Experience in the operation of overflow buttress dams under severe climatic conditions

Abstract

1. A buttress design of overflow dams makes it possible to substantially reduce the volume of concrete works compared to massive dams (the hollowness of each bay on the Hevoskoski dam amounts to 73.5% of the construction cubage). 2. Thin-walled structures require the use of high concrete grade with respect to strength and frost resistance, increased reinforcement, more careful placement of the concrete mix, and high quality of sealing the expansion and horizontal joints, particularly at the points of their intersection. 3. The downstream surface of the dams protects the upstream faces from freezing completely through without additional construction or operating measures. 4. The exposed rock foundation on the hollows between the buttresses not only reduces uplift but also provides free outflow of seepage water and the possibility of more complete checking of the connection of the concrete structures with the foundation. 5. The operating expenses of overflow buttress dams are practically the same as on dams without internal hollows and their maintenance amounts mainly to periodic painting of the inside metal structures, repair of individual sections of the concrete on the spillway surface, warming of the inlet and drainage outlets, and regular inspection.