Comparative and Numerical Analyses of Response of Concrete Cutoff Walls of Earthen Dams on Alluvium Foundations

Abstract

Although a number of cutoff walls have been built in dams with alluvial foundations, the produced wall response still requires further understanding. This paper focuses on the comparative study of responses of cutoff walls on the basis of comparative analysis and numerical simulation. The present study first gathered a database of 58 cases describing the performance of concrete cutoff walls. The loading characteristics, typical deformation pattern, and deformation response of the walls installed at different locations were reviewed from a comparative point of view based on case histories. The effects of several factors on the wall response were discussed. A three-dimensional (3D) finite-element deformation analysis was conducted to provide further understanding of the response of cutoff walls and the mechanisms that affect their response. The mechanical response, damage distribution, and cracking of the concrete cutoff wall located in the upstream face of the dam were analyzed and compared with those of walls located at the middle of the base of the dam fill. The numerical results for the mechanical responses of the wall were also compared with the in situ measurements and comparative results to verify the validity of the numerical model.