Selective separation of very fine particles at a planar air–water interface

Selective fine particle separation is a key unit operation in the mineral and related industries. In flotation, the capture of fine particles by bubbles is inefficient due to their low mass and momentum, which result in low particle–bubble collision efficiency. We demonstrate that it is possible to selectively separate a mixture of very fine hydrophobic graphite and hydrophilic quartz particles by direct contact with an air–water interface without a particle–bubble collision step involved. We demonstrate that it is possible to scale-up the process from a simple batch to a continuous process. Good selective separation of graphite from quartz gangue could be obtained under continuous conditions.     

Variable water column structure of the South Atlantic on glacial–interglacial time scales

The structure of the glacial ocean was significantly different to that of the present day with intermediate to mid-depth waters being notably more δ¹³C enriched than deep waters. This contrast was especially pronounced in the South Atlantic suggesting the development of a sharp chemical divide, or ‘chemocline’, at around 2500 m water depth between upper and lower layers, with implications for deep-ocean carbon storage [Hodell et al., 2003. Pleistocene vertical carbon isotope and carbonate gradients in the South Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 4(1): doi: 1004 10.1029/2002GC000367.]. We evaluate existing benthic foraminiferal δ¹³C, Cd/Ca and derived carbon isotope air–sea exchange signature (δ¹³C_as) data sets for the Atlantic during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 6 and 8 in order to examine the regional extent of the chemocline in the South Atlantic. Benthic δ¹³C data north of the approximate latitude of the LGM Subantarctic Front (LGM-SAF, 43°S) linearly decrease with water depth, indicative of mixing between upper ‘well’ and lower ‘poorly’ ventilated water masses, with little evidence of the sharp chemical divide. Conversely, benthic δ¹³C data south of the LGM-SAF below 2500 m water depth are uniformly around ?0.8‰. The apparent δ¹³C gradient across the LGM-SAF suggests enhanced mid-depth ventilation north of the SAF and reduced ventilation to the south. From this pattern we conclude that the regional chemocline in the South Atlantic constituted a dominantly meridional, rather than a vertical gradient, and was developed during at least the past three glacial periods. Benthic Cd/Ca data indicate that the gradient was not nutrient related, although further data from the South Atlantic are needed for a better assessment of this suggestion. The combined benthic δ¹³C and Cd/Ca data indicate the source of well-ventilated upper waters in the South Atlantic changed from Northern Component Water (NCW) during early glacial phases to Upper Southern Component Water (USCW) during mid-to-late glacial phases when the Southern Ocean may have become isolated. USCW maintained a positive δ¹³C and δ¹³C_as signature simulating a North Atlantic origin that has been implicated in previous studies. The data demonstrate that secular imprints on δ¹³C must be taken into consideration when assessing the implications of the vertical δ¹³C gradient. This data also supports a variable water column architecture and modes of water mass formation as primary means to draw down atmospheric CO₂ and storage in the abyssal ocean by involving processes occurring on either side of the SAF in the glacial Southern Ocean.     

Fish assemblages as indicators of water quality in the middle Thames estuary, England (1980–1989)

Fish abundance and environmental data collected over ten years (1980–1989) from the middle Thames estuary, England, were analyzed to detect temporal trends in fish populations and relationship with environmental parameters, and to assess water quality. Fish were collected from the cooling water intake screens of West Thurrock power station, situated 35.5 km below London Bridge, in the mid-estuary. Marine species abundance were highly seasonal, with peaks in December–March for herring (Clupea harengus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus), 3-spined-stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), and poor cod (Trisopterus minutus); July–August for flounder (Platichthys flesus); and September–December for sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), and dab (Limanda limanda). Bimodal seasonal patterns of peaks or unclear seasonality in abundance characterized marine estuarine-dependent sole (Solea solea), Nilsson's pipefish (Syngnathus rostelattus) (April/May and September/October), and pouting (Trisopterus luscus) (May and November/December); the estuarine smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) (October and January) and the catadromous eel (Anguilla anguilla) (June and October). There was substantial variation in the abundance of common species over the period of ten years, with herring, sand goby, flounder, and plaice showing a stable abundance in 1980–1984, increasing sharply in 1985–1986, and then decreasing successively through the remainder of the decade (1987–1989). The first half of the decade was a period of higher abundance for less tolerant species such as smelt, sprat, and poor cod, while the second half showed higher abundances of species tolerant to harsh environmental conditions such as sand goby, flounder, eel, and plaice. A general pattern of stable fish populations with a slight trend of deterioration was found to emerge over the years, related to the number of species and quantities of common species. Multivariate techniques of principal component and canonical correspondence ordinations were used for assessing relationships between fish populations abundance and environmental variables. The most significant environmental variables correlated with fish species were temperature and dissolved oxygen. High abundances of flounder were associated with high temperature, while high abundance of poor cod, sprat, herring, and 3-spined-stickleback were associated with high dissolved oxygen, flow, ammonical nitrogen, and low temperature. Plaice, whiting, sand goby, bass, and dab were preferentially found in high salinity and suspended solids, while smelt and sole were likely to prefer average values or showed no clear preferences.     

