Evaluation of Seepage on the Right Side of Haditha Dam, West of Iraq

Abstract

The study aims to assess the water seepage through the right side of Haditha dam structures in western Iraq, using the finite elements method by an advanced computer software (SEEP/ W, 2012), the earth fill dam is 9 km long on the Euphrates River. Many attempts were done to ascertain the results of the program on a supposed earth dam and compare the results with the other analytical methods. The comparison reveal to very close results, and this indicate the suitability of the software for Haditha dam structures seepage analysis. After the verification of the results, then the real design information of the dam was input to analyse the dam, the input data are the height of the dam, width, slope of upstream and downstream, dimensions of the core, hydraulic conductivity of the different materials of the dam and the foundations. The results obtained from the SEEP/W2012 software were compared with the actual field data of the seepage amount for years (1989 - 2017) and with the water level in the dam reservoir for different periods. The result of comparison gave an idea to the efficiency of the dam protection against the seepage.Through the SEEP/ W data, which simulates the dam sections, levels and discharges that calculated by the software, which is compatible with the field monitoring data, it can be said that the software was able to simulate the actual conditions of the dam and identify the weakness zones. Where the results displayed that the asphaltic diaphragm in good condition and efficient on the right side of the dam. The grouting curtain in the right side is efficient, except for the area between the two stations 15 and 25, the zone between two stations need a continuous monitoring. The results also reflect that earth fill materials and the central core of the dam are efficient, and seepage within permissible design values.