Concrete Dam Construction Research Articles

Simulation of Temperature and Stress Fields during RCC Dam Construction

The worldwide experience in the construction of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dams together with the use of numerical solutions, allows the simulation of different scenarios in a computer. It is well documented that thermal control is one of the most important problems for RCC dam construction. The dam temperature changes due to the heat produced by the internal hydration of concrete and the environmental boundary conditions influencing the elastic modulus and creep properties of concrete. The construction process was simulated to study how the temperature and stress change during dam construction. The numerical methodology considers the effect of temperature on the elastic modulus and the creep behavior of concrete. A 3D finite-element program was developed to simulate the construction process. An engineering application of this methodology is presented by simulating the construction of an RCC gravity dam in southern China. The results show how the temperature and stress change with the construction process. The results also show that it is feasible to build RCC dams in low temperature seasons without additional temperature control measures.

A Practical and Interactive Scheduling System for Concrete Placement of Concrete Dam

The concrete placement scheduling is most important in planning of concrete dam construction. To make more reasonable concrete placement schedule, various restrictions must be considered, and the planners have to examine as many alternatives of schedule plans as possible.Accordingly a scheduling system for dam-concrete placement using personal computer has been developed. This system can deal with layer method, extended layer method and roller compacted dam-concrete method, and cope with many technical and managerial restrictions for selecting the block to be placed appropriately. Furthermore, the data relating with concrete volume, work restrictions and so on can be operated easily and interactively because this system has been developed using graphical user interface.

Construction of low-volume sectional concrete dams: I. A.-G. Suleimanov & I. B. Sokolov, Hydrotechnical Construction, 28(7), 1994, pp 406–410; translated from: Gidrotekhnicheskoe Stroitel'stvo (7), 1994, pp 37–40

Construction of low-volume sectional concrete dams: I. A.-G. Suleimanov & I. B. Sokolov, Hydrotechnical Construction, 28(7), 1994, pp 406–410; translated from: Gidrotekhnicheskoe Stroitel'stvo (7), 1994, pp 37–40

Rock mass characterisation of Wadi Mujib dam site, Central Jordan

This paper assesses the rock mass characterisation of the dam site and reservoir area of Wadi Mujib in central Jordan by means of the rock mass classification systems rock mass rating ( RMR) and the Barton tunnelling index ( Q). The linear relationships between the RMR and Q ratings obtained from both borecores and scanlines are quite similar and indicate good correlation. The results obtained showed that the foundation rocks are of good geomechanical quality, whereas the geomechanical quality of the rock masses constituting the dam abutments exhibit fair quality. The improvement of rock mass quality towards the foundation area was also proved by a seismic refraction survey, which indicated that the foundation rocks are characterised by high longitudinal velocities compared with the dam abutment rocks. Therefore, the foundation rocks are favourable for the construction of both concrete gravity and fill type dams. However, based on the rock mass conditions of the dam abutments and, in addition, other factors that affect the selection of the dam type (such as seismicity) it would be preferable to construct a rockfill dam, due not only to the aforementioned conditions but also to the availability of construction material around the dam site.

Construction of low-volume sectional concrete dams

The article first proposes categorization of dams based on volume of material in the dam body. Concrete dams containing up to 1000 cubic meters of concrete are the focus of the remainder of the article. Differences in construction between large and small dams are detailed, with emphasis on structural features. Labor outlays and construction schedules are also discussed. 8 refs., 3 tabs.

Some current trends in the construction of large concrete dams (based on data of the 16th and 17th Congresses and seminars of ICOLD)

Some current trends in the construction of large concrete dams (based on data of the 16th and 17th Congresses and seminars of ICOLD)

Geodetic problems in the construction of high concrete dams

Geodetic problems in the construction of high concrete dams

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RCD CONSTRUCTION METHOD AND THE RCC CONSTRUCTION METHOD

In recent years, the RCD construction method has become popular as a new concrete dam construction method in which superstiff-consistency lean concrete is compacted with vibrating rollers. It is an epoch-making, economical and safe method originally-developed in Japan. Dams of the same quality can be constructed in a shorter period by this method than by conventional methods. In the United States, a construction method similar to RCD has been developed in which superstiff-consistency lean concrete is also compacted with vibrating rollers. It is, however, basically very different from the RCD construction method in its design engineering and construction work, and is called the RCC construction method. The following text compares the RCD and the RCC construction methods and discusses the prospects of the RCD construction method optimization.

