Slope stability evaluation of an old earth fill dam founded on glaciolacustrine clays
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Date
2016
Authors
Alfaro, Moises III
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Abstract
A number of earth dams in Canada are founded on and constructed with glaciolacustrine clay deposits. This type of soil can have stability issues particularly in aging dams. Environmental loading such as wetting-drying and freezing-thawing produce fissures and can cause degradation in shear strength with time. This thesis provides an opportunity to assess the stability of an aging earth fill dam.
The author’s research focused on a typical earth fill dam in Ontario. A comprehensive field investigation was conducted. Cone Penetration Test (CPTu) was carried out to determine the in-situ strength of the local materials. Shelby tubes with diameter of 102 mm and 76 mm were used to retrieve soil samples from the clay foundation, clay core and placed clay blanket. Structural and mineralogical components of the clay were examined by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) test, respectively. A series of laboratory tests such as consolidated-undrained compression tests, direct shear tests, and 1D consolidation tests were carried out to determine the strength and the deformation parameters. Finally, seepage and stress-deformation modelling as well as slope stability analysis were performed to assess the stability of the earth fill dam.
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Geotechnical engineering