Weighted plane deformation modeling and crack analysis for high core-wall rockfill dams

The ever-increasing dam heights and the enormous number of existing dams pose significant challenges to dam safety construction and management. For earth and rockfill dams, the deformation control problem becomes more and more prominent. Compared with the study based on monitoring data of single monitoring point, the constructed plane deformation based on the monitoring data can reflect the deformation and mechanical characteristics of the dam more effectively. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach for dam crest plane deformation construction and crack analysis considering monitoring points weights, using the PBG high core wall rockfill dam as a case study. First, the individual monitoring point Hydrostatic–Season–Time (HST) model of dam crest settlement was analyzed based on statistical method. Then, evaluated the quality of monitoring data using outlier rate, maximum deformation magnitude, and deformation trend consistency, and assigns weights to each monitoring point accordingly. Finally, by considering each monitoring point weights, the mapping relationship between monitoring point coordinates and HST model parameters is fitted, and dam crest plane settlement HST model was established, and the deformation characteristics and crack analysis are conducted. This article proposes a new method for expanding independent monitoring point deformation data to plane deformation, improving the utilization rate and reliability of monitoring data and providing technical support for enhancing the long-term safety and stability of dams.