Predicted and Observed Deformation Behavior of Akkopru Dam

Predicted and Observed Deformation Behavior of Akkopru Dam In this study, the settlement behavior of Akkopru Dam, which is a 162.50 m high rockfill dam with clay core, is investigated for the end-of-construction and reservoir impoundment stages. Finite element analyses that are based on a 2-D plain strain solution are performed to determine the displacements. Hardening soil model is used to represent the non-linear, inelastic, and stress-dependent behavior of rockfill. Material model parameters for clay are selected from triaxial compression test results. For other materials, preliminary values for model parameters are chosen based on the results from previous studies on dams. Predicted and measured displacements are in agreement as a function of time, in terms of magnitude and location for the end-of-construction stage. The maximum settlement is observed to be approximately at the middle of the dam height. Predictions are also made for the displacements for reservoir impoundment conditions.