support the assessment of the effect of heavy loads circulating on rockfill dams. Laboratory tests and field measurements were used as a reference to develop analytical and empirical analysis models. Resilient modulus and permanent strain rates were evaluated to support the development of the approach.