Estimation of the earth dam strength with inelastic soil properties

Abstract

The study aims to develop the models, methods, and algorithms for assessing the earth’s structure strength with inelastic-plastic properties of soil and to evaluate the strength of earth dams. For the mathematical statement of the problem, the principle of virtual displacements, the finite element method, and the elastic solution method were used. To assess the safety factor at each point in the structure, the Coulomb – Mohr theory of strength was used. The stress-strain state (SSS) of specifically designed earth dams with a height of 195 m was studied under various static effects, with inelastic elastic-plastic properties of soil. The isolines of equal values distribution of safety factor for a dam body, as a whole, were obtained, which allow stating the presence, size, and location of the zones in which the strength condition is met.