Finite element analysis of the seepage problem in the dam body and foundation based on the Galerkin’s approach

Abstract

In this study, the 2D steady-state seepage analysis of the dam body and its base is investigated using the finite element method based on the Galerkin’s approach. The body and foundation soil are considered as homogeneous isotropic and anisotropic materials and the effects of horizontal drainage length and cutoff wall on seepage are investigated. The differential equation governing the response of water in the soil is obtained with the help of Darcy's law and continuity equations. A program has been prepared in Fortran programming language to find the hydraulic load, pressure values and phreatic line pressure values at the points inside the dam body and the quantity of seepage on the bottom of dam. It has been shown that the obtained values are in good agreement by comparing them with the results of existing studies in the literature.