Three-Dimensional Seepage Characteristics and Seepage-Control Performance of the Earth–Rockfill–Concrete Dam Connection at HS Reservoir
Abstract
Connections between earth–rockfill and concrete dams are critical components of hybrid-dam seepage-control systems because material-stiffness contrasts and complex foundation conditions can create localized preferential seepage paths. Using HS Reservoir as a case study, this predictive design-stage assessment employed a full-domain three-dimensional model of the dam–foundation–abutment system and a local three-dimensional model of the cutoff-spur-wall connection. The seepage field, hydraulic gradients, and zonal seepage discharges were evaluated under the normal pool, design flood, and check flood levels, together with the responses of the connection interface and right-abutment grout curtain. Across the three baseline scenarios, the impervious core accounted for 82.2–83.6% of the total head difference at the maximum riverbed section, and the reported control-location gradients remained below the corresponding design values. At the check flood level, the modeled 178 and 179 m head contours passed above the local curtain crest at elevation 177.5 m, identifying an over-curtain seepage pathway. From the design flood level to the check flood level, right-abutment discharge increased from 259.86 to 544.49 m3/d (109.5%), while total discharge increased by 28.6%. Flow in the connection zone diverted around and beneath the cutoff spur wall, and the connection-surface gradients increased with reservoir level. These model predictions characterize the three-dimensional seepage response of the connection zone and right-abutment seepage-control system and can inform curtain-crest review, construction quality control, and post-impoundment monitoring.