Em 1110-2-2200

EM 1110-2-2200
30 June 1995
US Army Corps
of Engineers
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
Gravity Dam Design
ENGINEER MANUAL
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AVAILABILITY
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Phone (703)487-4650.
Government agencies can order directlyu from the U.S. Army
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Army Corps of Engineers personnel should use Engineer Form
0-1687.
UPDATES
For a list of all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publications
and their most recent publication dates, refer to Engineer
Pamphlet 25-1-1, Index of Publications, Forms and Reports.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington, DC 20314-1000
CECW-ED
Manual
No. 1110-2-2200
EM 1110-2-2200
30 June 1995
Engineering and Design

GRAVITY DAM DESIGN
1. Purpose. The purpose of this manual is to provide technical criteria and guidance for the planning
and design of concrete gravity dams for civil works projects.

2. Applicability. This manual applies to all HQUSACE elements, major subordinate commands,
districts, laboratories, and field operating activities having responsibilities for the design of civil works
projects.
3. Discussion. This manual presents analysis and design guidance for concrete gravity dams.
Conventional concrete and roller compacted concrete are both addressed. Curved gravity dams
designed for arch action and other types of concrete gravity dams are not covered in this manual. For
structures consisting of a section of concrete gravity dam within an embankment dam, the concrete
section will be designed in accordance with this manual.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
This engineer manual supersedes EM 1110-2-2200 dated 25 September 1958.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington, DC 20314-1000
CECW-ED
EM 1110-2-2200
Manual
No. 1110-2-2200
30 June 1995
Engineering and Design

GRAVITY DAM DESIGN
Table of Contents
Subject
Chapter 1
Introduction
Purpose . . . .
Scope . . . . . .
Applicability .
References . .
Terminology .
Paragraph
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Chapter 2
General Design Considerations
Types of Concrete Gravity Dams . . .
Coordination Between Disciplines . .
Construction Materials . . . . . . . . . .
Site Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining Foundation Strength
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1-1
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-1
Subject
Paragraph
Chapter 5
Static and Dynamic Stress
Analyses
Stress Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dynamic Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dynamic Analysis Process . . . . . . .
Interdisciplinary Coordination . . . . .
Performance Criteria for Response to
Site-Dependent Earthquakes . . . . .
Geological and Seismological
Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting the Controlling Earthquakes
Characterizing Ground Motions . . . .
Dynamic Methods of Stress Analysis
Page
5-1
5-2
5-3
5-4
5-1
5-1
5-2
5-2
5-5
5-2
5-6
5-7
5-8
5-9
5-2
5-2
5-3
5-4
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-3
. 2-5
2-4
Chapter 3
Design Data
Concrete Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Foundation Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3-1
3-2
3-3
Chapter 6
Temperature Control of Mass
Concrete
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermal Properties of Concrete . .
Thermal Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Control Methods . . .
6-1
6-2
6-3
6-4
6-1
6-1
6-1
6-2
4-1
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-3
4-4
4-10
4-10
Chapter 7
Structural Design Considerations
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Contraction and Construction Joints . 7-2
Waterstops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Spillway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Spillway Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Spillway Piers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Outlet Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Foundation Grouting and Drainage . . 7-8
7-1
7-1
7-1
7-1
7-2
7-2
7-3
7-3
Chapter 4
Stability Analysis
Introduction . . . . . . . . .
Basic Loading Conditions
Dam Profiles . . . . . . . . .
Stability Considerations .
Overturning Stability . . .
Sliding Stability . . . . . . .
Base Pressures . . . . . . . .
Computer Programs . . . .
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EM 1110-2-1906
30 Sep 96
Subject
Paragraph
Galleries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Chapter 8
Reevaluation of Existing Dams
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reevaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Considerations of Deviation from
Structural Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . .
Structural Requirements for Remedial
Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methods of Improving Stability in
Existing Structures . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stability on Deep-Seated Failure
Planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Subject
7-3
7-4
Economic Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

