Finite element analysis of fill type dams - Stability during construction by using the effective stress concept

A numerical method of general stability analysis against deformations and collapses of fill type dams during construction using the effective stress concept is given. It is based on a stress-seepage coupled analysis and a nonlinear elastoplasticity finite element analysis after Nayak’s solution technique. The numerical results for the stability analyses of an imaginary homogeneous dam show that the magnitude of collapse strength estimated by this method coincides well to ones estimated by the limite equilibrium methods (Morgenstern-Price and simplified Bishop methods) and the maximum rates of horizontal movements caused by the rise of fill influence the spread of plastic zones. It is concluded from these results that this method is valid for investigating the stability of fill type dams and the monitoring of horizontal movements during construction is a suitable index of the safety of dams.