1. Home
  2. TRID
  3. View Record
https://trb-annual-meeting.nationalacademies.org/registration

EVALUATION AND REPAIR OF STONEWALL-EARTH DAMS

Approximately 180 dam sites were field inspected, soil samples were laboratory tested, and the static stability and hydraulic adequacy of the dams were calculated. An analysis was made to determine the effect of wall thickness, embankment width, drainage conditions, and water level on the static stability. An analysis was also made to determine the effect of flood water flow on the stability of the capstones. Inspections showed the stonewall-earth dam to be extremely resistant to overtopping and piping. An average wall thickness greater than 0.35 times the height, and a total embankment width greater than the height has provided adequate stability against earth and water pressures. There was no indication that these dams had failed at normal pond level, or had washed out rapidly under overtopping. Assessment of the danger caused by a dam to downstream property can be based on the percentage of flood flow increases caused by the dam crest being lowered by abrasion and erosion during overtopping. If the flood flow is increased by more than 5 percent, the dam is not a hazard except under unusual circumstances. These dams deteriorate rapidly from frost heave and abrasion particularly at the spillway. Repairs and maintenance of the embankment and spillway are discussed.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This paper was presented at the Conference on Safety of Small Dams, Henniker, New Hampshire, August 6, 1974.
  • Corporate Authors:

    University of Connecticut, Storrs

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 261 Glenbrook Road
    Storrs, CT  United States  06269-2037
  • Authors:
    • Healy, K A
  • Publication Date: 0

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References;
  • Pagination: 28 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00149354
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 15 1977 12:00AM