Back analysis of the 3D seepage problem and its engineering applications

Abstract

The main purpose of seepage control in dams is to prevent dams and other foundation abutments from being destroyed by seepage erosion. This control is important for safe and efficient maintenance of hydraulic and geotechnical engineering structures in the reservoir areas. Back analysis of a seepage field based on measured data is an effective way to determine the initial distribution of the seepage field, which is essential for seepage control planning and implementation of safety measures. In this paper, a back analysis method and super-equivalent continuum model were used to analyse the natural seepage field parameters and seepage field analysis in the construction zone of the dam. The results of previous analyses of the seepage field and seepage control measures provided the basic parameters and model foundation; back analysis was used to determine the boundaries of the groundwater and the calculation parameters, modify the boundary conditions of the dam foundation excavation pit, and obtain the seepage field during the construction of the hub area. The results of the back analysis show that the natural groundwater distribution simulation is generally consistent with the field data, indicating that the finite element model is an important tool for simulating the engineering geological conditions of the dam area and rock mass permeability partition.