Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Drain Dimensions on the Hydraulic Performance and Stability of an Earth Dam: A Case Study of the Aydoghmoush Dam

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran

3 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

4 Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22034/ceej.2026.69776.2461

Abstract

Earth dams, due to their permeable nature, are inherently susceptible to seepage, a phenomenon that can escalate pore water pressure, compromise structural stability, and, in severe cases, lead to catastrophic failure. Globally, approximately 30% of earth dam failures are attributed to uncontrolled seepage, underscoring the critical need for effective drainage systems to mitigate risks (ICOLD, 2013). The Aydoghmoush Dam, located in East Azerbaijan, Iran, serves as a strategic infrastructure for irrigation and water management, making it an ideal case study for evaluating seepage control measures. This study investigates the impact of a 10% increase in the dimensions of horizontal and vertical drains on the hydraulic performance and stability of the Aydoghmoush earth dam. By employing advanced numerical modeling, this research aims to quantify the effects on key parameters seepage discharge, pore water pressure, and hydraulic head while introducing a novel stability index and a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimizing drain dimensions. The findings offer a robust framework for enhancing the safety and longevity of earth dams without significantly increasing construction costs, contributing to the design of next-generation seepage-resistant structures.

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References

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Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Volume 56, Issue 122 - Serial Number 122
Spring 2026
June 2026
Pages 21-38

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