Mathematical Modeling of Seepage–Temperature Field for Earth Dam Using Experimental Test

Abstract

Monitoring the seepage field is essential to characterize the operation of the earth dam. However, conventional seepage monitoring typically involves the use of a piezometer tube or pressure sensor for point distribution. A mathematical model incorporating the feedback of the temperature field on the seepage field was proposed based on experimental test observations. First, a theoretical analysis of the mathematical model is conducted, which includes examining the relationship between the variation of temperature field and factors, such as hydraulic gradient, water and soil temperature difference, hydraulic conductivity, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and time. Second, a homogeneous earth dam model is constructed in the laboratory with a distributed temperature sensor system to obtain synchronous information of the seepage–temperature field. Finally, the parameters of the mathematical model are quantified using observations from experimental tests, demonstrating good agreement between calculated and measured values. The experimental results indicate the feasibility of inferring seepage field monitoring information from the temperature field and elucidation of the interaction mechanism of the coupled fields. The quantitative mathematical model of the temperature field feedback on the seepage field is validated for its applicability in earth dams.