Influence of soft rock-fill material as dam embankment with central bituminous concrete membrane

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the difficulties in determining the relevant material parameters for a valuation of the deformation behavior of the up- and downstream dam shell by means of an embankment dam of medium height. Laboratory as well as field tests on solid rock-fill material were performed before the beginning of construction. During the construction the properties of the available rock-fill changed from solid to soft materials. This gave rise to the necessity of adjusting the dam design of the downstream dam shoulder. Several times higher dam settlements as well as significant differential settlements between the up- and downstream dam shell were observed during construction and operation. Apart from this situation, the dam has been operated for nearly 20 years and the behavior of the water barrier has been very good.

Keywords

embankment dam / bituminous concrete membrane / rock-fill material properties / deformation behavior

References

[1] Tschernutter P, Nackler K. Construction of Feistritzbach Dam with central asphaltic concrete membrane and the influence of poor quality rock on fill behavior. In: International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), Vienna. Paris: ICOLD, 1991, 4: 443–464

[2] Nackler K, Tschernutter P. Austria’s second highest central asphaltic concrete membrane at Feistritzbach Dam. International Water Power and Dam Construction, 1992, 44(7): 36–42

[3] Innerhofer G. Discussion on the long term behavior of four of the biggest dams in Austria. Dissertation for the Master Degree. Vienna: Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, University of Technology Vienna, 2006, 17–24

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Mr. Nackler K from KELAG (Carinthian Energy Group) for providing the monitoring data and Mr. Innerhofer G Jr. for his master thesis.

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2014 Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg