Abstract: Based on the previous definitions of arching effect coefficient, the formula of arching effect coefficient is improved. It is suggested that the arching effect coefficient should be the ratio of measured soil pressure and the sum of overlaying soil pressure and pore water pressure. Combining with the monitoring data of Pubugou dam, the arching effect of core wall is calculated by the improved formula of arch effect coefficient; and dynamical analysis of arching effect is made. Construction technology is the main factor affecting the arching effect coefficient of core wall during the construction. The arching effect coefficient is larger when the filled soil is 0-20 m above the instruments; and decreases with the rising of filled soil. The stress distribution of dam during construction plays an important role in initial water storage. During the impoundment, the arching effect coefficient of upstream side of the core wall shows inverse correlation with water level variation. The arching effect coefficient of upstream side is larger than that of downstream side at the same elevation and 0+001 m. The arching effect coefficient at 0+001 m shows positive correlation with water level variation, where gets the smallest arching effect coefficient. The arching effect coefficient of downstream side of core wall shows positive correlation with water level variation. The arching effect coefficient is larger than 100% on the contact surface between core wall and bed rock. There are three reasons for the above laws, such as wetting, seepage and hydraulic fracture; and the combined effect of the three results in stress variation in core wall.

Key words: earth-rock dam, arching effect coefficient, core wall, hydraulic fracture