Long-term behavior of a Rockfill Dam: La Esmeralda Dam, Colombia

J. Larrahondo, W. Ross, W. Ruiz, C. Marulanda

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents an evaluation of the behavior of an embankment dam that has been in operation for nearly 40 years in Colombia. La Esmeralda Dam belongs to the Chivor Hydroelectric Project and is an earth-core rockfill dam (ECRD) that was constructed between 1972 and 1975. The dam is 237 m high with 1.8H:1.0V slopes both in the upstream and downstream faces. The dam core dips slightly upstream and is protected on both sides by granular filter and transition materials. The outer shells consist of rockfill originally obtained from the excavations required for the spillway and from an outside quarry. This paper is based on instrumentation data that included piezometers installed in the compacted fill and the grout curtain, level survey points located at the crest and on the dam faces, total stress cells, and weirs for measurement of seepage flow. An evaluation of instrumentation measurements obtained throughout the years of operation and their significance regarding dam behavior are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeo-Congress 2014 Technical Papers
Subtitle of host publicationGeo-Characterization and Modeling for Sustainability - Proceedings of the 2014 Congress
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages237-251
Number of pages15
Edition234 GSP
ISBN (Print)9780784413272
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event2014 Congress on Geo-Characterization and Modeling for Sustainability, Geo-Congress 2014 - Atlanta, GA, United States
Duration: 23 Feb 201426 Feb 2014

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
Number234 GSP
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Conference

Conference2014 Congress on Geo-Characterization and Modeling for Sustainability, Geo-Congress 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta, GA
Period23/02/1426/02/14

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