We are working on dam seepage analysis. We have simulated the amount of seepage from a particular dam. But we could not decide if the estimated loss is excessive. My question is what level of seepage loss is deemed to be excessive enough to warrant alert?
In dam safety assessment, it is customary to focus on stability analysis, and the safety factor is regarded as an assessment index that cannot correctly reflect the effect of multi-factors and variable uncertainty. The factors that induce dam breaks are complex and uncertain; however, three primary ones can be identified: hydrological factors, seepage and bank slope instability. In this paper, the risk probability and the dam break threshold value for each factor individually, as well as coupled factors, are studied. The threshold value is acquired using the relationship formula between risk probability and dam type. The Dongwushi reservoir located in the Hebei province of China is taken as a case study. The results show that the dam break threshold values for hydrological factors, seepage and bank slope instability are 2.53, 2.02 and 2.69, respectively. The integrated dam break threshold value for the coupled factors is 1.25, which indicates that the dam is under serious stress according to the established risk assessment standard. The safety factor is calculated as 1.15 using the Bishop method, which indicates that the dam is under serious stress. The results obtained by the proposed method are consistent with those of the Bishop method. Finally, the proposed theory and method are introduced into a dam safety evaluation system (DSES) for convenient and efficient dam safety management.
I sent an attachment on dam design and management and it had angrier section on seepage in Research gate response a couple months back. I will try to search on dam seepage question to see if it bring it up. If it does, I will assume you can get it. If I cannot find it, I will see if I can find publication, it was a large document.
OK, I luckily found it quickly. If you can identify a problem source, perhaps injecting bentonite clay (it expands as it gets wet, but also wear gloves and protection), it may clog some defined leak. It can be a mess, and if you use it, wear old clothes, it does not come out with washing.
This paper has a small section or two on dam leakage, but if nothing else, it is an nice reference.
If you have questions or concerns, dams are a big responsibility and liability, get professional review from dam expert, typically civil engineer. It is always difficult and typically inappropriate to prescribe remotely, without all the information and no field visit. If a licensed engineer certified the project, he should probably be the one if there are decisions on its stability and design.
Hi Fesiha
This link may be helpful for you.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303834545_Dam-break_risk_analysis_of_the_Attabad_landslide_dam_in_Pakistan_and_emergency_countermeasures
regards
ijaz
Article Dam-break risk analysis of the Attabad landslide dam in Paki...
As indicated in dam article, alert/call to action if leakage is turbid or muddy.
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