A new qualitative method for the condition assessment of earth and rockfill dams

Abstract

This article presents a new qualitative method, based in efficient indexes, for the condition assessment of groups of dams in operation. After a brief overview of the method, the proposed indexes, their descriptors and aggregation rules are presented, as well as the steps for its application and general guidelines for the classification and sorting of the examined dams, aiming to achieve optimal scheduling of more elaborate condition assessment and/or rehabilitation works. The method developed was applied to 36 Portuguese dams in operation. The results obtained agree with the available information about the dams under investigation, their condition and the expectation of future performance.