Sensitivity Analysis of Piezometer Layout in Concrete Face Rockfill Dams
ZHANG Yujing
SUN Jing
ZHAI Zebing
Abstract：The seepage control system of concrete face rockfill dams is crucial for the safe operation of the dam body.Some projects,due to geological conditions or construction cost limitations,cannot set up a downstream measuring weir and must rely on piezometers to monitor the seepage condition.However,because of high permeability in the foundation and rapid decline of the phreatic line,traditional piezometer layouts often lack monitoring sensitivity.This paper investigates the effectiveness of piezometer placement in monitoring the seepage condition of the concrete face through theoretical analysis and three-dimensional finite element seepage simulation,and establishes a piezometer monitoring model.Results indicate that the pore pressure at the foundation bottom increases with higher vertical joint permeability;piezometers placed at the foundation bottom near vertical joints are highly sensitive to deterioration in the lower part of the concrete face and along the full vertical joint,but respond relatively weakly to deterioration in the middle and upper parts.A further piezometer monitoring model considering water pressure,temperature,and time-dependent factors is established,and its predictions are generally consistent with field inspection results.The findings provide theoretical basis and technical support for piezometer layout and seepage condition assessment in projects without downstream measuring weirs.
Keywords：concrete face rockfill dampiezometer monitoringanti-seepage control systemfinite element simulationdam safety
Publication Date：2026-06-20
Online Publishing Date：2026-09-16(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：7( 132-138 )