Finite Element Study: Impact of Cut off Wall Length on Seepage in Earth Dams (Hub Dam)

Abstract

Effective management of water seepage in earth dams is crucial for their stability and longevity Seepage through the dam body or abutments can pose significant challenges, especially in the core zone where impermeability is vital Conducting field investigations to assess seepage can be cumbersome and expensive Therefore, utilizing calibrated numerical models presents aviable solution for simulating seepage scenarios In this study, we numerically analyzed three geometric models of a non homogenous earth dam under three scenarios original design, partial cutoff wall, and full cutoff wall, using Geo Slope (SEEP/ software The results indicate that the cutoff wall at its original shape and design performs better as the overall minimum seepage value of order 2 2117 x 10 4 ft 3 /sec/ with an exit gradient of 0 099 and minimum seepage velocity 1 0020 x 10 6 ft/sec, at EL 270 ft reservoir level Incremental changes in the cutoff wall length were found to be uneconomical, as they did not significantly reduce seepage This study suggests that the Hub Dam has efficiently operated since its construction, demonstrating the efficacy of its original design in seepage control.