Analysis of coupled seepage and temperature fields in concrete dam

AbstractIt is very important to investigate the coupled problem and solution of seepage and temperature fields in the concrete dam. Seepage through the concrete dam influences the distribution of the temperature field in the dam by heat exchange. The temperature field in the dam also influences the hydraulic conductivity and seepage through the dam. The mechanism of the action and reaction between the seepage and temperature fields in the concrete dam is analysed according to the seepage characteristics of the concrete dam. The continuum mathematical model for coupled seepage and temperature fields in the concrete dam is presented, and the iterative steps and the finite element numerical solution method for the coupled model are proposed. An engineering example is also given to show the applicability of the proposed model and numerical solution method. It can be shown from the example that the difference between the coupled and uncoupled solution to the two fields in the dam is about 4–5%. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.