Experimental and numerical investigation of seepage-heat coupling in a clay core earth-rock dam

Leakage problems in clay core earth-rock dams can readily induce safety hazards. To investigate the seepage-heat coupling characteristics during the evolution of seepage channels in clay core earth-rock dams, model tests and numerical simulations were carried out. Combined with the establishment and validation of a coupled seepage-heat model, the influences of the permeability coefficient of the clay core zone, the permeability coefficient of the leakage zone, and seepage channel type on the seepage field, temperature field, and coupled migration of seepage and heat within the dam body were investigated. The results indicate that greater permeability coefficients in both the clay core zone and leakage zone lead to a faster rise of the phreatic line, larger flow rate, and a more rapid temperature field response. The influence of leakage on the seepage field and temperature field shows a positive correlation. The pressure at measurement points in the leakage zone rises rapidly and then gradually stabilizes, while the response of the temperature field lags behind that of the seepage field. The research results can provide practical references for evaluating seepage-heat coupling response trends and supporting long-term dam design and maintenance in earth-rock dams.