Investigating the geomechanical properties and permeability of the rocks of the Kurit dam site using geostatistical methods

As dams play a very important role in the optimum use of water resources, it is very important to keep them stable and the water stored in the reservoir. It is particularly important to investigate how water moves through rocks and the permeability and quality of the rock mass in structures like dams. Therefore, one of the issues considered in dam stability is monitoring the quantity of leaks. In this research, the engineering geological and geotechnical parameters of the rock mass for the construction of the Kurit Dam located in the city of Tabas in eastern Iran were evaluated. Initially, following the determination of geotechnical parameters, the engineering classification of the rock mass of the study area was carried out. In addition, in order to study and trace the water evacuation routes of the dam construction, two parameters of the RQD and Lugeon were studied and modelled. Analyses have been conducted to examine the permeability and rock quality index in three parts of the left and right abutment, the dam’s axis and reservoir with geostatistics and kriging methods. Three-dimensional model of the construction of the Kurit dam was presented and the results were analyzed. Based on the results, the quality of the rock mass in the right and left abutments is arguably better than the dam axis and reservoir. Additionally, as the depth increases, the permeability decreases and the permeability is higher at shallow depths. The highest level of permeability is located at the surface and near the BH4 borehole.