Finite element slope stability analysis of Souk Tleta dam by shear strength reduction technique

Abstract

Slope stability analysis of earth dam is very important to ascertain the stability of the structure. The stability of earth dam depends on its geometry, components materials, water pressure and the forces to which it is subjected. Souk Tleta earth dam, currently under construction, is located on Bougdoura River, in north Algeria. The main purpose of the dam is to store surface water, for irrigation and domestic supply. In this study, reducing gradually the shear strength parameters technique is used to analyze the static slope stability of Souk Tleta zoned embankment dam based on the numerical simulation using Plaxis 2D finite element software. The deformations within the dam and the foundation at the end of construction and reservoir impoundment loading conditions and the corresponding factor of safety have been simulated. The results show that the displacements occurred in the dam body and foundation are the largest at the end of construction and lower during the reservoir filling. The safety factor in the different conditions decreases with the increase in reservoir water level.