Design criteria and construction experiences in rockfill and/or gravel dams with concrete faces and/or geomembranes

Criterios de diseño y experiencias de construcción en presas de enrocado y/o grava con cara de concreto y/o geo membranas

Abstract

The design of concrete-faced rockfill or gravel dams (CFRD and CFGD), without prejudice to scientific applications such as finite element analysis, has been essentially empirical, based on the behavior and precedence of built dams; Therefore, it is particularly important to disseminate and share information and experiences in the design, construction and operation of this type of dams. In Venezuela, eight CFRD-type dams have been built, the highest being Yacambú at 162 m; In other South American countries there are about 40 of these dams, some as high as Campos Novos in Brazil at 200m and Sogamoso in Colombia at 195m. On the other hand, both in this type of CFRD dams and in other high-rise concrete dams (RCC, arch vault, gravity concrete), PVC or HDPE geomembranes are being used as waterproof elements both in the rehabilitation of existing dams and in the construction of new dams. Another component is the elastoplastic concrete screen as an element to control leaks in alluvial foundations. This article presents a summary of advances in design criteria and construction practices in recent years in gravel dams with impermeable concrete or geomembrane elements and founded on alluvial material with elastoplastic screens.