Design and Construction
Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
. 8-1
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8-1
8-1
8-1
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8-2
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8-2
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8-2
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8-3
8-4
Chapter 9
Roller-Compacted Concrete
Gravity Dams
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Construction Method . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
8-1
9-1
Appendix A
References
Appendix B
Glossary
Appendix C
Derivation of the General
Wedge Equation
Appendix D
Example Problems - Sliding
Analysis for Single and
Multiple Wedge Systems
ii
Paragraph
Page
9-1
9-3
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EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
b. The procedures in this manual cover only dams
on rock foundations. Dams on pile foundations should be
designed according to Engineer Manual
(EM) 1110-2-2906.
Chapter 1
Introduction
1-1. Purpose
The purpose of this manual is to provide technical criteria
and guidance for the planning and design of concrete
gravity dams for civil works projects. Specific areas
covered include design considerations, load conditions,
stability requirements, methods of stress analysis, seismic
analysis guidance, and miscellaneous structural features.
Information is provided on the evaluation of existing
structures and methods for improving stability.
1-2. Scope
c. Except as specifically noted throughout the

manual, the guidance for the design of RCC and conventional concrete dams will be the same.
1-3. Applicability
This manual applies to all HQUSACE elements, major
subordinate commands, districts, laboratories, and field
operating activities having responsibilities for the design
of civil works projects.
1-4. References
a. This manual presents analysis and design guidance

for concrete gravity dams. Conventional concrete and
roller compacted concrete (RCC) are both addressed.
Curved gravity dams designed for arch action and other
types of concrete gravity dams are not covered in this
manual. For structures consisting of a section of concrete
gravity dam within an embankment dam, the concrete
section will be designed in accordance with this manual.
Required and
Appendix A.
related
publications
are
listed
in
1-5. Terminology
Appendix B contains definitions of terms that relate to the
design of concrete gravity dams.
This engineer manual supersedes EM 1110-2-2200 dated

25 September 1958.
1-1
EM 1110-2-2200
30 June 95
Chapter 2
General Design Considerations
2-1. Types of Concrete Gravity Dams

Basically, gravity dams are solid concrete structures that
maintain their stability against design loads from the
geometric shape and the mass and strength of the concrete. Generally, they are constructed on a straight axis,
but may be slightly curved or angled to accommodate the
specific site conditions. Gravity dams typically consist of
a nonoverflow section(s) and an overflow section or spillway. The two general concrete construction methods for
concrete gravity dams are conventional placed mass concrete and RCC.
a.
Conventional concrete dams.
(1) Conventionally placed mass concrete dams are

characterized by construction using materials and techniques employed in the proportioning, mixing, placing,
curing, and temperature control of mass concrete (American Concrete Institute (ACI) 207.1 R-87). Typical overflow and nonoverflow sections are shown on Figures 2-1
and 2-2. Construction incorporates methods that have
been developed and perfected over many years of designing and building mass concrete dams. The cement hydration process of conventional concrete limits the size and
rate of concrete placement and necessitates building in
monoliths to meet crack control requirements. Generally
using large-size coarse aggregates, mix proportions are
selected to produce a low-slump concrete that gives economy, maintains good workability during placement, develops minimum temperature rise during hydration, and
produces important properties such as strength, impermeability, and durability. Dam construction with conventional concrete readily facilitates installation of conduits,
penstocks, galleries, etc., within the structure.
(2) Construction procedures include batching and
mixing, and transportation, placement, vibration, cooling,
curing, and preparation of horizontal construction joints
between lifts. The large volume of concrete in a gravity
dam normally justifies an onsite batch plant, and requires
an aggregate source of adequate quality and quantity,
located at or within an economical distance of the project.
Transportation from the batch plant to the dam is generally performed in buckets ranging in size from 4 to
12 cubic yards carried by truck, rail, cranes, cableways, or
a combination of these methods. The maximum bucket
size is usually restricted by the capability of effectively
spreading and vibrating the concrete pile after it is
dumped from the bucket. The concrete is placed in lifts

