1

Detailed investigations and finite element analysis of Idukki dam in India

V V Arora& Brijesh Singh

National Council for Cement & Building Materials, Ballabgarh, Haryana
Pramod Narayan& Bikram K Patra
Dam Safety Rehabilitation Directorate, Central Water Commission, Delhi

Abstract
The large dams are associated with certain risk hazards to downstream community,
property, and environment at the time of natural extreme events like earthquake and unprecedented
flood. These are complex structures, which are expected to withstand these extreme events without
unacceptable damages or losing the serviceability. Due to ageing, the dam materials deteriorate due
to severe weather impacts, chemical reactions and mechanical acations etc. that affect the strength
and ultimately the operational performance of these structures. Therefore, in order to ensure
expected operational performance, comprehensive safety review of such massive structures are
warranted. This paper presents one of the case studies of Idukki dam, only arch dam in India under
ongoing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) in India. The main objective of this
paper is to highlight the findings of various material properties of Idukki dam, use the actual
material and other input parameters to establish confidence in the numerical modelling by validating
dam behaviour through outcome of FEM model through instrumentation monitoring. Present study
scope was limited to the effect of static and thermal loads for the discontinuous model with galleries
for the combination of ambient temperature and water level. The thermo-static analysis results, i.e.
displacement vectors from the ABAQUS Package, are in conformation with the observed dam
behaviour as per instrumentation data and results are more accurate when the vertical joints are
taken into consideration.

Key Words: Arch Dam, Finite Element Method, Thermal Stresses and Alkali Silica Reaction

1.0 Introduction

There are a large number of very important and valuable large concrete dams around the
world and India that are entering “middle age”. The need to deal with “ageing related issues” of the
concrete is clearly increasing as many of them being near 50 years old. In the course of time during
the operation of those dams partly the design philosophy and construction methods have changed to
cope with the state of the art. It is of importance to reconsider under such circumstances loading
conditions to minimize possible risks [1 & 2]. The two important chemical reactions which have a
capability to cause swelling in concrete dams are Alkali Aggregate Reaction and Ettringite
formation. They lead to an expansion of the material and induce generally cracking and degradation
of the mechanical properties. This implies problems in terms of serviceability, structural integrity [3
& 4] and durability since cracking causes the ingress of external species prone to initiate other
degradations [5 & 6]. To deal with the affected structures, it is thus necessary to precisely
understand the chemo-mechanical effects of each reaction. Ageing of a dam is a process which
includes the dam structure together with grouting works, joints etc. and the foundation. Therefore,
in order to ensure expected operational performance, comprehensive safety review of such massive
structures are warranted. These review will be the basis to address various associated risks through
required rehabilitation measures. During evaluation of performance of these structures especially of

1
ICOLD Ottawa 2019
concrete dams, in-situ properties of various materials of dams for using in advanced modeling are
one of important input. The representative material samplings for working out their properties and
analyzing the dam behaviour will yield bankable modeling output parameters.
This paper presents one of the case studies of Idukki dam, only arch dam in India under
ongoing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) in India. It highlights the importance
of in-situ properties of dam construction material over a period of time. These actual properties of
material plays an important role in the advanced FEM modeling of dams wherein basic objective
remains to get reliable model output about the realistic deformations, stresses, inclination etc. in
order to address the problem through appropriate rehabilitation. Also it gives an overall view about
the expected material behavior at the construction stage and design life. These material properties
are very sensitive in evaluating various engineering parameters required for bankable dam design.
In the ongoing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), NCCBM is associated
officially with CWC in some of the important modeling works of few DRIP dams to test various
existing dam material properties as a model input. The overall results are very encouraging and
rehabilitations of some very challenging problems in an existing dam are also a herculean task for
the dam owners as well as dam safety professionals.
The main objective of this paper is to highlight the findings of various material properties of
Idukki dam, use the actual material and other input parameters establish confidence in the numerical
modelling by tallying dam behaviour through outcome of FEM model through instrumentation
monitoring. This dam suffered a continuous upstream deflection from beginning of 1982 along with
signs of minor distress. That was the reason to undertake a comprehensive examination of dam’s
physical conditions and unusual behaviour including the 3-D numerical modelling of dam by using
the ABAQUS FEM software. Arch Dam in this case study is double curvature large thin arch dam,
which features horizontal as well as vertical arches; the geometry of this type can be accommodated
in nearly all asymmetric valley shape. The 3D numerical model consisted broadly two model i.e.
continuum and dis-continuum model - the first one without any vertical block joints and the latter
one with vertical block joints. Both models include the exact simulation of the geometric, material
behaviour and boundary condition of the dam using ABAQUS package. The effects of temperature
change in an arch dam are often a major part of the design considerations. Especially in the smaller
dams, the stresses caused by temperature changes can be larger than those from the reservoir
loading. The effects of temperature change depend on the thermal properties of the concrete [7].
Present study scope was limited to the effect of static and thermal loads for the
discontinuous model with galleries for the combination of ambient temperature and water level. The
thermo-static analysis results, i.e. displacement vectors from the ABAQUS Package, are in
conformation with the observed dam behaviour as per instrumentation data and results are more
accurate when the vertical joints are taken into consideration.

