Cutoffs in dams: overview and recent developments.

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Abstract

The purpose of dams is to retain water or, in the case of tailings dams, to retain saturated materials. In most cases, the body of a well-performing dam can be considered impervious; however, seepage through the foundation depends on the geological conditions and is often excessive. This seepage is usually controlled by grout curtains, cutoffs, or a combination of both. Illustrated by recent case studies, this paper will present and discuss cutoffs and their recent technological developments: different construction techniques and materials constituting the cutoffs; excavation equipment; and the monitoring technologies used during and after excavation to ensure the quality of the final product. The challenges of new-build construction and of dam repair will also be addressed.  

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Short Curriculum

With 20 years of experience in the geotechnics of complex international infrastructure, Gustavo is dam engineering leader for the Soletanche Bachy group, and geotechnics lecturer at Centrale Supélec Grande Ecole. Gustavo’s main areas of interest are soil structure interaction and geotechnical earthquake engineering, subjects on which he has delivered several lectures and written numerous publications. Gustavo is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (CEng MICE), a Geotechnics Specialist (OEP) and a member of FRCOLD and ICOLD.