Uncertainty quantification of transient unsaturated seepage through embankment dams

Calamak M., Yanmaz A. M.

International Journal of Geomechanics, vol.17, no.6, pp.1-11, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0000823
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Geomechanics
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-11
  • Keywords: Sensitivity analysis, Earth-fill dams, Monte Carlo simulation, Transient seepage, Spatial variability, STOCHASTIC-ANALYSIS, SPATIAL VARIABILITY, GROUNDWATER-FLOW, POROUS-MEDIA, HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY, HETEROGENEOUS SOILS, SUBSURFACE FLOWS, FINITE DOMAINS, DISTRIBUTIONS, MODELS
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.Sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the effects of uncertainty in hydraulic conductivity and van Genuchten parameters on transient seepage. To this end, a random number generator is used to generate random values from probability distributions of each parameter. The generator is coupled with finite-element software that handles seepage analysis in porous media. The Monte Carlo simulation approach is adopted for stochastic seepage analyses. The suggested method is applied on a homogeneous dam made of clayey sand. Uncertainties in each parameter are considered individually in different cases for rapid drawdown and rapid fill conditions. The results show that a variation of hydraulic conductivity has significant effects on transient seepage, and it is suggested that it should be treated as a random variable. However, the effects of the van Genuchten parameters on seepage are found to be insignificant, such that they can be treated as deterministic variables.