Abstract
In the present study a Genetic Programing model (GP) proposed for the prediction of relative crest settlement of concrete faced rock fill dams. To this end information of 30 large dams constructed in seven countries across the world is gathered with their reported settlements. The results showed that the GP model is able to estimate the dam settlement properly based on four properties, void ratio of dam’s body (e), height (H), vertical deformation modulus (Ev) and shape factor (Sc) of the dam. For verification of the model applicability, obtained results compared with other research methods such as Clements’s formula and the finite element model. The comparison showed that in all cases the GP model led to be more accurate than those of performed in literature. Also a proper compatibility between the GP model and the finite element model was perceived.
Highlights
One of the most important reasons of dam failures is uncontrolled settlements
The results showed that the Genetic Programing model (GP) model is able to estimate the dam settlement properly based on four properties, void ratio of dam’s body (e), height (H), vertical deformation modulus (Ev) and shape factor (Sc) of the dam
The results indicate that; even though the statistical analysis is derived from a limited set of information, the performance of the present GP model is better in comparison with the Clements model
Summary
One of the most important reasons of dam failures is uncontrolled settlements. Especially in the case of earth dams due to weak compaction and the use of improper materials this may occur. Kovacevic (1994), Duncan (1992, 1996) are the first investigators who used the finite element methods for the study of rock-fill embankment deformations during dam construction and the first impounding They discussed on the analysis methods, limitations and combining different stress-strain models and their errors. Statistical analysis between these two type of data shows that there is a weak correlation of R2 = 0.201 between the results.
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