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No. 17 of 19
Geosynthetics in Dams
by
Daniele Cazzuffi
ENEL Hydro, Milan, Italy.
The information presented in this document has been reviewed by the Education Committee of the International Geosynthetics Society and is believed to fairly represent the current state of practice.
However, the International Geosynthetics Society does not accept any liability arising in any way from use of the information presented.
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Main Functions of Geosynthetics in Dams
Function Products(see notes for key to product types)
Types of Dam
Earth /Rock Conc /Masonry
Rolled Conc
Barrier GMB, GCM New/ Refurb Refurb New
Drainage GT, GN, GCD New/ Refurb Refurb New
Erosion Control
GT, GN New/ Refurb Refurb New
Filtration GT New/ Refurb
Protection GT, GG, GCR New/ Refurb
Reinforcement GT, GA,GL, BT, BA, BL
New/ Refurb
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Contrada Sabetta Rockfill Dam
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Contrada Sabetta Rockfill Dam1. Concrete slab (0.2m th)
2. Sheet Bit paper Felt + 2 sheets membrane
3. Porous Concrete
4. R/C Slabs
5. Dry Masonry
6. Joint 7. Plastic Conc wall
8. Conc plinth 9. Gallery
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Contrada Sabetta Rockfill Dam
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Sampling of Geomembrane.
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Lago Nero Concrete Dam
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Lago Nero Concrete Dam Upstream Facing
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Lago Nero Concrete Dam Upstream Facing After the Rehabilitation Works.
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Concepcion RCC Dam in Honduras
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La Parade Homogeneous Earthfill Dam
1,2 ,3 4, 5 : Construction layers
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Codole Rockfill Dam : France
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Valcros Earth Dam : France
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Placing the Geotextile Filter in the Upstream Facing of Valcros Dam
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Hans Strijdom Zoned Rockfill Dam
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Maraval Dam – France (1976)
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Davis Creek Dam : USA
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Surface Erosion Control
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Moochalabra Dam : Australia
1. Steel Mesh
2. Rockfill
3. Granular filter
4. Clay Core
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Blue Ridge Parkway Dam : USA
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Filled Geotextile Systems
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Conclusions
• Geosynthetics successfully used in rehabilitation and new construction of dams
• Geosynthetics have allowed reductions in volumes of natural materials used in the dams
• Geosynthetics can give increased safety in service and reduction of hazards during construction