Evaluating the effect of different diaphragm wall cracking scenarios on seepage and slope stability in Earth dams using experimental and numerical modeling approaches

Abstract Background Seepage control measures are essential in earth dams to enhance their safety against seepage and slope failures. A diaphragm is a thin impervious wall that is used in the core area of the dam to prevent the seepage of water. Any crack in the diaphragm can reduce its efficiency and threaten the safety and stability of the dam. Extensive evaluation of the influence of diaphragm fracturing on dam safety is required to establish a safe design and offer the appropriate measures. This study investigates the effect of diaphragm cracking on the safety of the dam for seepage and slope stability. A permeability tank is first used to validate the numerical model; then, different scenarios for cracked diaphragm walls are studied numerically. The crack’s height, width, direction, and number are all investigated. The effect of having a downstream horizontal blanket drain with cracked internal diaphragms is also evaluated. Results The results showed that the internal diaphragm enhances the safety of earth dams as it reduced the seepage discharge by 98% and increased the downstream slope safety by 34%. Considering the development of a crack in the internal diaphragm, the most critical location was at the base of the dam, wider cracks were more destructive, and the most critical direction was the horizontal crack. The fracturing of the diaphragm at multiple locations proved to be detrimental to the safety of the dam. Having three cracks caused the seepage discharge to reach 74% of its value for no diaphragm, the pore water pressure to raise drastically, and the downstream critical factor of safety to be higher than the case of no diaphragm by 8% only. Conclusions According to the findings, it is advised to continuously monitor the components of diaphragm-type earth dams and perform the necessary maintenance works whenever any sign of damage or water seepage appears. Furthermore, using a well-graded horizontal drain of sufficient length and high permeability with the internal diaphragm is highly recommended as a mitigation measure if diaphragm fracturing occurs. This helps to quickly release the seeping water and keep the phreatic line away from the downstream slope. Graphical abstract