Effect of Drain Geometry on Dynamic Response of Homogeneous Earth Dams

The effect of material zones geometry in dam section has been studied sporadically by different authors. In this regard, the effects of vertical and inclined cores position on dynamic response of zoned earth dam were more studied. Lopez Querol et al. performed a set of numerical coupled analyses in order to determine the optimal location of impervious core in dam. The obtained results have been indicated that location of core is determined on the basis of some criteria such as minor liquefaction risk, minor soil degradation during the earthquake and minor crest settlement (Lopez-Querol., 2008). Karbor-e-Shyadeh and Soroush compared seismic response of Bidvaz dam (situated in Iran) with vertical and inclined cores. They claimed that, under earthquake loading, generated deformation in dam body comparatively larger for the dam with the inclined core, however, excess pore water pressures developed in the core are higher in the case of central dam (Karbor-e-Shayadeh., 2008). One of the important factors affecting the dynamic response of homogeneous earth dams is geometry and location of vertical or inclined drains inside of dam. This issue is fewer studied previously by researchers. In this study, the effect of drain geometry on dynamic response of homogeneous earth dam is evaluated.