Stability of Slope and Seepage Analysis in Earth Dam Using Numerical Finite Element Model

Abstract

Slope stability is an important aspect of geotechnical engineering. The uses of finite element analysis of slope stability and seepage have gained popularity in recent years due to its capability to handle complex problems. Slope stability and seepage analysis of earth dam is very important to ascertain the stability of the structure. The stability of earth dam depends on its geometry, its components, materials, properties of each component and the forces to which it is subjected. The design of earth dams involves many considerations that must be examined before initiating detailed stability analyses. Such as geological and subsurface explorations, the earth and/or rock-fill materials available for construction should be carefully studied. This paper presented stability analysis carried out on Yashigou dam in China. The results of the factor of safety were considered to the Yashigou dam without water level, steady-state water level and water level drawdown by using finite element stress method analysis to compare with Morgenstern-Price method.