Hydraulic Fracturing in Earth-rock Fill Dams

In several unsolved problems on the safety of earth-rock fill dams, the problem of hydraulic fracturing in the soil core is one that receives a lot of attention from designers and researchers. Hydraulic fracturing is generally considered to be a key cause of dam leakage during first filling. In this extensive book, the conditions, mechanisms and criteria for hydraulic fracturing are investigated, and a new numerical simulation method is suggested. The method is based on the conventional two-dimensional finite element technique and the theoretical formulations to calculate energy release rate using the virtual crack extension method. The book: Presents a systematic and comprehensive study of hydraulic fracturing, original in its concentration on core soil problems Focuses on the problem of hydraulic fracturing in earth-rock fill dams Examines advanced laboratory soil testing, application of numerical methods and field testing/monitoring Provides an essential reference in an area of scarce research in this field: the need for this in high level earth dam construction in developing countries is pressing This book is essential reading for researchers and postgraduate students in hydraulic and geotechnical engineering fields. Designers and constructors in hydraulic and geotechnicalengineering will also fi nd it helpful.