Application of Finite Element on Seepage Analysis of Embankment Dams

Embankment dams have better stability than homogeneous earth dams, resulting in a slimmer design in volume. The weakness of embankment dams lies in the core zone which functions as an impermeable zone. Embankment dams with zonal core is a combination of various material properties. Geometric design and drainage will affect seepage and phreatic line properties that occur, which is due to the complexity of geometry, material parameters and boundary conditions. Thus, the calculation is not as simple as in a homogeneous soil fill dam. The Finite Element Method (FEM) numerical modeling has been widely used for the analysis of seepage and dam stability. The combination of permeability coefficient parameters (k), reservoir water level (h) and seepage path length (L) based on Darcy's and Casagrande's Laws can be used to determine the relationship between seepage parameters in the core zone. This two-dimensional (2D) modeling considers saturated/unsaturated conditions and steady state conditions for each parameter