Coupled stress and fluid flow analysis of earth dam after concrete core-wall reinforcement based on non-linear finite element method

Taken earth dam reinforcement engineering of DaShan reservoir as an example, considered the couple effect of seepage field and stress field and the contact effect between concrete core-wall and soil body, the elastic-plasticity finite element model (FEM) of concrete core-wall earth dam after reinforcement is set up. The concrete core-wall deformation and stress after reinforcement are calculated and analyzed. The results show that although the concrete core-wall reduces the saturation line height and increases dam seepage effects, but for stress, at the bottom of concrete core-wall the phenomenon of stress concentration is obvious because of the uncoordinated deformation between the soft soil and rigid concrete core-wall. The stress level of concrete core-wall is high and it is most likely damage area, while the stress is within the permissible compressive strength of concrete. The result can provide an important reference for this project on the dam safety monitoring and management.