Large-deformation finite element analysis of the interaction between concrete cut-off walls and high-plasticity clay in an earth core dam. Issue 4 (12th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Xiang; Zou, Degao; Kong, Xianjing; Yu, Long
• Is Part Of: Engineering computations. Volume 34:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 1126
• Page End: 1148
• Publication Date: 2017-06-12
• Subjects: Finite element method -- Alluviums -- Earth core dams -- Large-deformation analysis -- Penetration process -- Soil–Structure interaction; Computer-aided engineering -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; 620.00285
• DOI: 10.1108/EC-04-2016-0118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-4401

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: A large, uneven settlement that is unfavourable to dam safety can occur between a concrete cut-off wall and the high-plasticity clay of earth core dam built on alluviums. This issue has been often studied using the small-strain finite element (FE) method in previous research. This paper aims to research the interaction behaviour between a concrete cut-off wall and high-plasticity clay using large-deformation FE analyses. Design/methodology/approach: The re-meshing and interpolation technique with a small-strain (RITSS) method was performed using an independently developed program and adopted for large-deformation FE analyses, and a suitable element size for the high-plasticity clay region was suggested. The layered construction process of an earth core dam built on thick alluviums was simulated using the RITSS method incorporating a hyperbolic model for soil. Findings: The RITSS method is an effective technique for simulating the soil–structure interaction during dam construction. The RITSS analysis predicted a higher maximum principle stress of the concrete cut-off wall and higher stress levels in the high-plasticity clay region than small-strain FE analysis. Originality/value: A practical method for large-deformation FE analysis was advised and was used for the first time to study the interaction between a concrete cut-off wall and high-plasticity clay in dam engineering. Large deformation in the high-plasticity clay was handled using the RITSS method. Moreover, the penetration process of the concrete cut-off wall into the high-plasticity clay was captured using a favourable element shape and mesh density.