Verification of numerical modeling of water saturation of an earth dam on a permeable inclined foundation

The relevance of the study is due to the need to ensure reliable operation of class IV hazard earth dams under conditions of changing groundwater levels, seismic and climatic loads, as well as compliance with the requirements of the Water Strategy of Russia until 2035. The object of the study is a zoned earth dam with a reinforced concrete core located on a water-saturated inclined foundation in the Kumensky district of the Kirov region. The model includes physical and mechanical properties of soils obtained from field surveys. For the analysis, numerical modeling by the finite element method in the MidasGTSNX software package and analytical calculations performed according to the methods of G.N. The results showed satisfactory agreement between the numerical and analytical depression curves (the difference is ≤0.06 m), while in the downstream pool there is a shift in the depression curve to the inclined foundation zone, indicating insufficient waterproofing of the core and the need for its strengthening. The analysis of saturation isofields revealed potential instability zones at the transitions of soil layers. The core of the hydraulic structure protects the downstream slope from excess water saturation, but its design should be improved (grooving, drainage prism) to increase the strength factor and stability of the slope. The obtained research results can be used in the design, reconstruction or major repairs of earth dams