SPH study of the evolution of water–water interfaces in dam break flows

Natural Hazards - The mixing process of upstream and downstream waters in the dam break flow could generate significant ecological impact on the downstream reaches and influence the environmental...     

Crystal chemistry of tremolite–tschermakite solid solutions

Tremolite–tschermakite solid solutions have been synthesized between 700 and 850 °C and 200 and 2000 MPa. The starting materials were oxide–hydroxide mixtures and an additional 0.1–1.8 molal CaBr₂ solution. The run products were characterized using SEM, HRTEM, EMP, XRD and FTIR. The synthesized Al tremolites formed needles and lath-shaped crystals of up to 300 × 20 μm. HRTEM investigations showed that the majority of the amphiboles were well ordered. The EMP analysis revealed that the Al tremolites were solid solutions in the ternary tremolite–tschermakite–cummingtonite. The highest observed Al content was close to the composition of magnesiohornblende (X_ts=0.54). Different cummingtonite concentrations (X_cum=0.00–0.18) were observed, which generally increased with Al content. Rietveld refinements of the lattice constants showed a linear decrease of the cell parameters a and b with increasing Al content, whereas c and β increased. Small deviations from the linear behaviour were caused by variable amounts of the cummingtonite component. For pure tschermakite lattice parameters of a=9.7438(11) Å, b=17.936(14) Å, c=5.2995(3) Å, β=105.68(9)° and V=891.7 ± 1.4 ų were extrapolated by least-squares regression. Using the a and β lattice parameters for tremolite, tschermakite and cummingtonite, it was possible to derive amphibole compositions using powder XRD. IR spectra of the Al tremolites showed a total of 12 individual bands. The FWHMs of all bands increased with increasing Al content. According to their FWHMs, these bands were grouped into three band systems at 3664–3676 cm^?1 (I), 3633–3664 cm^?1 (II) and 3526–3633 cm^?1 (III). Assuming ^[6]Al substitution at M2 and/or M3 and ^[4]Al at T1, three principal different configurational groups could be assigned as local environments for the proton. I: only Si⁴⁺ at T1 and one or two Al³⁺ at M2 and/or M3_far, II: one Al³⁺ at T1 and one to three Al³⁺ at M2 and/or at M3_far, III: either Al³⁺ on M3_near and/or two Al³⁺ on T1 and additional one to four Al³⁺ at M2. It is assumed that these three configurational groups correspond to the three groups of observed bands. This was quantitativly supported by Monte-Carlo simulations. A model with random distribution at M2 and M3 including Al avoidance at tetrahedral and octahedral sites yielded the best agreement with the spectroscopical results.     

