Abstract
Fractured seepage is an important factor affecting the interface stability of rock mass. It is closely related to fracture properties and hydraulic conditions. In this study, the law of seepage in a single fracture surface based on modified cubic law is described, and the three-dimensional discrete element method is used to simulate the dam foundation structure of the Capulin San Pablo (Costa Rica) hydropower station. The effect of construction joints and developed structure on dam stability is studied, and its permeability law and sliding stability are also evaluated. It is found that the hydraulic-mechanical coupling with strength reduction method in DEM is more appropriate to use to study the seepage-related problems of fractured rock mass, which considers practical conditions, such as the roughness of and the width of fracture. The strength reduction method provides a more accurate safety factor of dam when considering the deformation coordination with bedrocks. It is an important method with which to study the stability of seepage conditions in complex structures. The discrete method also provided an effective and reasonable way of determining seepage control measures.
Highlights
Seepage liquid is usually regarded as external load in a dam foundation or in rock engineering
It can be ascertained that the overall safety factor of the dam foundation the model
It can be ascertained that the overall safety factor of the dam foundation is 3.00
Summary
Seepage liquid is usually regarded as external load in a dam foundation or in rock engineering. The methods of evaluating the stability of complex infiltration load and of the effect of hydraulic-mechanical coupling are major challenges in civil engineering. A discrete fractured rock mass is rich in joint surfaces when compared with a porous medium. The directionality, connectivity, openness, filling, and roughness of joints contribute to the characteristics of inhomogeneity, anisotropy, and discontinuity in fractured rock mass, and significantly influence the seepage in a fractured rock mass. The above situation should be considered to determine whether the seepage characteristics of fractured rock are in accordance with the cubic law of seepage. Incorrect uses of the porous media seepage analysis method will lead to unreasonable results
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