Closure to “ Construction of Concrete Face Rockfill Dams ” by Alan Varty, Rick J. Boyle, Edward D. Pritchard, and Roger E. Gill (pp. 435–458)

Closure to “ <i>Construction of Concrete Face Rockfill Dams</i> ” by Alan Varty, Rick J. Boyle, Edward D. Pritchard, and Roger E. Gill (pp. 435–458)

Discussion of “ Construction of Concrete Face Rockfill Dams ” by Alan Varty, Rick J. Boyle, Edward D. Pritchard, and Roger E. Gill (pp. 435–458)

Discussion of “ <i>Construction of Concrete Face Rockfill Dams</i> ” by Alan Varty, Rick J. Boyle, Edward D. Pritchard, and Roger E. Gill (pp. 435–458)

Manual internal vibrator for compacting wet concrete in hydraulic structures

This article assesses the use of vibratory compactors in the construction of concrete hydroelectric dams and proposes technologies both in construction materials and in dam and equipment design which would make possible the utilization of smaller, less cumbersome, and more efficient compactors with higher productivity ratings. Manufacturer behavior toward and responsiveness to construction experience and contractor demand are also reviewed. Specifications are given for a specific number of down-sized compactors.

Fly ash in concrete — a microstructure study

The paper presents preliminary details of a laboratory study aimed at identifying the mechanism or mechanisms whereby the incorporation of fly ash influences the strength of lean concrete mixes suitable for use in the construction of concrete gravity dams. It involved a scanning electron microsope study and compressive strength evaluation of the paste fraction and covered a range of mixes containing various amounts of a single supply of fly ash. Test specimens were cured at 20°C and at 40°C, data being obtained at intervals of seven days up to the age of three months for the main part of the investigation. In addition, some autoclave tests were undertaken and, for specimens cured at 20°C, strength tests were also carried out at ages up to twelve months. Although it is not possible to propose a firm hypothesis, the study suggests that the early age strength development is largely influenced by the physical presence of the ash particles rather than by a compositional change of the particles as a result of chemical reaction. However, the continuing increase in strength at greater ages is believed to be pozzolanic in nature and the need for further work is emphasised.

Use of concrete of low Portland cement content in combination with pozzolans and other admixtures in construction of concrete dams : Mather, B 3F, 6T, 13R J. Amer. Concrete Inst. V71, N12, Dec. 1974, P589–599

Use of concrete of low Portland cement content in combination with pozzolans and other admixtures in construction of concrete dams : Mather, B 3F, 6T, 13R J. Amer. Concrete Inst. V71, N12, Dec. 1974, P589–599

Foreign experience in the construction of large concrete dams

As the experience of constructing modem large dams in the USA, as well as in Italy, Yugoslavia, and Japan shows, cableways are more productive concrete placers in comparison with jib cranes, shorten the construction time of dams, and speed up the start-up time of hydroelectric stations and reservoirs.

Use of Concrete of Low Portland Cement Content in Combination With Pozzolans and Other Admixtures in Construction of Concrete Dams

First Name is required invalid characters Last Name is required invalid characters Email Address is required Invalid Email Address Invalid Email Address

Conference on “Experience in the Construction of Concrete Dams on Rock Foundations with Large Volumes of Concreting and Selection of the Type of Dams”

Conference on “Experience in the Construction of Concrete Dams on Rock Foundations with Large Volumes of Concreting and Selection of the Type of Dams”