Effect of the soil–pile–structure interaction in seismic analysis: case of liquefiable soils

The design of earthquake-resistant structures depends greatly on the soil–foundation–structure interaction. This interaction is more complex in the presence of liquefiable soils. Pile and rigid inclusion systems represent a useful practice to support structures in the presence of liquefiable soils in seismic zones. Both systems increase the bearing capacity of soil and allow reducing the settlements in the structure. Numerical models with a 3-storey reinforced concrete frame founded on inclusions systems (soil–inclusion–platform–structure) and pile systems (soil–pile–structure) were analyzed. Finite difference numerical models were developed using Flac 3D. Two different soil profiles were considered. A simple constitutive model for liquefaction analysis that relates the volumetric strain increment to the cyclic shear strain amplitude was utilized to represent the behavior of the sand, and the linear elastic perfectly plastic constitutive model with a Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion was used to represent the behavior of the earth platform. Two earthquakes were used to study the influence of the different frequency of excitation in the systems. The results were presented in terms of maximum shear forces distribution in the superstructure and spectrum response of each system. The efforts and displacements in the rigid elements (piles or rigid inclusions) were compared for the different systems. The bending and buckling failure modes of the pile were examined. The results show that the pile system, the soil profile and the frequency of excitation have a great influence on the magnitude and location of efforts and displacements in the rigid elements.

     

Determination of soil–water characteristic curve variables

Soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) contains the fundamental information needed for describing the mechanical behavior of unsaturated soil. Some parameters such as air-entry value, slope at the inflection point, residual water content and residual suction are commonly used to describe the SWCC and other associated properties such as shear strength and permeability. Currently these parameters are determined using the graphical method which can be subjective and time consuming. Equations for determining these parameters are proposed and the relationships between SWCC parameters and fitting parameters are discussed in this paper. These equations can be used for computational analyses to replace the conventional graphical method in providing consistent results.     

Geochemical characterization of surface water and spring water in SE Kashmir Valley,western Himalaya: Implications to water–rock interaction

Water samples from precipitation, glacier melt, snow melt, glacial lake, streams and karst springs were collected across SE of Kashmir Valley, to understand the hydrogeochemical processes governing the evolution of the water in a natural and non-industrial area of western Himalayas. The time series data on solute chemistry suggest that the hydrochemical processes controlling the chemistry of spring waters is more complex than the surface water. This is attributed to more time available for infiltrating water to interact with the diverse host lithology. Total dissolved solids (TDS), in general, increases with decrease in altitude. However, high TDS of some streams at higher altitudes and low TDS of some springs at lower altitudes indicated contribution of high TDS waters from glacial lakes and low TDS waters from streams, respectively. The results show that some karst springs are recharged by surface water; Achabalnag by the Bringi stream and Andernag and Martandnag by the Liddar stream. Calcite dissolution, dedolomitization and silicate weathering were found to be the main processes controlling the chemistry of the spring waters and calcite dissolution as the dominant process in controlling the chemistry of the surface waters. The spring waters were undersaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite in most of the seasons except in November, which is attributed to the replenishment of the CO₂ by recharging waters during most of the seasons.     

Aquifer disposal of acid gases: modelling of water–rock reactions for trapping of acid wastes

The pore space of deep saline aquifers in the Alberta (sedimentary) Basin offers a significant volume for waste storage by “hydrodynamic trapping”. Furthermore, given the slow regional fluid flow in these deep saline aquifers, ample time exists for waste-water/rock chemical reactions to take place. A geochemical computer model (PATHARC) was used to compute the interaction of industrial waste streams comprising CO₂, H₂SO₄ and H₂S with the minerals in typical carbonate and sandstone aquifers from the Alberta Basin. The results support the idea that these acids can be neutralized by such reactions and that new mineral products are formed, such as calcite, siderite, anhydrite/gypsum and pyrrhotite, thereby trapping the CO₃, SO₄ and S ions that are formed when the acid gases dissolve in the formation water. Siliciclastic aquifers appear to be a better host for “mineral trapping” than carbonate aquifers, especially with regard to CO₂. Carbonate aquifers may be more prone to leakage due to high CO₂ pressures generated by reaction with H₂SO₄ and H₂S. Even though permeability decreases are expected due to this “mineral trapping”, they can be partially controlled so that plugging of the aquifer does not occur.     

