• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.304-315
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• 2003

In this paper, the DDA method with a new hydro-mechanical algorithm is used to study the effect of rock discontinuities on uplift and seepage in concrete gravity dam foundations. This paper presents an alternative method of predicting uplift and seepage at the base of concrete gravity dams. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to study the importance of several parameters on dam stability such as the orientation, spacing, and location of discontinuities. The study shows that joint water flow and adverse geological conditions could result in unusual uplift at the base of concrete gravity dams, well in excess of what is predicted with the classical linear or hi-linear pressure assumption. It is shown that, in general, the DDA program with the hydro-mechanical algorithm can be used as a practical tool in the design of gravity dams built on fractured rock masses.