Stability Analysis and Sensor-Based Monitoring of Earthen Dams in Semi-Arid Regions: A Case Study of Daroongar Dam, Iran

This study presents a comprehensive stability assessment of the Daroongar earth dam in Iran's semi-arid region through a three-year monitoring program (۲۰۱۹-۲۰۲۲) combining precision instrumentation and finite element modeling (Plaxis ۸.۶). Field data from ۱۹ embankment piezometers, ۱۰ electric piezometers, ۲۸ standpipe piezometers, and ۱۳ total pressure cells installed in critical sections were systematically analyzed. Comparative analysis of key parameters revealed significant discrepancies between field measurements and numerical simulations: total stress showed ۲۲% average deviation, pore pressure in the dam body exhibited ۳۷.۹% mismatch, while foundation pore pressure demonstrated a ۳۵% discrepancy (Δ = ۳۰۴.۳ kN/m², p<۰.۰۵), primarily attributed to instrument blockages. Arching effects analysis indicated minor ۰.۰۳۲ unit variations (۹۵% CI: -۰.۳-۰.۳۷), within acceptable safety limits. The research highlights the importance of implementing shorter monitoring intervals and incorporating thermometric methods for enhanced seepage detection. Statistical validation via SPSS emphasized the need for constitutive model recalibration, particularly for soil-specific gravity and shear strength parameters, to reduce simulation-field measurement gaps. Practical recommendations include proactive maintenance protocols addressing instrument blockages and optimized drainage system designs. These findings provide actionable insights for improving safety and longevity of earth dams in semi-arid climates, demonstrating the critical synergy between advanced numerical modeling and robust field instrumentation systems. The study contributes to better understanding of earth dam behavior under operational conditions while proposing concrete measures for enhanced monitoring accuracy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Monitoring of Earth Dams ، Stability ، Instrumentation ، total stress ، Arching