Research Article
Comparison of Stability Analysis of Rockfill Dams with Vertical and Inclined Clay Cores: A Case Study of the Middle Awash Dam, Ethiopia
Chimdesa Regasa Kishe*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-12
Received:
22 January 2026
Accepted:
12 February 2026
Published:
27 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajwse.20261201.11
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Abstract: This study conducted slope and seepage stability analysis of a rock fill dam by comparing the clay core geometry. The core geometry in this study has been changed from a vertical to an inclined arrangement, and all analyses have been conducted are compared with the original design. The geometry of the inclined clay core dam was fixed and checked for static loading conditions. The analysis has been conducted using numerical modeling software called GEO-Studio 2012. Based on calculations, the flux through the dam with an inclined clay core is 0.0057 m3/sec, while the flux from the original dam with a vertical core is 0.0073 m3/sec. The safety factors for the downstream slope during steady state, sudden drawdown, end of construction, and the construction stage are 1.72, 1.56, 1.53, 1.64, and 1.59, respectively. These values were obtained from the original dam design with a vertical clay core, and the corresponding safety factors are 1.63, 1.54, 1.63, and 1.57, respectively. Therefore, the geometry of the clay core is considered safe based on the allowable limit factor of safety and seepage. In addition to this, the inclined clay core section was found to be significantly more Economical compared to the vertical clay core.
Abstract: This study conducted slope and seepage stability analysis of a rock fill dam by comparing the clay core geometry. The core geometry in this study has been changed from a vertical to an inclined arrangement, and all analyses have been conducted are compared with the original design. The geometry of the inclined clay core dam was fixed and checked fo...
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