EFFECT OF RIGIDITY ON PORE WATER PRESSURE IN DAMS (Ec/Es)

Abstract

In this paper, to study the effect of relative core /shells rigidity, three cases have been considered. Core of less rigidity (Ec/Es <1.0), homogeneous rigidity (Ec/Es =1.0) and stiffer core (Ec/Es >1.0), the problem is analyzed numerically using the finite element computer program by using Biot consolidation of rectangle in plane strain (Four- node element).It was found that the factor of safety against tension cracking is increased as the depth of the core increases, and for Duncan and Sherard criteria, the factor of safety is about (1.2) for three planes that bounded the core, the values of Ec/Es is (0.7). However, the settlement, horizontal displacement and pore pressure are decreased as the ratio Ec/Es increased.