of 5- to 10-foot depths. Each lift consists of successive
layers not exceeding 18 to 20 inches. Vibration is generally performed by large one-man, air-driven, spud-type
vibrators. Methods of cleaning horizontal construction
joints to remove the weak laitance film on the surface
during curing include green cutting, wet sand-blasting,
and high-pressure air-water jet. Additional details of
conventional concrete placements are covered in
EM 1110-2-2000.
(3) The heat generated as cement hydrates requires
careful temperature control during placement of mass concrete and for several days after placement. Uncontrolled
heat generation could result in excessive tensile stresses
due to extreme gradients within the mass concrete or due
to temperature reductions as the concrete approaches its
annual temperature cycle. Control measures involve precooling and postcooling techniques to limit the peak temperatures and control the temperature drop. Reduction in
the cement content and cement replacement with pozzolans have reduced the temperature-rise potential. Crack
control is achieved by constructing the conventional concrete gravity dam in a series of individually stable monoliths separated by transverse contraction joints. Usually,
monoliths are approximately 50 feet wide. Further details
on temperature control methods are provided in
Chapter 6.
b. Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) gravity dams.
The design of RCC gravity dams is similar to conventional concrete structures. The differences lie in the construction methods, concrete mix design, and details of the
appurtenant structures. Construction of an RCC dam is a
relatively new and economical concept. Economic advantages are achieved with rapid placement using construction techniques that are similar to those employed for
embankment dams. RCC is a relatively dry, lean, zero
slump concrete material containing coarse and fine aggregate that is consolidated by external vibration using vibratory rollers, dozer, and other heavy equipment. In the
hardened condition, RCC has similar properties to conventional concrete. For effective consolidation, RCC must be
dry enough to support the weight of the construction
equipment, but have a consistency wet enough to permit
adequate distribution of the past binder throughout the
mass during the mixing and vibration process and, thus,
achieve the necessary compaction of the RCC and prevention of undesirable segregation and voids. The consistency requirements have a direct effect on the mixture proportioning requirements (ACI 207.1 R-87). EM 11102-2006, Roller Compacted Concrete, provides detailed
2-1
EM 1110-2-2200
30 June 95
Figure 2-1. Typical dam overflow section
guidance on the use, design, and construction of RCC.

Further discussion on the economic benefits and the
design and construction considerations is provided in
Chapter 9.
mechanisms, and other related features of the analytical

models. The structural engineer should be involved in
these activities to obtain a full understanding of the limits
of uncertainty in the selection of loads, strength parameters, and potential planes of failure within the foundation.
2-2. Coordination Between Disciplines

A fully coordinated team of structural, material, and geotechnical engineers, geologists, and hydrological and
hydraulic engineers should ensure that all engineering and
geological considerations are properly integrated into the
overall design. Some of the critical aspects of the analysis and design process that require coordination are:
a. Preliminary assessments of geological data, subsurface conditions, and rock structure.
Preliminary
designs are based on limited site data. Planning and
evaluating field explorations to make refinements in
design based on site conditions should be a joint effort of
structural and geotechnical engineers.
b. Selection of material properties, design parameters, loading conditions, loading effects, potential failure
c. Evaluation of the technical and economic feasibility of alternative type structures. Optimum structure
type and foundation conditions are interrelated. Decisions
on alternative structure types to be used for comparative
studies need to be made jointly with geotechnical engineers to ensure the technical and economic feasibility of
the alternatives.
d. Constructibility reviews in accordance with
ER 415-1-11. Participation in constructibility reviews is
necessary to ensure that design assumptions and methods
of construction are compatible. Constructibility reviews
should be followed by a memorandum from the Directorate of Engineering to the Resident Engineer concerning
special design considerations and scheduling of construction visits by design engineers during crucial stages of
construction.
2-2
EM 1110-2-2200
30 June 95
quality control structures need to be developed jointly
with hydrologists and mechanical and hydraulics
engineers.
h. Modification to the structure configuration during construction due to unexpected variations in the foundation conditions. Modifications during construction are
costly and should be avoided if possible by a comprehensive exploration program during the design phase. However, any changes in foundation strength or rock structure
from those upon which the design is based must be fully
evaluated by the structural engineer.
2-3. Construction Materials
Figure 2-2. Nonoverflow section
e. Refinement of the preliminary structure configuration to reflect the results of detailed site explorations,
materials availability studies, laboratory testing, and
numerical analysis. Once the characteristics of the foundation and concrete materials are defined, the founding
levels of the dam should be set jointly by geotechnical
and structural engineers, and concrete studies should be
made to arrive at suitable mixes, lift thicknesses, and
required crack control measures.
f. Cofferdam and diversion layout, design, and
sequencing requirements. Planning and design of these
features will be based on economic risk and require the
joint effort of hydrologists and geotechnical, construction,
hydraulics, and structural engineers. Cofferdams must be
set at elevations which will allow construction to proceed
with a minimum of interruptions, yet be designed to allow
controlled flooding during unusual events.
g. Size and type of outlet works and spillway. The
size and type of outlet works and spillway should be set
jointly with all disciplines involved during the early stages
of design. These features will significantly impact on the
configuration of the dam and the sequencing of construction operations. Special hydraulic features such as water
The design of concrete dams involves consideration of

