Safety Evaluation of an Arch-Gravity Dam Based on a Small Displacement Hydromechanical Coupled Model

In this work a small displacement finite element model for the coupled hydro-mechanical analysis of concrete dam foundations is adopted. The hydraulic behaviour is simulated assuming that seepage takes place along channels located at the edges of the triangular interface elements which simulate the various discontinuities. The safety evaluation of the sliding stability of an arch-gravity dam, 83 m high is carried out. The main emphasis is given on the simulation of the drainage system and on the results of sliding stability analysis.