2.0 Field and Laboratory Investigations

The field investigations included Non-Destructive Tests such as Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
test, Carbonation test, Resistivity test, Half-Cell Potential test, In-situ Moisture content using
Humidity Meter, Air Permeability test etc. The laboratory investigations for determining basic
engineering properties of aged concrete Arch dam included Compressive Strength, Tensile Strength,
Poisson’s Ratio, Static Modulus of Elasticity, Drying Shrinkage, Moisture Movement and
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion. The studies were also conducted to investigate the
expansion in concrete arch dam which included petrographic analysis, detailed mineralogical
analysis covering the absence / presence of reactive aggregates prone to Alkali-Silica reaction and
surface morphology study of concrete samples by Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) method
including detection of ettringite presence and fracture pattern.
2.1 Field Investigations
The Non-Destructive tests were conducted in all the three galleries (inside and outside) and
accessible portions of downstream and upstream (inside portion) of dam. These tests mainly
included Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test, Half Cell Potential Test, In-situ Moisture content
using Humidity meter, Resistivity Test & Air Permeability Test. Based on the investigations done, it
was seen that for both the arch and gravity dam the field studies indicate that there is no carbonation
and corrosion activity taking place inside the dam. The overall quality of concrete found by
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity method is sound. The UPV values varied between 4.09 km/sec to 5.99
km/sec with an overall average ultrasonic pulse velocity value of 4.98 km/sec. When these values
are compared with the velocity criteria of IS: 13311 (Part 1)–1992, the overall quality of concrete is
assessed to be “Excellent” in general. The test results of resistivity test and humidity meter indicate
that moisture content in U/S side is higher than D/S side. The chloride, sulphate, pH and all other
chemical parameters are within the permissible limit given in IS: 456-2000 for both concrete and
water. No adverse chemical presence in concrete and water samples in general is seen. The six
different locations where resistivity readings were taken are downstream bottom side, Gallery-1
(inside downstream side and upstream side), Gallery-2 (inside downstream side and upstream side)
and Gallery-3. The values of resistivity range from 34.00 kΩcm to 90.33 kΩcm. The test results
indicate that moisture content in upstream side is higher than downstream side and same is
confirmed by humidity meter test results. Air Permeability tests were carried out randomly at
different accessible locations and results are given in Table 2. The four different locations where
moisture content in-situ readings were taken are downstream bottom side, Gallery-1, Gallery-2 and
Galllery-3. The coefficient of Air Permeability (kT [10 -16 m2]) varied from 0.004 to 0.098 which
indicated that quality of near surface concrete falls in very good to good category.
Ambient temperatures and CO2 levels were measured randomly at downstream outside,
inside Gallery-1, inside Gallery-2 and inside Gallery-3. The CO2 levels inside galleries were in the
range of 550 PPM and on downstream outside, it was in the range of 410 PPM. The ambient
temperatures inside galleries were in the range of 24˚C and on downstream outside, it was in the
range of 32˚C. The ambient humidity inside galleries was in the range of 95 percent and on
downstream outside, it was in the range of 78 percent. The temperature variations inside the
concrete were recorded inserting Thermister into the drilled holes of around 450 mm at downstream
outside and inside Gallery-3. The inside temperature at 450 mm depth on downstream outside and
inside Gallery-3 was 29˚C and 23˚C. The temperature on upstream side reservoir was around 21˚C.
Based on temperature study done, it is seen that there exists temperature gradient of around 8 degree
Celsius in the month of October when readings were taken and this temperature variation will be
higher in summer season. Therefore, temperature gradient inside the concrete in Ach dam can be
critical parameter for predicting expansive behaviour of arch dam.

