Adaptability to geological faulted foundation of Hardfill dam

Abstract

Hardfill dam is a new type of dam which has the advantages of low stress level and even stress distribution in a dam body, resulting in low demands to foundations. Based on 2D linear elastic and elasto-plastic calculations of gravity dam and Hardfill dam using finite element method (FEM), the stress distribution in a dam body and anti-sliding stabilization is analyzed on the geological faulted foundations with weak weathered rock and soft interlayers. It is concluded that Hardfill dams have better adaptability to geological faulted foundations than gravity dams and is more secure and economically sound.

Keywords

Hardfill dam / geological fault / dam foundation / weak weathered rock / soft interlayer