Estimation of water seepage from Azad dam foundation using multivariated geostatistic and comparison with observed flow

The main objective of this paper is to estimate water seepage from the Azad dam foundation, based on the combined geotechnical investigations and multivariate geostatistical methods. Geological filed investigations and records at the 38 exploratory boreholes have been considered as the main source for seepage calculations. Due to expansion of reservoir and a few boreholes and limitation of geological investigations, distribution of permeability and permeability changes in the reservoir area is not an indicator for reservoir. In this research using geostatistical method (Kriging), Lugeon values have been estimated for abutments and foundation of the reservoir. Afterward, seepage was estimated for reservoir by using numerical method (FEM).results show that around 450 lit/min water was seepage from the dam. That is very close to the observed seepage from dam foundation. Based on the results, the total seepage estimated is around 450 lit/min that is relatively closed to the observed and measurements flow (350lit/min).