Contribution to the problem of so-called antiheave heads of crests of dams being constructed in the far north

Conclusions

• 1. It is necessary to revise urgently SNiP 2.06.05-84x with respect to the designs of dams being constructed in the northern construction-climatic zone, i.e., to remove all vagueness in understanding the basic design principles.

• 2. The top of watertight zones of dams should exceed the elevation of the HFL by amounts specified by SNiP. When necessary, in connection with seasonal freezing and thawing of the upper part of the core, additional measures should be provided for ensuring local static stability and seepage strength.

• 3. Large dams should be evaluated under the aegis of the National Committee on Large Dams, whose role in this matter must be increased. It is necessary to establish legislatively the procedure of changing the designs of dams after approving the projects.

• 4. A coordination center processing all information on construction and operation should be created for large dams and dams being constructed in the northern construction-climatic zone. The best solutions should be recommended for implementation.

• 5. It is necessary to reconstruct the upper part of the dams of the Kureika hydrodevelopment, using above the NPL soils of an analogous composition for the entire zone of the core with provision of its seepage strength by an additional filter layer of sorted sand of fractions 0–10 mm. Reconstruction of the dam crests will make it possible not only to obtain additional power production due to the prism of the reservoir between the NPL and HFL within 150–200 million kWh/yr.