No. 17 of 19

Geosynthetics in Dams

by

Daniele Cazzuffi

ENEL Hydro, Milan, Italy.

The information presented in this document has been reviewed by the Education Committee of the International Geosynthetics Society and is believed to fairly represent the current state of practice.

However, the International Geosynthetics Society does not accept any liability arising in any way from use of the information presented.

Main Functions of Geosynthetics in Dams

 

 

Function Products(see notes for key to product types)

Types of Dam

Earth /Rock Conc /Masonry

Rolled Conc

Barrier GMB, GCM New/ Refurb Refurb New

Drainage GT, GN, GCD New/ Refurb Refurb New

Erosion Control

GT, GN New/ Refurb Refurb New

Filtration GT New/ Refurb

Protection GT, GG, GCR New/ Refurb

Reinforcement GT, GA,GL, BT, BA, BL

New/ Refurb

Contrada Sabetta Rockfill Dam

Contrada Sabetta Rockfill Dam1. Concrete slab (0.2m th)

2. Sheet Bit paper Felt + 2 sheets membrane

3. Porous Concrete

4. R/C Slabs

5. Dry Masonry

6. Joint 7. Plastic Conc wall

8. Conc plinth 9. Gallery

Contrada Sabetta Rockfill Dam

Sampling of Geomembrane.

Lago Nero Concrete Dam

Lago Nero Concrete Dam Upstream Facing

Lago Nero Concrete Dam Upstream Facing After the Rehabilitation Works.

Concepcion RCC Dam in Honduras

La Parade Homogeneous Earthfill Dam

1,2 ,3 4, 5 : Construction layers

Codole Rockfill Dam : France

Valcros Earth Dam : France

Placing the Geotextile Filter in the Upstream Facing of Valcros Dam

Hans Strijdom Zoned Rockfill Dam

Maraval Dam – France (1976)

Maraval Dam

Davis Creek Dam : USA

Surface Erosion Control

Moochalabra Dam : Australia

1. Steel Mesh

2. Rockfill

3. Granular filter

4. Clay Core

Blue Ridge Parkway Dam : USA

Filled Geotextile Systems

Conclusions

• Geosynthetics successfully used in rehabilitation and new construction of dams

• Geosynthetics have allowed reductions in volumes of natural materials used in the dams

• Geosynthetics can give increased safety in service and reduction of hazards during construction