2.2 Laboratory Investigations

The concrete core samples were extracted (figure -1) from all the accessible portions of the
dam covering the entire structure. Total numbers of 60 concrete core samples of 150 mm and 100
mm diameter were tested and results for mechanical properties were analyzed. The comparison of
compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio and split tensile Strength of concrete
with 28 days field test results during construction is presented here with the test results of these
parameters obtained after 40 years age during investigation.
 Figure-1 Concrete Core Extraction from U/S Side and Inside Gallery of Concrete Arch Dam

The results are given in Table-1. The studies done at the time of execution of the arch dam
indicated that the gain in strength from 28 to 365 days will be 1.50 times the strength at 28 days for
cylinder of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm length where maximum size of aggregate used in
concrete was 150 mm. The test results of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, poisson’s
ratio and split tensile strength are in similar range to the designed values considered in the design.
The percentage of 28 days average split tensile strength to 28 days average compressive strength
obtained during construction was 8.80 %. In present study, average split tensile strength to average
compressive strength obtained at about 40 years age is 7.64%.
Table 1
Comparison of Compressive Strength, Modulus of Elasticity, Poisson’s Ratio and Split Tensile Strength of
concrete with field test results at 28 days age

Sl. Parameters Tested at 28 days Age at the time of at 40 years age under
No. Construction present investigation
1 Compressive Strength (N/mm2) 26.92 39.09
2 Split Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 2.37 2.99
3 Modulus of Elasticity (N/mm2) 20685 30658
4 Poisson’s Ratio 0.21 0.25

The drying shrinkage and moisture movement test is conducted in similar line as per IS:
1199 and coefficient of thermal expansion in similar line as per CRD-C-39-81 (Table 2). On perusal
of test results of drying shrinkage and moisture movement, it is seen that the drying shrinkage and
moisture movement values in upstream portion of dam is higher as compared to downstream
portion. This indicates that there is chance of structure undergoing differential shrinkage depending
upon temperature, and humidity leading to stress generation. The coefficient of thermal expansion
values vary from 10.23 X 10-6 to 11.11 X 10 -6 and average thermal co-efficient for various locations
are given in Table-3.The temperature variations inside the concrete were recorded inserting
Thermister into the drilled holes at downstream bottom outside, inside Gallery-1, inside Gallery-2
and inside Gallery-3 and variation in ambient and inside temperature was of the order 2 to 3 oC.
Table 2

Test Results of Drying Shrinkage, Moisture Movement and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
Location Dry Shrinkage Moisture Average Thermal
(Actual Remaining) (After Wetting) Movement Coefficient
Range (%) (10-6) / oC
D/S 0.005 to 0.010 0.008 to 0.014 0.011 to 0.016 10.64
U/S 0.011 to 0.017 0.014 to 0.020 0.015 to 0.023 10.76
Gallery-1 0.010 to 0.014 0.014 to 0.017 0.016 to 0.019 10.75
Gallery-2 0.0152 0.0193 0.0256 10.85
Gallery-3 0.008 to 0.015 0.010 to 0.017 0.013 to 0.020 10.80
2.3 Mineralogical properties including Alkali Silica Reaction & Ettringite Formation
This study was conducted on concrete core samples extracted randomly from various
locations of dam covering entire structure. The petrographic analysis of coarse aggregate indicated
aggregate type as Hypersthene-Granite. The major mineral constituents were orthoclase-feldspar,
quartz, hypersthene and plagioclase-feldspar. Accessory minerals were pyrite, microcline-feldspar
& iron oxide.Grain size of quartz varied from 18µm to 478µm with an average of 264µm. Majority
of quartz grains were in the size range of 200 µm to 260 µm. The strained quartz percentage is
about 16% and their undulatory extinction angle (UEA) varied from 19 0 to 210. Lath shaped
hypersthene grains were partially altered. The modal composition obtained is: (a) Trade Group:
Granite (Igneous Rock), (b) Petrological name: Hypersthene-Granite, (c) Particle shape: Irregular
and (d) Surface texture: Crystalline. Based on petrographic studies it was also observed that,
orthoclase grains present in coarse aggregate were affected more than other feldspar. However,
alterations of minerals were not very common hence petrographically it is concluded that both the
coarse and fine aggregates were partially affected by hydration reactions and their hydration
products. The petrography analysis of concrete samples indicated presence of onset of Alkali Silica
reaction (preliminary stage) and examination of ASR rims indicated that the infection were due to
presence of orthoclase. The concrete core samples were also examined under Scanning Electron
Microscope(SEM) and their test results are given inFigure-3. Based on SEM study carried out it
was seen that numerous microcracks were observed at the interfacial zone and also in the paste.
Ettringite formation of size ranging less than 2 microns to 60 microns was found in most of the
samples. Pyrite (FeS2) crystals were present as minor constituents in Hypersthene granite (upto 1-
4%). Microscopic studies revealed that pyrite was mainly outsourcing Sulphur for formation of
ettringite, which was randomly distributed in the Hypersthene-granite (coarse aggregate
component).

