Based on Shen’s rheological model

back-analysis is conducted using some settlement monitoring data to get valid model parameters. The period of monitoring data is after the filling completion and before water storage

during which time the deformation of the dam is exclusively due to the rheology of rockfill materials. This model parameters are then used to calculate the stress and deformation in the dam and the concrete face during operating period. Settlements monitoring and calculated values match very well

so as to preliminarily verify the validity of the rheological model and parameters. Because of the sustaining rheology of rockfill materials

the deformations and stresses in the concrete face keep changing with certain regularity during operating period; and finally approach a safe steady state.