Conference on the Mechanization of Concreting Operations

In conformity with the plan for scientific research work of the B. E. Vedeneev All-Union Scientific-Research Institute of Hydrogeology (VNIIG), in conjunction with the hydraulic engineering section of the Central Authority of the Scientific and Technical Society for Electricity and Power (TsPNTOFAEP), a scientific and engineering conference was held in Iune,1969,in Leningrad, on the subject of mechanization of concrete operations on large hydroschemes. One hundred and forty-two experts from 28 organizations of Mingnergo USSR and other ministries and departments participated in the conference. Twenty-eight papers and reports were read at the conference, dealing with overall mechanization of concreting and reinforced concreting, ranging through preparation, transport and placing of the concrete mix, preparation of the blocks for concreting, form work, and reinforcement placing. The Director of the Vedeneev VNIIG, M. F. Skladnev, opened the conference and welcomed those attending. The Chairman of the hydraulic engineering section of the Central Authority of the Scientific and Engineering Society for Electricity and Power, Professor N. A. Filimonov, of the Kalinin Leningrad Polytechnical Institute (LPI), responded with introductory remarks. G: D. Petrov (V. I. Kuibyshev Moscow Civil Engineering Institute-MISI-a nd S. Ya. Zhuk Gidroproekt) presented a general report on the state of mechanization of the individual processes of concreting in Soviet hydraulic engineering construction. The paper provided a critical assessment of mechanization procedures and equipment at the present time, setting out a program for the solution of basic problems for improving the organization and technology of concreting on large hydmschemes. I. I. Rylov (Orggnergostroi Scientific-Research Station) dear with improvements in concrete operations in the erection of high dams. A. P. Bechin (B. E. Vedeneev All-Union Scientific-Research Institute of Hydrogeology) set out the main trends in the construction of foreign high-head concrete dams, providing an account of the engineering-construction characteristics of the Alpa- Gera gravity dam (Italy), the Mossy Rock arch- cupola dam (USA), the Manikoigan-5 multiarch dam (Canada), constructed in recent years, in addition to the Dvorshak solid gravity dam (USA) at present in construction. The paper dealt with the need for improving the speed parameters of Soviet cable-cranes and introducing aluminum and thin-waUed steel hose pipes for cooling concrete in the blocks. S. A. ggorov's (Lengidroproekt) paper dealt with experience in planning the organization and performance of concreting operations during the erection of the largest arch-gravity dam in the world, for the Sayano-Shnshensk hydroelectric station.

Survey Control for Concrete Dam Construction

The development of survey controls for Morrow Point Dam, a double-curvature, concrete-arch structure, 465 ft in height, was required through the phases of reconnaissance, site investigation, and preconstruction to satisfy the specific needs of the designer, and to fit the rough terrain. Statistics for the dam and power plant are given. Procedures and equipment used in establishing a modified second-order triangulation scheme and a first-order level net are explained. The method used in adjusting the triangulation scheme is presented. Planning survey controls to encompass specific structures was completed early in the construction phase. A description of survey procedures to bring accurate control into the blocks of the dam for each 7-1/2-ft placement-lift is given. Methods devised and equipment used in establishing vertical control in each keyway are described. A brief evaluation of planning field surveys to utilize modern electronic computing equipment is presented.

Determination of thermophysical properties of concretes and gravels used in the construction of concrete dams

Determination of thermophysical properties of concretes and gravels used in the construction of concrete dams

Construction of Morrow Point Power Plant and Dam

Construction of the Morrow Point double-curvature thin-arch concrete dam and underground power plant is in progress in the rugged Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. Rock excavations, open cut and underground, require extensive stabilization. Periphery smooth wall blasting techniques result in more uniform and stable open cut rock slopes and reduce overbreak. Alinement symmetry and configuration of underground excavations are greatly improved. There was teamwork between the engineer and the geologist employed to analyze and prescribe drilling and blasting patterns in alternating lenticular and irregular beds of rock of varying hardness and strength. Rock bolts were used extensively in open cuts and as a means of roof supports in underground excavations. In the crown of the power plant chamber, no rock was left unsupported longer than 12 hr after blasting. Proper instrumentation provides essential information concerning movement and reactions in the rock in the underground excavations. Gain in tension of rock bolts is recorded by strain-meters. Borehole extensometers are monitoring rock movements. The dam concrete was designed for a compressive strain of 4,500 psi at the end of 1 yr.