Research Article
Comparison of Stability Analysis of Rockfill Dams with Vertical and Inclined Clay Cores: A Case Study of the Middle Awash Dam, Ethiopia
Chimdesa Regasa Kishe*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-12
Received:
22 January 2026
Accepted:
12 February 2026
Published:
27 February 2026
Abstract: This study conducted slope and seepage stability analysis of a rock fill dam by comparing the clay core geometry. The core geometry in this study has been changed from a vertical to an inclined arrangement, and all analyses have been conducted are compared with the original design. The geometry of the inclined clay core dam was fixed and checked for static loading conditions. The analysis has been conducted using numerical modeling software called GEO-Studio 2012. Based on calculations, the flux through the dam with an inclined clay core is 0.0057 m3/sec, while the flux from the original dam with a vertical core is 0.0073 m3/sec. The safety factors for the downstream slope during steady state, sudden drawdown, end of construction, and the construction stage are 1.72, 1.56, 1.53, 1.64, and 1.59, respectively. These values were obtained from the original dam design with a vertical clay core, and the corresponding safety factors are 1.63, 1.54, 1.63, and 1.57, respectively. Therefore, the geometry of the clay core is considered safe based on the allowable limit factor of safety and seepage. In addition to this, the inclined clay core section was found to be significantly more Economical compared to the vertical clay core.
Abstract: This study conducted slope and seepage stability analysis of a rock fill dam by comparing the clay core geometry. The core geometry in this study has been changed from a vertical to an inclined arrangement, and all analyses have been conducted are compared with the original design. The geometry of the inclined clay core dam was fixed and checked fo...
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Research Article
Groundwater Quality Assessment and Its Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes in the Eocene Aquifer of Diourbel-center Senegal
Mouhamet Moustapha Diaw*,
Mathias Diedhiou,
Ousmane Coly Diouf,
Moctar Diaw,
Serigne Faye
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
13-26
Received:
1 February 2026
Accepted:
20 February 2026
Published:
10 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajwse.20261201.12
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Views:
Abstract: Water resource availability in quantity and quality is a primary factor which influences the development of various human activities worldwide. In most countries in Africa, due to the scarcity and poor quality of surface water, groundwater is the main natural resource used to relieve the increasing water demands of population. In Diourbel region (central Senegal), groundwater is an important resource used for economic activities. This study aims to evaluate groundwater quality and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. Thirty-seven (37) samples (boreholes and dug wells) were collected and major ions were analyzed. Classification of groundwater using TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and TH (Total Hardness) showed respectively that 81.08% fall in the fresh water type, suggesting suitability for drinking water purpose. Moreover, most of groundwater samples fall in hard (21.62%) and very hard (75.68%) category of water. Furthermore, the computed values of WQI indicate majority of groundwater samples (76%) falls under good to excellent water, suggesting that the groundwater is suitable for drinking and other domestic uses. Data Wilcox and US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) plots show that the majority of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation.% N, SAR, KR, PI, and RSC show that groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation except MR (Magnesium Ratio). This study shows a good quality of groundwater for consumption and irrigation purposes and thus contributes to the rural and urban development of the study area where the most productive aquifer is limited by the presence of brackish water.
Abstract: Water resource availability in quantity and quality is a primary factor which influences the development of various human activities worldwide. In most countries in Africa, due to the scarcity and poor quality of surface water, groundwater is the main natural resource used to relieve the increasing water demands of population. In Diourbel region (c...
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