Investigation of Static and Dynamic Behaviour of Mersin Aksifat Dam

In this study, the settlement behavior of Aksifat concrete faced rock-filled dam was analyzed, during both period of construction and its water retention. In order to determine total displacement and stress distribution, two-dimensional strain analyses were performed using PLAXIS program based on the finite elements method. The material parameters of the dam were obtained from geotechnical reports, literature studies and the well logging data carried out within the scope of the project. The linear elastic material model was preferred for the bedrock in dam modelling, while the Mohr-Coulomb (MC) model was used for the rock fill, rock foundation and filter sand-gravel. Considering the seismotectonic features of the dam site, the Mw 5.7 Upland California earthquake with a maximum acceleration value of 0.24 g was utilized in the dynamic analysis. In the static analysis, the maximum settlement value was observed in the middle of the dam body fill and in the crest. The maximum value of settlement was computed at the top of the dam body. According to slope stability analysis; the static slope safety factor is greater than 2.0 which indicates that the slope stability is in balance. In the dynamic case, the value of the safety factor is reduced to the value of 1.3. This result indicates that the slope is in equilibrium whereas the slope stability tends to decline if the earthquake acceleration value increases. In terms of 2D deformations and the state of slope stability under seismic forces; the Mw 5.7 earthquake with a maximum acceleration value of 2.4 g will not produce any risk based on the finite element model of the dam used in this study.