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Seepage in dams 2

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harshgurung

harshgurung

Civil/Environmental
Sep 15, 2020
1
Hello everyone,
I am an IBDP Physics teacher . I need a source of data for academic purpose for writing a detailed essay on seepage in dams.It should be at high school level (12th).
On what factors seepage in dams depends and how can it be minimized.
Any information in this regards will be highly appreciated.
Thank you.
 
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[highlight #FCE94F]note that this is not at 12th grade level, you will find that seepage in dams is definitely a PhD level subject[/highlight]
 
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I think you can simplify/focus the quite involved topic to two mean factors - hydraulic head differential, and permeability characteristics of the soil beneath the dam. You can even consider increase student's interests by making a prototype in a fish tank, and add dye to demonstrate the seepage flow.

 
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Vertical clay soil wall of very low permeability is often added to the interior of normal soil and concrete dam structures to prevent through-the-wall seepage when dams are founded on impermeable soils and/or bed rock below. Permeability of normal concrete can be relatively high in itself.

 
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Minimizing seepage in dams seems like a highly specialized topic to present to high school students. They would probably benefit more by teaching them basic principles.

BA
 
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The concept is simple - block the flow passage by impervious core (usually clay core in earth dam), and lengthen the flow channel using seepage cutoff walls. Other important features should be brought to teaching are "piping" under dam, erosion at downstream toe, and preventive measures.
 
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seepage control is not always just blocking the flow, perhaps more important to filter it. so filter diaphragms are maybe just as important
 
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cvg,

Look into the design of earth dams will help. It forces the flow to the other direction/location instead of passing right through the dam that would resulting in instability. Diversion channel is a good path for diverting the flow to relief the pressure.
 
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CVG,

Thanks. I agree this is a good way to do it.
 
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Thanks again. This was the way we design.

image_aexf79.png
 
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