Finite Element Analysis of Seepage for Hemrin Earth Dam Using Geo-Studio Software

Abstract

Finite Element Approach is employed in this research work to solve the governing differential equations related to seepage via its foundation's dam structure. The primary focus for this reason is the discretization of domain into finite elements through the placement of imaginary nodal points and the discretization of governing equations into an equation system; An equation for each nodal point or part, and unknown variables are solved. The SEEP / W software (program) is a sub-program of the Geo-Studio software, which is used by porous soil media to compensate for the problems of seepage. To achieve the research goals, a study was carried out on Hemrin dam, which located in the Diyala River 100 km northeast of Baghdad, Iraq. Thus, one cross-section is selected for different elevations (minimum, normal and maximum or flood design elevations) to compute the seepage of water, pore water pressure and phreatic line. By theoretical analysis appeared that when the water reservoir was connected to the flood level, a problem may occur in the downstream face of the dam lead to seepage failure. A set of solutions checked by using the Geo-Studio software has been suggested in this research to solve this problem. In addition, and by analytical approach SLOPE/W (a sub-program of the Geo-Studio software) are used to assess the stability of the downstream slope and calculation factor of safety.