Calculation of strains and stresses in earth dams and their foundations

Conclusions

• 1. The method presented in this article permits obtaining in the first approximation relations of the form e_i=e_i(σ_av, σ_i) and e_av=e_av(σ_av) on the basis of data from compression and shear tests with the use of additional information of a reference or analog character. To obtain nonlinear relations of the form of Eq. (1) directly in experiments it is unconditionally necessary to use an apparatus with three independently controlled stresses and to equip industrial laboratories with this appararus.

• 2. When solving physically nonlinear problems for soils a number of important characteristics in their behavior during loading can be reflected in the calculation: nonlinearity of the stress-strain relation, dilatancy, change of deform ability as a function of the degree of approach to limit equilibrium according to G. M. Lomize et al. As shown in the works of a number of authors [1–7] and by the results presented here, consideration of these characteristics affects considerably the character of the stress-strain state of soil masses; in this case a detailed description of the regularities of the deformability and strength of soils becomes necessary. The solution of the physically nonlinear problems for dams and earth materials permits a more confident determination of their stress-strain state, and the realization of nonlinear problems on a computer opens new opportunities for design practice.