Abstract
The permeability coefficient of a concrete slab rockfill dam (CFRD) was calculated in this paper on the basis of the equivalent quasi-continuum model for the percolation of crack-intensive face. This calculation helped simplify the establishment of a finite element model and improve the efficiency of calculating the seepage of dams. Moreover, an inversion algorithm based on particle swarm optimization and support vector machine was proposed and applied. Comparison of the permeability coefficients produced from the two methods showed minimal difference. On this basis, the seepage field of the dam was analyzed. The analysis and field monitoring data reveal that the proposed algorithm is of high application value, which lays a foundation for future studies on the seepage properties of CFRD with cracks.
Highlights
Seepage has been a major concern in dam engineering since the face rockfill dam emerged
Regrettable accidents have happened in the construction of concrete slab rockfill dam (CFRD) in China and abroad
A method based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and support vector machine (SVM) for calculating the permeability coefficient was proposed in this paper from monitoring data of seepage. e algorithm was applied in practice, and the result was compared with that from an equivalent continuum model. e comparison revealed minimal difference between the two methods. e seepage properties were analyzed, and on-spot monitoring data showed that the method proposed is of high application value. erefore, this study paves the way for further investigations on the seepage properties of CFRD with cracks
Summary
Seepage has been a major concern in dam engineering since the face rockfill dam emerged. On the basis of the law of hydraulic characteristics in steady seepage through equal-width cracks, Li and Wang [14] developed a seepage model of face joints and cracks, which has been proven feasible in practice In their establishment of a 3D seepage finite model for the Yangqu Hydropower Station, Zhang and Li [15] analyzed the properties of the 3D steady seepage fields of the dam and its base. Lin and Long [16] analyzed the influence of multiface cracks on the seepage characteristics in the case study of one hydropower CFRD These studies lack relevant monitoring data to prove their results; the feasibility and reasonability of the model proposed in this paper were confirmed by on-spot survey data and simulation. A method based on PSO and SVM for calculating the permeability coefficient was proposed in this paper from monitoring data of seepage. e algorithm was applied in practice, and the result was compared with that from an equivalent continuum model. e comparison revealed minimal difference between the two methods. e seepage properties were analyzed, and on-spot monitoring data showed that the method proposed is of high application value. erefore, this study paves the way for further investigations on the seepage properties of CFRD with cracks
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