Hydro-Chemical Simulation of Drain Blockage in Dams

Calcite formation within dam drainage systems poses a significant risk to long-term hydraulic performance and structural integrity. This study presents a predictive mechanistic model that simulates structural drain blockage resulting from calcite precipitation, incorporating both hydraulic and chemical parameters. The model was validated against laboratory experiments, demonstrating its ability to reproduce observed calcite formation dynamics. In the absence of field data, the model enables scenario-based analysis to support maintenance planning and infrastructure management, helping engineers anticipate calciterelated issues, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the long-term safety and reliability of dam infrastructure. A series of scenarios is presented in this article to highlight the key factors influencing the timing of complete drain blockage.