Hydraulic and structural evaluation of rockfill dam behavior when exposed to throughflow and overtopping scenarios

Abstract

Dams are vulnerable to extreme flood events in turn leading to accidental overtopping. This inparticular applies to rockfill dams comprised of pervious and erodible material. Obtaining better understanding of behavior of rockfill dam components under extreme loading conditions is of significance from stability and economic standpoints. The aim of the research workf orming the basis for the thesis has been to present descriptions of hydraulic and structural behaviors of rockfill dams under throughflow and or overtopping scenarios. Research findings outlining failure mechanisms and stability aspects of ripraps under overtopping scenarios are presented. Results from field surveys conducted to investigate construction aspects of placed ripraps constructed on rockfill dams are described. Further, experimental results demonstrating the hydraulic response of rockfill dam structures exposed to overtopping conditions are provided. Furthermore, behavior of rockfill dam structures coupled with disparate toe configurations subjected to throughflows are described based on experimental model studies. The overarching focus of the research has been to obtain a holistic evaluation of rockfill dam behavior when subjected to extreme loading conditions. This in turn is intended at improving the state of the art in design and construction of these structures.