Risk of water pollution due to ash–sludge mixtures: column trials

The purpose of this work was to study the risks of water pollution due to the use of mixtures containing wood ash and sewage sludge. Mixtures including sludge and ash may be recycled as fertilizers, and they are economical as they do not integrate commercial limes, but Escherichia coli counts may keep significantly high in such mixtures, because their pH is not alkaline enough. In view of that, it seems interesting to study the E. coli survival in lixiviate from ash?Csludge mixtures including limes rather than from ash?Csludge mixtures alone. Two kinds of experiments were performed using laboratory column trials under saturated flow conditions. The first experiment investigated the chemical leaching behaviour of a mixture of 70% timber-industry wood ashes and 30% urban sewage sludge (% dry weight) at doses equivalent to 10 and 30?Mg/ha. The second experiment studied the survival of E. coli in lixiviates generated from 30?Mg/ha of a mixture consisting in 75% wood ash, 20% sewage sludge and 5% quicklime (% dry weight). In the first experiment, admixture of the ash and sludge achieved a stabilization of elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, nickle, carbon monoxide, cadmium, chromium and molybdenum that reduced their solubility compared with that in the ash or sludge alone. Significant solubilisation of heavy metals was not observed, with overall minor risk of chemical water pollution. In the second experiment, although including quicklime E. coli counts were still detected in the lixiviate, indicating risk of water contamination.     

Crystal chemistry of wadsleyite II and water in the Earth’s interior

Wadsleyite II is a variably hydrous magnesium-iron silicate phase similar to spinelloid IV and a potential host for H in the Transition Zone of the Earths mantle. Two separate samples of wadsleyite II synthesized at 17.5 GPa and 1400°C and at 18 GPa and 1350°C have been characterized by electron microprobe, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, visible, IR, Raman, and Mössbauer spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy including electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The two samples have the following chemical formulae: Mg_1.71Fe_0.18Al_0.01H_0.33Si_0.96O₄ and Mg_1.60Fe_0.22Al_0.01 H_0.44Si_0.97O₄. Mössbauer spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) indicate that about half of the iron present is ferric. Refinement of the structures shows them to be essentially the same as spinelloid IV. Calculated X-ray powder diffraction patterns show only subtle differences between wadsleyite and wadsleyite II. The hydration mechanism appears to be protonation of the non-silicate oxygen (O2) and possibly the oxygens surrounding the partially vacant tetrahedral site Si2, charge-balanced by cation vacancies in Si2, M5 and M6. The unit cell volume of this phase and its synthesis conditions indicate that it may be an intermediate phase occurring between the fields of wadsleyite and ringwoodite, if sufficient trivalent cations are available. The unit cell parameters have been refined at pressures up to 10.6 GPa by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the diamond anvil cell. The refined bulk modulus for the sample containing 2.8 wt% H₂O is 145.6 ± 2.8 GPa with a K of 6.1 ± 0.7. Similar to wadsleyite and ringwoodite, hydration has a large effect on the bulk modulus. The presence of this phase in the mantle could serve to obscure the seismic expression of the phase boundary between wadsleyite and ringwoodite near 525 km. The large apparent effect of hydration on bulk modulus is consistent with hydration having a larger effect on seismic velocities than temperature in the Transition Zone.     

Solid–water partitioning of elements in Czech freshwaters

Partitioning of 41 elements between solids and water was studied by filtration and dialysis in situ in Czech freshwaters. Field-based distribution (partition) coefficients, K_D, between suspended particulate matter (SPM) and filtrate (‘dissolved’ fraction) differed by 4 orders of magnitude. The highest K_D values (log K_D>2.0 l/g) were exhibited by Zr, Al, Ce, Pb, La, Ti, Fe, Sm, Th and Cr which are extremely insoluble in near-neutral water or generally poorly soluble (Zr,Ti). The K_Ds decrease with element and DOC loading due to the relative increase of the element in the low molecular fraction. Log K_D mostly increased linearly with pH within a range from 3.5 to 9. K_D^U decreased at pH >6 due to carbonate complexation. The colloidal fraction (>1 kDa <0.4 μm) in a reservoir with a pH of 6.8 was mainly preferred by Fe, Pb, Be, Nb, Y, Al, Ni, U and Zr. When the colloidal fraction is not differentiated from true solution, then incorrect information about partitioning may be obtained and the highest K_D may decrease.     