various construction materials during the investigations
phase. An assessment is required on the availability and
suitability of the materials needed to manufacture concrete
qualities meeting the structural and durability requirements, and of adequate quantities for the volume of concrete in the dam and appurtenant structures. Construction
materials include fine and coarse aggregates, cementitious
materials, water for washing aggregates, mixing, curing of
concrete, and chemical admixtures. One of the most
important factors in determining the quality and economy
of the concrete is the selection of suitable sources of
aggregate. In the construction of concrete dams, it is
important that the source have the capability of producing
adequate quantitives for the economical production of
mass concrete. The use of large aggregates in concrete
reduces the cement content. The procedures for the
investigation of aggregates shall follow the requirements
in EM 1110-2-2000 for mass concrete and EM 1110-22006 for RCC.
2-4. Site Selection
a. General. During the feasibility studies, the
preliminary site selection will be dependent on the project
purposes within the Corps jurisdiction. Purposes applicable to dam construction include navigation, flood damage reduction, hydroelectric power generation, fish and
wildlife enhancement, water quality, water supply, and
recreation. The feasibility study will establish the most
suitable and economical location and type of structure.
Investigations will be performed on hydrology and meteorology, relocations, foundation and site geology, construction materials, appurtenant features, environmental
considerations, and diversion methods.
2-3
EM 1110-2-2200
30 June 95
b.
Selection factors.
(1) A concrete dam requires a sound bedrock foundation. It is important that the bedrock have adequate shear
strength and bearing capacity to meet the necessary stability requirements. When the dam crosses a major fault
or shear zone, special design features (joints, monolith
lengths, concrete zones, etc.) should be incorporated in the
design to accommodate the anticipated movement. All
special features should be designed based on analytical
techniques and testing simulating the fault movement.
The foundation permeability and the extent and cost of
foundation grouting, drainage, or other seepage and uplift
control measures should be investigated. The reservoirs
suitability from the aspect of possible landslides needs to
be thoroughly evaluated to assure that pool fluctuations
and earthquakes would not result in any mass sliding into
the pool after the project is constructed.
(2) The topography is an important factor in the
selection and location of a concrete dam and its
appurtenant structures. Construction as a site with a narrow canyon profile on sound bedrock close to the surface
is preferable, as this location would minimize the concrete
material requirements and the associated costs.
(3) The criteria set forth for the spillway, powerhouse, and the other project appurtenances will play an
important role in site selection. The relationship and
adaptability of these features to the project alignment will
need evaluation along with associated costs.
(4) Additional factors of lesser importance that need
to be included for consideration are the relocation of
existing facilities and utilities that lie within the reservoir
and in the path of the dam. Included in these are railroads, powerlines, highways, towns, etc. Extensive and
costly relocations should be avoided.
(6) The method or scheme of diverting flows around
or through the damsite during construction is an important
consideration to the economy of the dam. A concrete
gravity dam offers major advantages and potential cost
savings by providing the option of diversion through
alternate construction blocks, and lowers risk and delay if
overtopping should occur.
2-5. Determining Foundation Strength
Parameters
a. General.
Foundation strength parameters are
required for stability analysis of the gravity dam section.
Determination of the required parameters is made by
evaluation of the most appropriate laboratory and/or in

