Analysis and design of the foundations of concrete dams

Abstract

This general report presents the problem of forecasting the behaviour and assessing the safety of the concrete dam/foundation structural unit, particularly of the foundation. After a brief discussion of the concept of safety, it goes on to present the dimensioning criteria followed, these being analysed from the viewpoint of the limit states of punctual rupture and general rupture.  The various idealizations of foundation rock masses are considered – as a continuous medium, as a continuous medium intercepted by given discontinuities and as medium whose rupture will occur through a surface unknown beforehand - and the potentialities of each idealization are appreciated as regards the forecast of behaviour and assessment of safety.