The reliability of seepage prevention system is a key problem for high rockfill dam built on the foundation of large overburden depth. Considering the practical characteristics of Pubugou Hydropower Project
the stability of the dam
the deformation and the stresses of the joint zone connected the core wall in the dam and the concrete cut wall in the large overburden depth are analyzed by the adaptive finite element method. And then the advantages and disadvantages of the different type of joints are also discussed; finally
an appropriate type of joint is recommended to the designers.