The effect of asphalt concrete core location in a rockfill dam on probabilistic analysis of downstream slope stability under steady-state flow conditions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran.

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan , Iran.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the influence of asphalt concrete core positioning in rockfill dams on seepage discharge rates and downstream slope stability under steady-state flow conditions. Additionally, it performs sensitivity analysis to identify key parameters affecting dam stability, particularly focusing on the friction angle of the shell materials.
 
Method: The research employs numerical modeling and hydraulic-mechanical analyses to assess the effects of core placement. The study evaluates how shifting the asphalt core from the upstream to the downstream side impacts seepage flow, safety factors, and the reliability index of the downstream slope under static and pseudo-static conditions. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the most critical parameters influencing dam stability.
 
Results: Relocating the asphalt core toward the downstream side increases seepage discharge through the dam. This shift reduces the safety factor and reliability index of the downstream slope under both static and pseudo-static conditions. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the friction angle of the shell materials has the most significant impact on downstream slope stability.
 
Conclusions: The placement of the asphalt concrete core plays a crucial role in the hydraulic performance and structural stability of rockfill dams. Positioning the core on the upstream side not only minimizes seepage but also enhances downstream slope stability. Moreover, the friction angle of the shell materials is identified as a key parameter in dam design. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the design of rockfill dams with asphalt concrete cores

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advanced Technologies in Water Efficiency
Volume 6, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 84-101

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 06 December 2025

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