Numerical investigation into the stability of earth dam slopes considering the effects of cavities

This research is an attempt to estimate the influence of the presence of cavities on the stability of slopes in earth dams under rapid drawdown conditions. The aim of the investigation is to study the influence of different factors, such as the diameter and location of cavities. A series of finite element simulations was conducted using PLAXIS 2D to develop models and analyse slope stability in earth dams while considering the effect of cavities in the subsoil. The combined effects of cavities and the strength parameters of slopes on the stability were also investigated and parametrically analysed. The results indicated that presence of cavities and an increase in the diameter of cavities decreased the stability of the upstream face dramatically for all examined locations in a horizontal direction; however, this effect was less on the downstream side. The results also showed that variations in the location of cavities in the horizontal direction have a greater effect on the stability compared to the vertical direction. The results revealed that increasing shear strength parameters of embankment do not reduce the influence of cavities on stability when those cavities are in critical locations