Geochemistry of arsenic during low-temperature water–rock interaction

High arsenic water has been a global focus of both scientists and water supply managers because of its serious adverse impact on human health and wide distribution in the world. Processes of redox, sorption, precipitation, and dissolution release arsenic in both natural systems and in environments intensely modified by human activities. In natural systems, groundwater arsenic is controlled by lithologic geochemistry, sedimentation conditions, hydrogeologic setting and groundwater chemistry. However, in the intensely human-affected systems (such as mining and tilling areas), arsenic mobilization is dependent on the composition of the primary materials, treatment methods, storage design, and local climate. Well-designed experimental systems aid in characterizing sorption, precipitation, and redox processes associated with arsenic dynamics during water-rock interaction. Continued investigations of field sites will further refine understanding of the processes favoring arsenic mobility in the range of natural and man-made systems. The combination of field and experimental studies will lead to better understanding of arsenic cycling in all systems and sustainable management of water resources in arsenic-affected areas.     

Oxidative–reductive photodecomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid in water

This article aims to elucidate on usefulness of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) for photoreductive degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a representative perfluorinated compound (PFC), in water for the first time. Bench-scale tests were conducted on oxidative and reductive (with aquated electron: e _aq ^? ) mineralization of PFOA using low-pressure UV (LPUV) lamps and potassium iodide. Unlike with 254 nm wavelength (UVC), the reductive mineralization with VUV was very inefficient compared to the corresponding oxidative mineralization. The inefficiency is attributed to low reactivity of e _aq ^? with PFOA and its fluorinated products than that of 185 nm photons. Direct VUV photolysis of PFOA and its products in reductive reaction conditions was not apparent due to a very big difference in reactivity of 185 and 254 nm photons with iodide. The results demonstrated that highly energetic VUV photons are not suitable for photoreductive degradations of PFCs involving e _aq ^? , but they can be best used for oxidative degradations. These findings should serve as an important reference on VUV usage to decompose refractory micropollutants.     

Determination of the distance of the fresh water–salt water interface extending into coastal confined aquifers

In a coastal zone an understanding of the distance of the fresh water–salt water interface and its extension inland is important for prevention of sea water intrusion. In this article estimating methods are described for calculating the distance of a fresh water–salt water interface in a coastal confined aquifer based on the submarine fresh groundwater discharge. This groundwater discharge is controlled not only by the aquifer properties and hydraulic head difference, but also by the position of the fresh water–salt water interface in the coastal zone. A homogeneous and isotropic coastal confined aquifer is considered and fresh groundwater flow in the confined aquifer is thought to be at a steady state. Two observation wells at different distances in a profile perpendicular to the coastline are required in calculation of the distance of the interface toe in the coastal zone. Four coastal confined aquifers with horizontal and sloping confining beds and with varying thickness are also considered. Reasonable results are obtained when examples are used to illustrate the application of the methods. The methods require hydraulic head data at the two wells and thickness of the confined aquifers, but the hydraulic conductivity and fresh groundwater flow rate of the confined aquifers are not needed.     

Interaction study of clay-bearing amphibolite–crude oil–saline water: Molecular level implications for enhanced oil recovery during low saline water flooding

Low saline water flooding (LSWF) had proved to be an efficient method for enhanced oil recovery in clay-bearing hydrocarbon reservoirs, but the interaction mechanisms among in-situ rocks – fluids and injection fluids within the reservoir – are not yet known properly. Understanding the molecular level interaction among these components is critical for designing and field scale implementation of LSWF in clay-bearing crystalline reservoir rocks, which is very limited in the existing literature. A weathered amphibolite rock and one dead crude oil from the Bakrol field (Cambay basin, India) have been used in this study. The presence of clay minerals in the weathered amphibolite rock was observed using a polarising microscope and characterised by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The crude oil and its fractionated SARA components have been extensively studied by spectroscopic techniques for their characterisation. The interaction study among the rock powder, hydrocarbon crude oil and saline water has been performed in the present work for gaining better insight for designing the injection fluid for LSWF. The weathered amphibolite rock powder was mixed with the dead crude oil and kept for 30 days in room temperature (T) and pressure (P) for proper interaction. The XRD, FTIR and cation exchange capacity results clearly demonstrated the incorporation of crude oil components in the interlayer surfaces of clay minerals. The oil removal efficiency, from the oil-treated rock powder of three saline water samples having NaCl concentration of 3000, 5000 and 8000 ppm, was investigated using the UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The low saline NaCl water is capable of removing the maximum amount of polar components from the oil-treated rock powder. These molecular level insights are valuable for designing effective injection fluid for enhancing the oil recovery from the clay-rich crystalline reservoir rock.     