situ strength tests on representative foundation samples
coupled with extensive knowledge of the subsurface geologic characteristics of a rock foundation. In situ testing
is expensive and usually justified only on very large
projects or when foundation problems are know to exist.
In situ testing would be appropriate where more precise
foundation parameters are required because rock strength
is marginal or where weak layers exist and in situ
properties cannot be adequately determined from laboratory testing of rock samples.
b. Field investigation. The field investigation must
be a continual process starting with the preliminary geologic review of known conditions, progressing to a
detailed drilling program and sample testing program, and
concluding at the end of construction with a safe and
operational structure. The scope of investigation and
sampling should be based on an assessment of homogeneity or complexity of geological structure. For example, the
extent of the investigation could vary from quite limited
(where the foundation material is strong even along the
weakest potential failure planes) to quite extensive and
detailed (where weak zones or seams exist). There is a
certain minimum level of investigation necessary to determine that weak zones are not present in the foundation.
Field investigations must also evaluate depth and severity
of weathering, ground-water conditions (hydrogeology),
permeability, strength, deformation characteristics, and
excavatibility. Undisturbed samples are required to determine the engineering properties of the foundation materials, demanding extreme care in application and sampling
methods. Proper sampling is a combination of science
and art; many procedures have been standardized, but
alteration and adaptation of techniques are often dictated
by specific field procedures as discussed in
EM 1110-2-1804.
c. Strength testing. The wide variety of foundation
rock properties and rock structural conditions preclude a
standardized universal approach to strength testing. Decisions must be made concerning the need for in situ testing. Before any rock testing is initiated, the geotechnical
engineer, geologist, and designer responsible for formulating the testing program must clearly define what the purpose of each test is and who will supervise the testing. It
is imperative to use all available data, such as results
from geological and geophysical studies, when selecting
representative samples for testing. Laboratory testing
must attempt to duplicate the actual anticipated loading
situations as closely as possible. Compressive strength
testing and direct shear testing are normally required to
determine design values for shear strength and bearing
2-4
EM 1110-2-2200
30 June 95
capacity. Tensile strength testing in some cases as well
as consolidation and slakeability testing may also be
necessary for soft rock foundations. Rock testing procedures are discussed in the Rock Testing Handbook
(US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station
(WES) 1980) and in the International Society of Rock
Mechanics, Suggested Methods for Determining Shear
Strength, (International Society of Rock Mechanics
1974). These testing methods may be modified as appropriate to fit the circumstances of the project.
d. Design shear strengths. Shear strength values
used in sliding analyses are determined from available
laboratory and field tests and judgment. For preliminary
designs, appropriate shear strengths for various types of
rock may be obtained from numerous available references

including the US Bureau of Reclamation Reports SP-39
and REC-ERC-74-10, and many reference texts (see bibliography). It is important to select the types of
strengthtests to be performed based upon the probable
mode of failure. Generally, strengths on rock discontinuities would be used for the active wedge and beneath the
structure. A combination of strengths on discontinuities
and/or intact rock strengths would be used for the passive
wedge when included in the analysis. Strengths along
preexisting shear planes (or faults) should be determined
from residual shear tests, whereas the strength along other
types of discontinuities must consider the strain characteristics of the various materials along the failure plane as
well as the effect of asperities.
2-5
EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
Chapter 3
Design Data
by the linear relationship T = C + tan in which C is

the unit cohesive strength, is the normal stress, and tan
represents the coefficient of internal friction.
3-1. Concrete Properties
(4) The splitting tension test (ASTM C 496) or the

