A STUDY OF FOUNDATION TREATMENT OF CONCRETE GRAVITY DAMS - A CASE STUDY OF LAKHWAR DAM USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Abstract

Foundation of a dam must be considered as an integral part of the dam, and for safe design it is necessary that it should be given as much an attention as the dam itself. It plays an important part in controlling the stability of a dam entirely. A good foundation is of ample strength to withstand the weight of the structure and to prevent sliding. It must be tight enough to prevent excessive leakage, uplift must be reduced as much as possible, and discharge from the overflow or outlets must not damage it. The stability of a concrete gravity dam is controlled principally by the geological structure and geomechanical properties of the foundation material. Knowledge of the characteristics of foundation is, therefore, essential for design of a dam. Geological investigations are required to determine the general suitability of the site and to identify the structure of the foundation, then geomechanical tests of material are to be carried out. In most cases, the natural characteristics of the foundation do not meet the requirement of a good foundation. Foundation treatment is, therefore, a must to improve the natural characteristics of the foundation