Effects of abutment slopes on the performance of high rockfill dams

Abstract

The general-stress strain performance of high rockfill dams located in narrow valleys is analyzed using a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element method. Emphasis is put on the effects of the abutment slope on soil arching in dams, the susceptibility of hydraulic fracturing in the core, and cracking in the core contact areas. The performance of dams with different heights is also analyzed and compared. Suggestions for improved core foundation preparation and core cracking protection are made.