CONCRETE FACE ROCKFILL DAMS

CONCEPTS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

ICOLD

COMMITTEE ON MATERIALS FOR FILL DAMS

November 2004
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface................................................................................................................... vii

1. Development of the Concrete Face Rockfill Dam ................................................... 1-1

1.1 Typical Current Section of the CFRD ........................................................... 1-2
1.2 Summary of 1965-2002 Progress To Current Practice .................................. 1-4
1.3 Features of The CFRD ................................................................................... 1-6
1.4 Evaluation of Leakage Performance.............................................................. 1-7
1.5 References...................................................................................................... 1-8

2. Analyses for Design.................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Static Stability of the CFRD .......................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Dynamic Stability of the CFRD..................................................................... 2-3
2.3 Defensive Design Concepts ......................................................................... 2-11
2.4 Settlement and Compression........................................................................ 2-12
2.5 Estimating Face Slab Deformation .............................................................. 2-16
2.6 Estimating Seepage Through The Foundation And The Slab ..................... 2-18
2.7 References.................................................................................................... 2-20

3. Foundation Excavation and Treatment ................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Foundation Treatment Objectives.................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Plinth Foundation Treatment ......................................................................... 3-2
3.3 Embankment Foundation Treatment............................................................ 3-12
3.4 Consolidation and Curtain Grouting............................................................ 3-12
3.5 References.................................................................................................... 3-17

4. Plinth .................................................................................................................. 4-1

4.1 Dimensions of the Plinth................................................................................ 4-1
4.2 Geometry Downstream of the Plinth ............................................................. 4-6
4.3 Geometric Layout of the Plinth...................................................................... 4-6
4.4 Stability of the Plinth ................................................................................... 4-10
4.5 Reinforcement, Waterstops, and Anchors ................................................... 4-13
4.6 References.................................................................................................... 4-13

5. Perimeter Joints and Waterstops ............................................................................ 5-1

5.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Perimeter Joint Designs ................................................................................. 5-3
5.3 Lower Water Barriers .................................................................................... 5-6
5.4 Middle Water Barriers ................................................................................... 5-9
5.5 Upper Water Barriers ................................................................................... 5-10
5.6 Additional Perimeter Joint Details............................................................... 5-14
5.7 References.................................................................................................... 5-15

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6. Face slab ................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1 Behavior of Face Slabs .................................................................................. 6-1
6.2 Face Slab Dimensions.................................................................................... 6-2
6.3 Crack Development in Face Slabs ................................................................. 6-6
6.4 Concrete Properties........................................................................................ 6-9
6.5 Reinforcing .................................................................................................. 6-10
6.6 Bond between Face Slab and Concrete Curb............................................... 6-12
6.7 References.................................................................................................... 6-13

7. Parapet wall ............................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Height of Wall................................................................................................ 7-1
7.3 Joint between Wall and Face Slab ................................................................. 7-1
7.4 Transverse Joints............................................................................................ 7-2
7.5 Abutment Details ........................................................................................... 7-3
7.6 Crest Width ................................................................................................... 7-3
7.7 Case Histories ................................................................................................ 7-3
7.8 References...................................................................................................... 7-7

8. Embankment Zones and Properties......................................................................... 8-1

8.1 Zoning of the CFRD ...................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Filter (Zone 2A) ............................................................................................ 8-3
8.3 Face Slab Support Material (Zone 2B) ......................................................... 8-9
8.4 Body of Dam (Zones 3A, 3B, and 3C) ........................................................ 8-18
8.5 Drainage (Zone 3D) ..................................................................................... 8-19
8.6 References ................................................................................................... 8-20

9. Instrumentation ......................................................................................................... 9-1

9.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 9-1
9.2 Limitations ..................................................................................................... 9-2
9.3 Instrumentation Systems................................................................................ 9-2
9.4 Case Histories ................................................................................................ 9-6
9.5 References...................................................................................................... 9-9

10. Performance of CFRDs ......................................................................................... 10-1

10.1 Moduli of Deformation .............................................................................. 10-1
10.2 Perimeter Joint Movement ........................................................................ 10-2
10.3 Post-Construction Crest Settlement .......................................................... 10-2
10.4 Leakage and Remedial Treatment ............................................................ 10-3
10.5 References................................................................................................ 10-20

11. Appurtenant Structures ....................................................................................... 11-1

11.1 Low level outlet ........................................................................................ 11-1
11.2 Connection to Spillway and Intake Walls.................................................. 11-2
11.3 Spillways over the dam.............................................................................. 11-3
11.4 References.................................................................................................. 11-4

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Appendix

Partial list of CFRDs with basic data, current as of Nov, 2004

iv
 PREFACE

Bulletin 70, Rockfill Dams with Concrete Facing, was published in 1989. The Bulletin
was authored by Jorge E. Hacelas and Alberto Marulanda on behalf of the Colombian
Committee on Large Dams for the ICOLD Committee on Materials for Fill Dams. In
addition to Bulletin 70, the following were the main sources for this update:

• Proceedings, Concrete Face Rockfill Dams, Design, Construction, and

Performance, ASCE, Detroit, October 1985.
• Proceedings, International Symposium on High Earth-Rockfill Dams-Especially
CFRD, Beijing, October 1993.
• Proceedings, Second Symposium on Concrete Face Rockfill Dams, Brazilian
Committee on Dams, Florianopolis, Brazil, October, 1999.
• CFRD 2000, Proceedings, International Symposium on Concrete Faced Rockfill
Dams, Beijing, September 2000.
• J. Barry Cooke Volume, Concrete Face Rockfill Dams, Beijing, September 2000.

Following the 1985 symposium in Detroit, USA, and during the decade of the 1990s, the
concrete face rockfill dam has become common. A cursory review of the listing of
CFRDs in the appendix indicates the widespread use and popularity of this type of dam.

The updated Bulletin contains eleven chapters devoted to design concepts, analysis,
foundation treatment, instrumentation, construction, and performance. The work of the
following authors is acknowledged:

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10: David E. Kleiner

Chapters 5 and 6: Jason E. Hedien
Chapters 7 and 9: Archie V. Sundaram and David E. Kleiner
Chapter 11: Carlos Jaramillo
Appendix J. Barry Cooke

The Chairman, Alberto Marulanda, provided detailed review and many contributions to
all chapters that added significantly to the bulletin.

Alberto Marulanda, Chairman

Committee on Materials for Fill Dams