Liquefaction Potential Leads to Dam Reconstruction

by Nathan L. Whetten, Haley & Aldrich, Inc, Scarborough, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Geotechnical Practice in Dam Rehabilitation

Abstract:

Results of a visual inspection of the Dundee Dam conducted in 1982 revealed the presence of seepage on the downstream toe of the left embankment. Subsequent subsurface explorations and geotechnical engineering analyses revealed that the seepage did not have an adverse impact on the dam. However, the left embankment was determined to be susceptible to liquefaction in the event of the design earthquake. A variety of remedial action alternatives were evaluated, and a million dollar remediation effort was undertaken during the Fall of 1989. Embankment remediation including the removal and subsequent placement of 40,000 cu. yds. of compacted fill was completed under budget and ahead of schedule. This paper describes the results of the subsurface explorations, seismicity and liquefaction studies, evaluation and selection of remedial action alternatives, and reconstruction of the left embankment. The scope of this paper is limited to the left embankment.

Subject Headings: Embankment dams | Soil liquefaction | Seepage | Subsurface investigation | Mitigation and remediation | Construction management | Structural analysis

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