Ali Zohrevand, Amir Khosrojerdi and Seyyed Habib Musavi Jahromi
Abstract
Seepage is one of the parameters that must be considered in earth dams designing. To assess accurately, the most important process is the exact calculation of the highest seepage line or really phreatic surface. In this study, seven physical models, dams, with different properties were made in laboratory and the seepage quantity and phreatic surface were analyzed. The results show the effect of core, its width, soil texture of the materials used in dam body - soil compaction, hydraulic conductivity- and water level in the reservoir on the mentioned parameters. It can be said making physical models is a practical way to find the best solution to control seepage in earth dams. The unique characteristic of this research is using seven laboratory models with regard to more than two variables for having a comparative analysis. The results of this study can be beneficial to decrease the seepage and phreatic surface or to decrease volume of borrow stuff in earth dams.