Contribution of a 3D model to the analysis of the hydromechanical behaviour of a jointed rock mass dam foundation

The paper describes numerical analyses of hydromechanical behaviour of a fissured rock mass dam foundation. It shows that the dam load induces a highly compressed area, in which hydraulic conductivity and flow lines are modified. This modification may affect the stability of the dam foundation. The numerical analyses are carried out by using a 3D coupled mechanical-hvdraulic model, called BRIG3D.