Analysing the settlement behaviour of Akköprü dam by finite element method

In this study, settlement behavior of Akköprü Dam is investigated for the ?end of construction? and ?reservoir impoundment? loading conditions. Finite element method that are based on a 2-D plain strain solution are performed in order to determine the total stresses, displacements, and pore water pressures. Hardening soil model is used to represent the non-linear, inelastic, and stress-dependent behavior of rockfill. Material model parameters for clay are selected from triaxial compression test results. For the other materials, preliminary values for model parameters are based on the results from previous studies on dams consisting of similar materials. Calculated and measured displacements are in general agreement as a function of time, in terms of magnitude, and location for the end of construction condition. The maximum settlement is determined to be approximately at the middle of the dam height. Predictions are also made about stresses and displacements for reservoir filling conditions.