Crystal chemical properties of synthetic lazulite–scorzalite solid-solution series

Members of the lazulite–scorzalite (MgAl₂- (PO₄)₂(OH)₂-FeAl₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂) solid-solution series were synthesized in compositional steps of 12.5?mol% at T?=?485?°C and P?=?0.3?GPa under hydrothermal conditions and controlled oxygen fugacities of the Ni/NiO-buffer. X-ray powder diffraction and ⁵⁷Fe-Mössbauer studies show that under these conditions a complete solid-solution series is formed which is characterized by the substitution of Mg²⁺ and Fe²⁺ on the octahedral Me ²⁺ site. The ⁵⁷Fe-Mössbauer spectra which reveal the presence of both ferrous and ferric iron and the compositional data were interpreted in terms of a defect model with a distribution of the ferric ions over both the Me ²⁺ and the Al³⁺ positions and vacancies on the Me ²⁺ site. The ⁵⁷Fe-Mössbauer parameters of the synthetic compounds correspond to those of natural lazulites except for the total absorption ratio of the ferric iron A(Fe³⁺)/(A(Fe³⁺)+A(Fe²⁺)), which is significantly higher in natural lazulites of the same composition. The total absorption ratio of the ferric iron increases from 4% in pure scorzalite to 15% in a Mg-rich solid-solution with x _Fe ?=?12(1)%     

The impact of uncertainties on cooperation over transboundary water: The case of Israeli–Palestinian negotiations

The effect of uncertainty on cooperation between the partners sharing the natural resources remains unknown. Uncertainty may strengthen cooperation between partners, as it is necessary to implement cooperative mitigation policies, however, it may also serve as a cause of friction between parties, as it may aggravate existing trust issues or power asymmetries. Given the potential for such contrary outcomes, we provide criteria to examine empirically how uncertainties in a transboundary setting seem to promote or impede cooperation. Taking Israeli–Palestinian Annapolis round and post-Annapolis negotiations as a case study, this work identifies the effect of uncertainties related to water on negotiation positions. Social and political uncertainties, which tend to be more associated with uncertainty regarding interpretation rather than a lack of information, play a much stronger role in water negotiations than do technical or physical uncertainties that often dominate in other resource issues. Many of the criteria used to assess the effect of uncertainty indicate that partners attempted to address uncertainties in an ostensibly cooperative manner, accepting negotiation venues and rules. However, confronting uncertainty stemming from interpretation of information often around social issues tends to result in additional uncertainties associated with delaying negotiations, spillover effects and power implications, each with negative implications in terms of cooperation. As such, mechanisms proposed to address these uncertainties also tend to be more disputed. The only type of mechanisms that did not appear to aggravate the effects of these uncertainties and perhaps the only that would be indicative of some type of cooperation, even if low level, are those that deal data and information exchange and research.     

Numerical modeling of soil–structure interface of a concrete-faced rockfill dam

Concrete-faced rockfill dams (CFRD) are widely used in large-scale hydraulic projects. The face slab, the key seepage-proof structure of great concern, has a strong interaction with the neighboring gravel cushion layer due to a significant difference in their stiffness. An elasto-plasticity damage interface element, a numerical format of the EPDI model, is described for numerical analysis of a CFRD that can trace the separation and re-contact between the face slab and the cushion layer at the interface. As verified by simulating slide block and direct shear interface tests, this element was confirmed to capture effectively the primary monotonic and cyclic behaviors of the interface. This element can easily be extended to the finite element method (FEM) programs that involve the Goodman interface element. The analysis of a typical CFRD showed that the interface model describes a significant effect on the stress response of the face slab under different conditions, including dam construction, water storage, and earthquake. Treatments of the cushion layer, such as an asphalt layer, changed the behavior of the interface between it and the face slab, which resulted in a significant effect on the stress response of the face slab. The top of the face slab exhibited a significant separation from the cushion layer during construction, induced mainly by construction of the neighboring dam body.