Figure-3 SEM Images indicating Ettringite in Concrete samples

To ascertain the ettringite formation in terms of percentage, ten samples from each concrete
core were taken under observation. The studies were carried out with 1000 counts from each core.
The percentages of ettringite formation vary from less than 1% to 3 % with respect to 5% to 8 % of
open air voids present in the concrete. The ettringite formation of order 1 % to 3 % is not likely to
cause any expansion. When pores were studied under microscope, it was observed that ettringite
formation had taken place with three types i.e. crystalline, semi-crystalline and gel. Grain size
variation was large. Upstream Core samples showed more ettringite than downstream samples
(figure-4).
 Figure-4 Optical microscopic images of Concrete Samples

Due to the ageing effect on concrete, the three types of feldspars and pyrite present in the
coarse aggregate component may also disintegrate and transform into either in other mineral or by
product. However, this disintegration would most likely get deposited in-situ. Under conditions of
extreme deterioration and repeated wetting & drying, ettringite crystals can appear to completely fill
voids or cracks. However, ettringite, found in this benign state as large needle-like crystals, should
not be interpreted as causing the expansion of deteriorating concrete (reference “Portland Cement
Association, PCA R & D, Serial No.2166”.ASR and Thaumasite were also identified in the few
samples under SEM study. ASR rims were also checked for Alkali Silica Reaction products. The
results obtained revealed that initial stage of ASR was observed on the boundaries between coarse
aggregate and cement mortar. Aggravated ASR reactions were more on the boundaries between
partially altered coarse aggregate used and mortar part. The thickness of ASR rims varies from few
microns to 50 microns in size. In few instances, the pores containing crystalline mass were observed
on the boundaries of ASR rims. Microcline grains were also partially affected by ASR but effect of
ASR on Microcline was less aggressive than orthoclase. In few instances, some plagioclase grains
had also shown effect of ASR on the grain boundaries. The test results of accelerated Mortar Bar
Test as per ASTM C-1260 for coarse aggregate taken from concrete cores extracted from dam
structure indicated that the net expansion in coarse aggregate sample is 0.08 percent. The test results
of accelerated Mortar Bar Test in similar lines to ASTM C-1260 conducted on concrete core
extracted from dam for determining residual expansion indicated the net expansion 0.04 percent. As
the residual net expansion of concrete samples even after the age of 50 years is less than 0.1 percent
the aggregates are not under potentially reactive category.
Therefore, based on the field and laboratory studies carried out, the possible cause of
displacement and cracking in arch concrete dam were identified as Alkali Silica Reaction, Thermal
Stresses and Differential Drying Shrinkage. The finite element analysis using the findings of field
and laboratory studies to predict the dam behaviour was carried out and are discussed under heading
finite element analysis.
3.0 Finite Element Analysis of Arch Dam
 The Arch
concrete Dam
under reference is
a double curvature,
large thin arch dam,
constructed in
1974.Under the
normal operating
and climatic condition
as well as dam body
internal chemical
reactions such as
cement hydration
an alkali aggregate reaction aged high elevated concrete arch dam experiences some changes in its
structural characteristics like concrete M.O.E in dam body, unusual reversal deflection in the
upstream direction of the dam. It has been observed a continuous crack in the downstream wall of
the inspection gallery. Height of dam is 365.76m long at its crest. The height of dam at its central
cantilever is 168.91m. The width of dam at its crest is 7.62 m while its deepest width is 19.81m.
The pictorial views (figure-5) of the arch dam are presented in the following Plates:

