Numerical analysis and back calculation for embankment dam based on monitoring results (Case study: Iran-Lurestan Rudbar)

Abstract

The present study aims to compare the results obtained from monitoring with those from numerical modeling in order to significantly facilitate the stability analysis for embankment dams. In addition to making a comparison between these analyses, which are the precise instrument results, this study validates the outcome of numerical analysis, thus forming a basis for carrying out back analysis to obtain accurate geotechnical parameters. Rudbar Lurestan dam was selected as the case study and the results of its instrumentation were processed and analyzed. The model was established in a static state at the time of construction. FLAC 2D V7 software was employed for modeling, and simulation was done using Mohr-Coulomb behavioral model and the initial parameters of the material (obtained from the laboratory). Then, upon completing the modeling at the end of construction and performing the initial impounding, the results of back calculation give us the final parameters of the materials. The consistency between the results of these analyses and design assumptions and instrumentation results was evaluated. The observations show that there is good agreement between the monitoring results of the modeling and, also, the final parameters obtained from the back calculation point to an increase in most parameters.