Centrifuge modeling of transverse cracking in dam core

Y. J. Hou, Q. F. Niu, Z. P. Xu, J. H. Liang, S. Peng, B. Y. Zhang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The differential settlement induced by discontinuous gradient of abutment slopes is one of the main reasons for transverse cracking in clay-core of high earth or rockfill dam. These transverse cracks may cause leakage, hydraulic fracturing and even dam failure during the reservoir impounding. This paper presents the centrifuge modeling of an earth core situated on the abutment with abrupt change of slopes, tested with IWHR 450 g-ton centrifuge. LVDT and laser sensors are adopted to measure the differential settlement. Transverse cracks due to differential settlement were observed during the centrifuge flight. The test results of six models with different densites show that the cracks are easy to generate in the core of the earth dam at the abutment, and the maximum depth of the cracks increases with the decrease of the dam core density.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhysical Modelling in Geotechnics - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2010, ICPMG 2010
Pages1183-1188
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event7th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2010, ICPMG 2010 - Zurich, Switzerland
Duration: 28 Jun 20101 Jul 2010

Publication series

NamePhysical Modelling in Geotechnics - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2010, ICPMG 2010
Volume2

Conference

Conference7th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2010, ICPMG 2010
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CityZurich
Period28/06/101/07/10

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Centrifuge modeling of transverse cracking in dam core'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this