Figure-5 Layout of dam used as a basis for 3-D modelling

From the time of initial instrumentation readings (1975 & 1978) and up to 1982, the
instrumentation of three blocks of dam, Nos. 1, 7 and 8, had exhibited downstream deflection of
dam crest. In 1982, the process of dam first impoundment was finished; and subsequent in- readings
indicated a reversal of dam deflection trend. The two instrumentations were meritorious to judge the
trend of dam deflections: the pendulums installed at blocks 1, 7 and 8, and the collimation system
which was established for dam crest. The following are the times and the reservoir water levels at
which the zero (initial pendulum readings) were taken at the time:
Block No. Year of Installation. RWL % Max. W.L
Block 8 16 August 1975 2254feet 71% of max hydraulic head, 168.91m
Block 1 28 January 1978 2356feet 89.6% of max hydraulic head, 168.91m
Block 7 19 June 1975 <2254 feet 84.5% of max hydraulic head, 168.91m
Collimation: …..1 April 1977, RWL 2327.92feet, (84.5% of max hydraulic head, 168.91m).
Max/Min Deformation lines of blocks 1, 7 and 8 monitored by pendulum and evaluated as representative for
fluctuating hydrostatic and temperature loads for the period of 2013 to 2014

Dam crest movements coinciding to blocks 1, 7 and 8 monitored by collimation adjustments and evaluated as
representative for fluctuating hydrostatic and temperature loads for period of 2013 to 2014
 A comprehensive FEM model run by Abaqus software was applied to set fort the dam
behaviour under characteristic static and dynamic conditions. Dam-foundation compound model
was taken to be appropriate for analysis of arch dam structure. The 3-D model was devised and it
was basically fragmented to concrete dam and deformable rock mass. Concrete material was taken
to behave according to linear elasticity law. The elasticity model was justified on the ground of the
maximum principal stresses evaluated in dam body which do not exceed the limit of proportionality.
The supporting rock mass was modelled according to Mohr-Coulomb failure (plasticity) criterion.
Material properties considered are shown in the subsequent tables. Block joints (where modelled)
were assigned the role of cohesive interaction while relative sliding is constrained due to presence
of shear keys. Opening is permitted between Dam blocks due to applied loads. Similarly, Dam-
foundation interaction is modelled with contact interactions where relative sliding is constrained but
opening is allowed. The 3-D computational model discretized into finite elements was serving as
prototype for analysing dam behaviour. The prototype was processed with ABAQUS 6.13-4
software. ABAQUS/standard procedure has been used for this analysis. All the dam blocks and rock
foundation including abutments has been meshed with C3D10I, which is second order tetrahedron
elements with improved surface stress visualization. Such elements provide better for capturing the
bending behaviour.

In addition, Pure Heat transfer analysis is also performed to calculate temperatures within
the dam body. Temperatures computed from this analysis are then mapped onto the structural model
in Abaqus. For this analysis DC3D10, which is second order 10 node heat transfer tetrahedron
 element, has been used. Following figure illustrates the temperature boundary conditions used for
heat transfer analysis for different water levels and ambient temperature.

Temperature Loads allocated to heat transfer dam

Temperature Loads allocated to heat transfer dam models for MWL and maximum ambient
models for FRL and minimum ambient temperature temperature

The details of engineering material properties considered for Finite element method study using
Abaqus.
A-1. Physical, Mechanical and Mineralogical of Properties Concrete

Description Recommended by ICOLD 2008i) Adopted for this Study

Volumetric Weight, dry density of concrete, γ - 0.0245 MN/m3
Compressive Strength of 27.5 to 30.5 Mpa
40 MPa
intact concrete material, fc’ (Euro Code 2, fc’ = 20 to 30 MPa)
Tensile Strength of intact concrete material, ft - 2.7 MPa
Tensile Strength of rock mass - concrete 0.80*ft
0.0
joints, f tj Equivalent to 0.8*2.7 =2.0 MPa
Creeping of the Concrete: Creeping stresses
(0.35 to 0.40)* fc’ whereupon creeping 16 MPa
level after which the concrete is expected to
deformation increases (0.4*35MPa)
start creeping.
Sustained Modulus of E= 25 to 28 GPa
25 000 MPa
ElasticityE E=9.1*(fc’+8)1/3(Euro code 2)
Poisson Ratio of Concrete Materialµ 0.17 to 0.20 0.20
Shear Strengthofintact concrete materialC 0.15*fc’(=6.0Mpa) 4.0 MPa
Estimated to 40*10-6 0.156*10-3
(Long-term shrinkage of arch dams,
Remaining shrinkage of concrete
inducing opening of block & 0.59*10-4
foundation joints)

