Uplift at the base of concrete gravity dam: Design standard and field data

Abstract

Uplift at the base is a great influential load in the design and operation of concrete gravity dam. To optimize and economize the cross section of the dam, the grout curtain and drainage system are used together to reduce uplift. However, the grout curtain is also the easiest part for failure so that it greatly
affects to safety of the dam. In this research, the authors study the discrepancy of uplift magnitude between design standard and field data, as well as analyze the main causes of that discrepancy