Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Clogged Drains at Concrete Gravity Dams

by K. K. Ryan, Stone & Webster Engineering Corp, Denver, United States,
D. I. Morris, Stone & Webster Engineering Corp, Denver, United States,
J. K. Meisenheimer, Stone & Webster Engineering Corp, Denver, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '91: A New View of Hydro Resources

Abstract:

Studies have shown that properly spaced drains of adequate depth provide the principal means of relief from uplift pressures beneath concrete gravity dams. Drains often become encrusted with calcium carbonate over time and, when clogged, may cause uplift pressures above values assumed for stability. The formation mechanism of calcium carbonate incrustation is briefly discussed and common drain cleaning techniques used to rehabilitate clogged drains are discussed and evaluated. In addition, an experimental drain cleaning method is introduced and suggestions for further studies are made.

Subject Headings: Gravity dams | Concrete dams | Drainage | Calcium carbonate | Uplifting behavior | Rehabilitation | Dam foundations

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