Investigation and evaluation of settlement, displacement and pore pressure parameters obtained from instrumentation data (Case Study: Golestan earthen dam)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Water and Soil Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

2 Water Engineering Dept., Water and Soil Engineering Faculty, Gorgan Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Water and Soil Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan , Iran

4 Department of Water Engineering, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: Instrumentation and monitoring of dams, especially in earthen dams, is one of the basic and vital steps in the construction and operation of these structures, and it is necessary to control the construction, ensure safety and reduce their operational costs. In this study, the behavior of the Golestan earthen dam during the periods of construction, first impounding and operation were investigated and analyzed.
 
Method: To carry out the required analysis, the data of piezometers, settlement gauges and inclinometers of the Golestan earthen dam were extracted during the above three time periods, and based on these data, the settlement of the dam as well as its horizontal and vertical displacement were evaluated according to standard criteria. The ratio of excess pore water pressure was also analyzed.
 
Results: The instrumentation results and also observations from downstream of the dam reservoir showed that the difference in the rate of settlement of the dam body at higher levels compared to lower levels is somewhat more than expected. The results showed that the middle part of the dam crest experienced the highest settlement of about 55 cm which is acceptable compared to the allowed value of 1.5 m. Moreover, the results of the piezometers confirm the seepage flow through the sealant wall with a permeability coefficient.
 
Conclusions: Golestan Dam has a suitable condition in terms of displacement and settlement, and the instruments showed reasonable values within the allowed range. Although some cases like seepage from the sealing element do not endanger the stability of the dam, it is necessary to be taken into account and managed with the help of a more detailed analysis of the instrumentation data and the analysis of the structural behavior of the dam. 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advanced Technologies in Water Efficiency
Volume 6, Issue 1
February 2026
Pages 25-43

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  • Receive Date: 06 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 07 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 September 2025

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