Seepage control effect of a concrete face rockfill dam on a deep overburden foundation

Abstract

This study addresses the seepage field characteristics of a concrete face rockfill dam (CFRD) built on a deep overburden foundation. The seepage barriers and anti-seepage effect for the dam and foundation are analysed using the finite element method (FEM). Based on the numerical analysis, it is concluded that the anti-seepage wall in the overburden foundation can achieve good anti-seepage effect. A relative depth ratio of 0.7 between the wall and overburden is suggested when a suspended cut-off wall is used. The permeability of the overburden has a significant effect on the foundation seepage field.