Effects of cracking of anti-seepage concrete wall on seepage stability of dam foundation

A case study on the Yele Hydropower Station was performed by use of the finite element method.In consideration of the complicated geological condition of the dam foundation and great differences in seepage property of different rock strata,the ranges of seepage failure zones in different soil layers of overlying strata of the dam foundation were analyzed when the cracking of the anti-seepage wall occurred,and the seepage extension in these zones was also discussed.The result shows that the anti-seepage property of the concrete wall can meet the safety requirement of the project when the cracking of the anti-seepage wall does not occur,however,the cracking of the anti-seepage wall might result in seepage failure in soil layers of the dam foundation.It is also indicated that the number and width of cracks are of great influences on the seepage stability and ranges of seepage failure zones of the dam foundation.