Economic and static analysis of hardfill dams

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dams are preferred due to many reasons. For example; it can be built quickly, it can be built economically, and it is a safe type of dam. Moreover; hardfill dams, which are a type of RCC dams, are the most preferred dam type among RCC types. Since hardfill dams spread the load over a wider area, they can also be built on weaker foundations than RCC dams. In addition, the good roller compaction concrete quality required for RCC dams is not required for hardfill dams. Thus, hardfill dams are a reliable type in terms of dam safety, which is frequently preferred today. In this study, different slope geometries were investigated for hardfill dams to be built. The aim of this study is to determine a new cross-section to reduce the material cost in hardfill dams. It is aimed to analyze the reliability of the determined cross-section in detail. For this reason, the linear elastic behavior of hardfill dams built on foundations with different elasticity modulus varying stiffness under static loads has been investigated. For different reservoir water levels and upstream and downstream surface, analyzes were carried out for different n-degrees in the force-function-based cross-section equation. In addition, analyzes were made in the dam cross-section by considering a foundation at approximately one-fifth of the dam height from the foundation. Obtained findings are discussed in detail in the study. The benefit in concrete volume was determined for different cross-sections. It is aimed to propose a safe and economical hardfill dam cross section to the designers. According to the study findings; It has been concluded that significant cost savings will be achieved in the dam cross-section and in this case, there will be no problem in the safety of the dam. Thus, a new hardfill dam cross-section is proposed to dam engineers.