Affiliation:
1. Department of Dams and HEPPs, General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works, Ankara 06100, Turkey
Abstract
The Sarıçay Dam project in southwestern Türkiye integrates advanced geotechnical evaluation methods for building dams in areas with challenging geology and seismic activity. This study foregrounds an in-depth analysis of deformation modulus, the efficacy of consolidation grouting and shear strength parameters. It addresses critical issues such as encountering faults during construction and their mitigation, with the ‘observational approach’ being adopted to inform strategies and solutions and/or any modifications to these, including any design aspects. The appropriate selection of the deformation modulus and understanding its enhancement through consolidation grouting remain long-standing issues in geotechnical engineering. The comprehensive analyses of the deformation modulus revealed that certain empirical equations yield results comparable to those from
in situ
tests, although some may significantly overestimate; hence, correlating these tests with geophysical methods is crucial for accurate evaluation. Moreover, the deformation modulus results, derived from both rock pressuremeter and dilatometer tests on similarly characterized rock masses, displayed a notable comparability, despite the inherent scatter attributed to rock masses’ heterogeneity and anisotropy. The findings revealed that consolidation grouting, despite its minimal effect on increasing the deformation modulus (4–18%), plays a role in reinforcing the foundation by filling joints and fractures. The research experiences and outcomes on this project will contribute to the knowledge base for future dam projects.
Publisher
Geological Society of London
Reference52 articles.
1. Summary of the ASK14 Ground Motion Relation for Active Crustal Regions
2. Allen C.R. and Cluff L.S. 2000. Active faults in dam foundations: an update. In: Proceedings of the 12th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering Auckland New Zealand 8. Paper 2490.
3. Foundation of a Gravity Dam on Layered Soft Rock: Shear Strength of Bedding Planes in Laboratory and Large “In Situ” Tests
4. ASTM 2017. Standard test method for in situ determination of direct shear strength of rock discontinuities. ASTM D4554-02. https://www.astm.org/d4554-02.html
5. Aydan Ö. and Kawamoto T. 2001. The stability assessment of a large underground opening at great depth. In: Proceedings of the 17th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey (IMCET 2001) Ankara Turkey 1 277–288.