A.2. Thermal Properties of Concrete

Description Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity Specific Heat Thermal

Thermal Expansion Diffusivity

As advised by ICOLD, 2008i) 2.6 to 2.7 [W/(m0C)] 0.850 – 1.15

(7 – 9)x10‐06/0C 0.0040 m2/h
Granite Aggregate kJ/kg ºC
Concrete
Adopted for this Study 10.7 x 10‐06 /0C 2.65 [W/m0C] 1 kJ/Kg0C 0.0040m2/h

A.3. Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rock Mass

Description Hypersthene Granite(bedrock sections)

Volumetric Weight (γ) 0.025 MN/m3
Modulus of Elasticity (Deformability) (E) 21 000 MPa
Poisson Ratio (μ) 0.20
Tensile Strength 1.5 MPa
Cohesion (C), Peak value 2.5 MPa
Angle of internal friction (f), peak value 45 0

4.0 Results and Discussions of FEM Analysis

For this study, discontinuous models with galleries have been considered which simulates
dam-foundation interaction, dam block interaction. Following FEM models have been analysed
a. Min Operation level of the reservoir, 2280 ft, associated with Max concrete temperatures
b. Min Operation level of the reservoir, 2280 ft, associated with Min concrete temperatures
c. Max Operation level of the reservoir, 2408 ft, associated with Max concrete temperatures.
d. Max Operation level of the reservoir, 2408 ft, associated with Min concrete temperatures.

First heat transfer analysis is performed based on the above Water level and ambient
temperature conditions and the temperatures are then mapped onto the structural model. Structural
loads includes gravity, hydrostatic and thermal stresses due to thermal expansion. Following table
shows the correlation obtained between the instrumentation data and the results obtained from FEA
model.
5.0 Conclusions
Based on the field and laboratory investigations carried out in this study, following
conclusions can be drawn:
 The field studies indicate that there is no carbonation and corrosion activity taking place
inside the concrete structure of dam. The overall quality of concrete is sound and the
experimental test results of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, poisson’s ratio
and split tensile strength are in similar range to the designed values for these parameters
considered in design.
 The petrographic analysis of coarse aggregate indicates presence of onset of Alkali
Silica reaction (preliminary stage) and aggregate type as Hypersthene-Granite.
Petrographic, SEM and XRD studies indicated ettringite formation in large number of
voids. The percentages of ettringite formation vary from less than 1-3 % with respect to
5-8 % of open air voids present in the concrete and ettringite formation of order 1-3 % is
not likely to cause any expansion. The results of Accelerated Mortar Bar Test in similar
lines to ASTM C-1260 conducted on concrete cores for determining residual expansion
indicated the net expansion 0.17 %. As the residual net expansion of concrete samples
even after the age of 40 years are between 0.10 to 0.20 % there is possibility of
aggregate being slow reactive.
 The expansion study indicates that though the aggregate is not under potentially reactive
category and the typical pattern cracking due to ASR will not occur but length change
can be caused even by small amount of ASR expansion. With the end restraints in case
of arch dam, this small expansion may also add to the movement of mid-point towards
upstream side. Therefore, based on the field and lab study carried out, one of the main
cause of displacement and cracking in arch concrete dam were identified as Alkali Silica
Reaction apart from thermal stresses and differential drying shrinkage.
 In substance, the arch dam under study is currently suffering slow irrecoverable
upstream movement of central dam crest. According to pendulum lines, maximum
movement was observed in 2013/014 when reaching 41.7mm. The movement averaged
to 32 years of upstream trending of dam, amounts to 1.30mm/yr. Because of late base
line reading of pendulums, the maximum dam movement is supposed to be lower. In
addition, the dam is suffering sub-horizontal crack along the downstream wall of upper
inspection gallery, the aperture of which reaches 1.20mm. The upstream wall of the
gallery was cracked on much lower extent. There is also loss of contact between the
upper gallery and the rock mass, the max aperture of which is 0.45mm.The study
correctly tallies with the trend that is observed in the instrumentation data. Further
analysis could be performed for more sophisticated analysis

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