modulus of rupture test (ASTM C 78) can be used to
determine the strength of intact concrete. Modulus of
rupture tests provide results which are consistent with the
assumed linear elastic behavior used in design. Spitting
tension test results can be used; however, the designer
should be aware that the results represent nonlinear performance of the sample. A more detailed discussion of
these tests is presented in the ACI Journal (Raphael
1984).
a. General. The specific concrete properties used in

the design of concrete gravity dams include the unit
weight, compressive, tensile, and shear strengths, modulus
of elasticity, creep, Poissons ratio, coefficient of thermal
expansion, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and diffusivity. These same properties are also important in the
design of RCC dams. Investigations have generally indicated RCC will exhibit properties equivalent to those of
conventional concrete. Values of the above properties
that are to be used by the designer in the reconnaissance
and feasibility design phases of the project are available
in ACI 207.1R-87 or other existing sources of information
on similar materials. Follow-on laboratory testing and
field investigations should provide the values necessary in
the final design. Temperature control and mix design are
covered in EM 1110-2-2000 and Em 1110-2-2006.
b. Strength.
(1) Concrete strength varies with age; the type of
cement, aggregates, and other ingredients used; and their
proportions in the mixture. The main factor affecting
concrete strength is the water-cement ratio. Lowering the
ratio improves the strength and overall quality. Requirements for workability during placement, durability, minimum temperature rise, and overall economy may govern
the concrete mix proportioning. Concrete strengths should
satisfy the early load and construction requirements and
the stress criteria described in Chapter 4. Design compressive strengths at later ages are useful in taking full
advantage of the strength properties of the cementitious
materials and lowering the cement content, resulting in
lower ultimate internal temperature and lower potential
cracking incidence. The age at which ultimate strength is
required needs to be carefully reviewed and revised where
appropriate.
(2) Compressive strengths are determined from the
standard unconfined compression test excluding creep
effects (American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) C 39, Test Method for Compressive Strength of
Cylindrical Concrete Specimens; C 172, Method of
Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete; ASTM C 31,
Method of Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens
in the Field).
(3) The shear strength along construction joints or at
the interface with the rock foundation can be determined
c. Elastic properties.
(1) The graphical stress-strain relationship for concrete subjected to a continuously increasing load is a
curved line. For practical purposes, however, the modulus of elasticity is considered a constant for the range of
stresses to which mass concrete is usually subjected.
(2) The modulus of elasticity and Poissons ratio are
determined by the ASTM C 469, Test Method for Static
Modulus of Elasticity and Poissons Ratio of Concrete in
Compression.
(3) The deformation response of a concrete dam
subjected to sustained stress can be divided into two parts.
The first, elastic deformation, is the strain measured
immediately after loading and is expressed as the instantaneous modulus of elasticity. The other, a gradual yielding
over a long period, is the inelastic deformation or creep in
concrete. Approximate values for creep are generally
based on reduced values of the instantaneous modulus.
When design requires more exact values, creep should be
based on the standard test for creep of concrete in compression (ASTM C 512).
d. Thermal properties. Thermal studies are required
for gravity dams to assess the effects of stresses induced
by temperature changes in the concrete and to determine
the temperature controls necessary to avoid undesirable
cracking. The thermal properties required in the study
include thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific
heat, and the coefficient of thermal expansion.
e. Dynamic properties.
(1) The concrete properties required for input into a
linear elastic dynamic analysis are the unit weight,
Youngs modulus of elasticity, and Poissons ratio. The
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concrete tested should be of sufficient age to represent the
ultimate concrete properties as nearly as practicable.
One-year-old specimens are preferred. Usually, upper and
lower bound values of Youngs modulus of elasticity will
be required to bracket the possibilities.
(2) The concrete properties needed to evaluate the
results of the dynamic analysis are the compressive and
tensile strengths. The standard compression test (see
paragraph 3-1b) is acceptable, even though it does not
account for the rate of loading, since compression normally does not control in the dynamic analysis. The
splitting tensile test or the modulus of rupture test can be
used to determine the tensile strength. The static tensile
strength determined by the splitting tensile test may be
increased by 1.33 to be comparable to the standard modulus of rupture test.
(3) The value determined by the modulus of rupture
test should be used as the tensile strength in the linear
finite element analysis to determine crack initiation within
the mass concrete.
The tensile strength should be
increased by 50 percent when used with seismic loading
to account for rapid loading. When the tensile stress in
existing dams exceeds 150 percent of the modulus of
rupture, nonlinear analyses will be required in consultation
with CECW-ED to evaluate the extent of cracking. For
initial design investigations, the modulus of rupture can be
calculated from the following equation (Raphael 1984):
ft
2.3fc 2/3
(3-1)
where
ft = tensile strength, psi (modulus of rupture)
fc = compressive strength, psi
3-2. Foundation Properties
a. Deformation modulus. The deformation modulus
of a foundation rock mass must be determined to evaluate
the amount of expected settlement of the structure placed
on it. Determination of the deformation modulus requires
coordination of geologists and geotechnical and structural
engineers. The deformation modulus may be determined
by several different methods or approaches, but the effect
of rock inhomogeneity (due partially to rock discontinuities) on foundation behavior must be accounted for.
Thus, the determination of foundation compressibility
should consider both elastic and inelastic (plastic) deformations. The resulting modulus of deformation is a
lower value than the elastic modulus of intact rock.

