An analytical model for the consolidation of a zoned earth dam during incremental construction has been developed and coded into a finite element computer program. Both actual loads and changes in volumetric strains are considered as generalized loads. The changes in pore-water pressures, stresses, and displacements that these loads produce are followed throughout the construction period. Results are obtained for a simplified two-zone earth dam assuming both linear and nonlinear elastic properties for the soil skeleton. These results show the progressive creation of differential settlements and load transfer from the core to the shell as well as the variation in the total and effective stresses, pore pressures, and horizontal displacements.
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Cavounidis et al. (1977) studied this question.