Detection and Monitoring of Structural Deficiencies in the Rock Foundation of Large Dams.
Abstract
To judge the safety of a structure or understand its actual behavior, deformation measurements are usually carried out. This is the practice of all truly professional engineering organizations such as the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is applicable to almost every kind of structure, whether it be a pier supporting a bridge in Brazil, a quarry slope in Lucerne, or a subway in Munich. It cannot be emphasized strongly enough that a structure, such as a dam, and its foundation form a structural unit; consequently the behavior and safety of that dam are inseparably linked with the performance of the foundation. Moreover, it is generally recognized that it is not the average rock condition which is the cause of concern but rather the presence of specific deficiencies like weak zones, open or healed joints, continuous shear zones, and so on. Considering present-day numerical methods in analysis and design of dams and also the advanced construction technology and materials used, the major source of uncertainty in predicting the behavior and safety of dams, large and small, mainly resides in the actual rock mass properties and behavior. For these reasons, it is now common (or should be) to continuously monitor the structure and its foundation throughout its service life. One of the most useful forms of monitoring is that of deformation measurement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADP005690