Methods for evaluating foundation moduli include in situ
(static) testing (plate load tests, dilatometers, etc.); laboratory testing (uniaxial compression tests, ASTM C 3148;
and pulse velocity test, ASTM C 2848); seismic field
testing; empirical data (rock mass rating system, correlations with unconfined compressive strength, and tables of
typical values); and back calculations using compression
measurements from instruments such as a borehole extensometer. The foundation deformation modulus is best
estimated or evaluated by in situ testing to more
accurately account for the natural rock discontinuities.
Laboratory testing on intact specimens will yield only an
upper bound modulus value. If the foundation contains
more than one rock type, different modulus values may
need to be used and the foundation evaluated as a composite of two or more layers.
b. Static strength properties. The most important
foundation strength properties needed for design of concrete gravity structures are compressive strength and shear
strength. Allowable bearing capacity for a structure is
often selected as a fraction of the average foundation rock
compressive strength to account for inherent planes of
weakness along natural joints and fractures. Most rock
types have adequate bearing capacity for large concrete
structures unless they are soft sedimentary rock types such
as mudstones, clayshale, etc.; are deeply weathered; contain large voids; or have wide fault zones. Foundation
rock shear strength is given as two values: cohesion (c)
and internal friction (). Design values for shear strength
are generally selected on the basis of laboratory direct
shear test results.
Compressive strength and tensile
strength tests are often necessary to develop the appropriate failure envelope during laboratory testing. Shear
strength along the foundation rock/structure interface must
also be evaluated. Direct shear strength laboratory tests
on composite grout/rock samples are recommended to
assess the foundation rock/structure interface shear
strength. It is particularly important to determine strength
properties of discontinuities and the weakest foundation
materials (i.e., soft zones in shears or faults), as these will
generally control foundation behavior.
c. Dynamic strength properties.
(1) When the foundation is included in the seismic
analysis, elastic moduli and Poissons ratios for the foundation materials are required for the analysis. If the foundation mass is modeled, the rock densities are also
required.
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(2) Determining the elastic moduli for a rock foundation should include several different methods or
approaches, as defined in paragraph 3-2a.
(3) Poissons ratios should be determined from uniaxial compression tests, pulse velocity tests, seismic field
tests, or empirical data. Poissons ratio does not vary
widely for rock materials.
(4) The rate of loading effect on the foundation modulus is considered to be insignificant relative to the other
uncertainties involved in determining rock foundation
properties, and it is not measured.
(5) To account for the uncertainties, a lower and
upper bound for the foundation modulus should be used
for each rock type modeled in the structural analysis.
3-3. Loads
a. General. In the design of concrete gravity dams, it
is essential to determine the loads required in the stability
and stress analysis. The following forces may affect the
design:
(1) Dead load.
(2) Headwater and tailwater pressures.
create an appreciable effect upon the stability of the structure. The dead loads considered should include the
weight of concrete, superimposed backfill, and appurtenances such as gates and bridges.
c. Headwater and tailwater.
(1) General. The headwater and tailwater loadings
acting on a dam are determined from the hydrology, meteorology, and reservoir regulation studies. The frequency
of the different pool levels will need to be determined to
assess which will be used in the various load conditions
analyzed in the design.
(2) Headwater.
(a) The hydrostatic pressure against the dam is a
function of the water depth times the unit weight of water.
The unit weight should be taken at 62.5 pounds per cubic
foot, even though the weight varies slightly with
temperature.
(b) In some cases the jet of water on an overflow
section will exert pressure on the structure. Normally
such forces should be neglected in the stability analysis
except as noted in paragraph 3-3i.
(3) Tailwater.
(a) For design of nonoverflow sections. The hydrostatic pressure on the downstream face of a nonoverflow
section due to tailwater shall be determined using the full
tailwater depth.
(3) Uplift.
(4) Temperature.
(5) Earth and silt pressures.
(6) Ice pressure.
(7) Earthquake forces.
(8) Wind pressure.
(9) Subatmospheric pressure.
(10) Wave pressure.
(11) Reaction of foundation.
b. Dead load. The unit weight of concrete generally
should be assumed to be 150 pounds per cubic foot until
an exact unit weight is determined from the concrete
materials investigation. In the computation of the dead
load, relatively small voids such as galleries are normally
not deducted except in low dams, where such voids could
(b) For design of overflow sections.

