A Study on the Interaction Behavior between an Earth-Rock Dam and a New-Typed Polymer Anti-Seepage Wall

Abstract

Polymer anti-seepage wall has been gradually applied in earth-rock dam reinforcement projects as a new seepage control technique. However, due to all-pervasive properties of the new materials and root-like connection between the materials and soils, the interface characteristics between the polymer wall and the earth-rock dam, as well as the interaction behavior of both, are complex and still not clear, which obstruct studying coordination mechanism of dam and wall under earthquake. Therefore, the interface characteristics and interaction behavior of dam and wall were studied in the article. Firstly, the dynamic shear stress-displacement, shear stiffness and damping ratio of the interface between polymer and soil were investigated by ring shear test. In addition, the viscoelastic constitutive model of polymer materials were researched by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test. Based on tests results, a finite element model of earth-rock dam with polymer wall was established, including a non-linear simulation interface element and viscoelastic polymer constitutive model. Next, the validity of the simulation model was verified based on dynamic centrifuge test results. Then, the interaction behavior and seismic response of the dam with polymer wall were explored by using the verified model. The research results provide a scientific basis for the development and application of new-typed polymer anti-seepage wall in reinforcement engineering.