Observation of fill dams rock foundations behaviour

Abstract

Up to some years ago the essential object of the observation plans for fill dams constructed on rockmass foundations was the study of the fill behaviour. More recently, however, the observation planning has began also to envisage the study of the foundations behaviour, namely under the hydraulic point of view, in order to contribute not only for the safety control of the whole structure, but also, and whenever the need for improving the impervious characteristics of the rockmass by means of grout injections arises, for the assessment of the efficiency of the executed treatment.

The application of those concepts to the planning of the component of the observation scheme concerning the foundation of a recently built large Portuguese dam will complement the previous presentation of some considerations on the control variables to be observed and on the corresponding instruments or devices.