Ambient Temperature Effect in Concrete Dam Foundation Seepage

Abstract

The ambient temperature effect in the foundation seepage of a concrete dam is examined. The variation of permeability in the foundation of the dam due to high or low temperatures and the variation of the effectiveness of the grout curtains is studied in the case of a 34 m high concrete dam positioned on a 28 m thick rock foundation. The seepage in the foundation of the dam is represented by different flow nets, which correspond to the low, mean, and high values of the ambient temperature. Fully effective grout curtains in the foundation due to high ambient temperatures decrease the total head potential at the base of the dam; ineffective grout curtains due to low ambient temperatures increase the total head potential. The distribution of the total head potential and the uplift pressures are evaluated and compared to recorded piezometer values at the base of the dam.