The selection of appropriated models to solve the consolidation problem of the zoned earth dam

摘要

A finite element formulation to analyze two-dimensional characteristics of zoned earth dams is presented.This formulation is implemented by using a suitable constitutive relation for each material constituting the zoned earth dam earthen structure. Two-dimensional consolidation problems are solved to verify Biot's theory through the use of the developed EMDAM program. A zoned earth dam, namely, Llyn Brianne zoned earth dam built in the United Kingdom is selected to be analyzed. Presentations of numerical algorithm results of the deformation and the excess pore water pressure in the body of Llyn Brianne dam and its foundations during and after construction are made. The developed program (EMDAM) gives acceptable predictions and the results are close to the observations.