Monitoring and numerical analysis of behaviour of Miaojiaba concrete-face rockfill dam built on river gravel foundation in China

This study evaluated the behaviour of a concrete face rockfill dam (CFRD) built on river gravel foundation on the basis of in-situ measurement records and numerical analysis. The monitoring records were obtained from a detailed deformation-monitoring system. A 3D finite element analysis was performed to assess long-term dam behaviour. The behaviour of the CFRD built on river gravel foundation was analysed comprehensively. A discussion of behaviour, especially with relevance to the behaviour of dams built on stiff-foundation, was included. The effect of the river gravel foundation was analysed, and the exact mechanisms were discussed. The relative contribution of various factors on the long-term behaviour of the CFRD was also studied. In-situ measurements were compared with numerical results to discuss the capability of the numerical model to predict the dam behaviour.