On the mating between concrete dams and rock foundations

Conclusions

The results presented for the computational investigations indicate that noncontact loosening (local failure) of the bed beneath the upstream face of concrete dams is inevitable for traditional mating between the dam and rock foundation (elastic fixity). The consequences of such local failure of the bed are universally known, and outlays for repair work may be commensurate with the cost of the retaining structure. In addition, the alternate mating schemes considered between concrete dams and a rock foundation, the outlays for the structural shaping of which are insignificant, make it possible to control the SSS of the bed beneath the upstream face of the dam. From this standpoint, a subvertical joint in the bed beneath the upstream face of the dam was found most effective.