Abstract
In the present study, the structural stability and safety of gravity dams located on inhomogeneous rock foundations is evaluated under the static loads of self-weight, hydrostatic, and uplift pressures using the overstress and the sliding safety indices. Considering Pine Flat gravity dam as case study, its 2D monolith together with its foundation is numerically analyzed using the finite element method. The spatial configuration of the foundation is changed in two main groups by inserting one or two single large joint(s)/fault plane(s). The coupled stress–seepage problem is solved to accurately obtain the seepage regime and the uplift forces. The effects of the position of the foundation joint(s), mechanical and permeability properties of the rock, and the presence of the uplift forces on the safety and stability of the dam are assessed through a detailed parametric study.
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