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

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Civil Engineering, Water and Hydraulic Structures, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Department of Water Engineering, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Islamic Azad University of Mashhad.

10.22044/jhwe.2025.16080.1061

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive stability assessment of the Daroongar earth dam in Iran's semi-arid region through a three-year monitoring program (2019-2022) combining precision instrumentation and finite element modeling (Plaxis 8.6). Field data from 19 embankment piezometers, 10 electric piezometers, 28 standpipe piezometers, and 13 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 22% average deviation, pore pressure in the dam body exhibited 37.9% mismatch, while foundation pore pressure demonstrated a 35% discrepancy (Δ = 304.3 kN/m², p<0.05), primarily attributed to instrument blockages. Arching effects analysis indicated minor 0.032 unit variations (95% CI: -0.3-0.37), 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.

Keywords

Journal of Hydraulic and Water Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 August 2025

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