An analysis of stress-strain behaviour and wetting effects on quarried rock shells
The analysis of stressstrain behaviour and the effects of submergence on quarried rock shells, used mainly in dams but also in road construction, is of major importance from both economic and safe...
Parameters for stress and deformation analysis of rockfill dams
Stress–strain parameters for modelling the response of rockfill dams to construction and reservoir filling are examined. Parameters from both laboratory tests and back analysis of existing dams are considered. The influence of physical properties of the material, such as mineral composition, grading curves, grain shape, and grain size, is also examined. The results of the study were applied to Foz do Areia dam in Brazil. Finite element analyses were carried out using selected material parameters to predict the response of the dam for both construction and reservoir-filling stages. The predicted and observed results were found to be in good agreement during the construction stage. During reservoir filling, measurements indicated that the dam initially behaved in a much suffer manner than during construction. The stiffer response results from an initial unloading of stress ratio caused by the water load on the face. Under increased reservoir loading, the stress ratio increases again, activating the softer n...
Design of Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dams
Design principles adopted in 1966 by the Hydro-Electric Commission have been applied to nine concrete-faced rockfill dams and remain substantially unchanged. Experience shows that the availability of rock foundations for the plinth (or upstream toe slab) is almost the sole pre-requisite for this type of dam. Details of all major dam components and their evolutionary development are described. Leakage performance is shown to be excellent; it results from the small deflections achieved by a well-compacted rockfill embankment and from careful design and construction of all details. Although well-graded free-draining rockfill or gravel is simplest to use, weathered rockfill or dirty gravel produces an excellent embankment provided care is taken in zoning, control of moisture and compaction.