Tailwater
pressure must be adjusted for retrogression when the flow
conditions result in a significant hydraulic jump in the
downstream channel, i.e. spillway flow plunging deep into
tailwater. The forces acting on the downstream face of
overflow sections due to tailwater may fluctuate significantly as energy is dissipated in the stilling basin.
Therefore, these forces must be conservatively estimated
when used as a stabilizing force in a stability analysis.
Studies have shown that the influence of tailwater retrogression can reduce the effective tailwater depth used to
calculate pressures and forces to as little as 60 percent of
the full tailwater depth. The amount of reduction in the
effective depth used to determine tailwater forces is a
function of the degree of submergence of the crest of the
structure and the backwater conditions in the downstream
channel. For new designs, Chapter 7 of EM 1110-2-1603
provides guidance in the calculation of hydraulic pressure
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distributions in spillway flip buckets due to tailwater
conditions.
(c) Tailwater submergence. When tailwater conditions
significantly reduce or eliminate the hydraulic jump in the
spillway basin, tailwater retrogression can be neglected
and 100 percent of the tailwater depth can be used to
determine tailwater forces.
(d) Uplift due to tailwater. Full tailwater depth will
be used to calculate uplift pressures at the toe of the
structure in all cases, regardless of the overflow
conditions.
d. Uplift. Uplift pressure resulting from headwater
and tailwater exists through cross sections within the dam,
at the interface between the dam and the foundation, and
within the foundation below the base. This pressure is
present within the cracks, pores, joints, and seams in the
concrete and foundation material. Uplift pressure is an
active force that must be included in the stability and
stress analysis to ensure structural adequacy. These
pressures vary with time and are related to boundary
conditions and the permeability of the material. Uplift
pressures are assumed to be unchanged by earthquake
loads.
(1) Along the base.
(a) General. The uplift pressure will be considered as
acting over 100 percent of the base. A hydraulic gradient
between the upper and lower pool is developed between
the heel and toe of the dam. The pressure distribution
along the base and in the foundation is dependent on the
effectiveness of drains and grout curtain, where applicable, and geologic features such as rock permeability,
seams, jointing, and faulting. The uplift pressure at any
point under the structure will be tailwater pressure plus
the pressure measured as an ordinate from tailwater to the
hydraulic gradient between upper and lower pool.
(b) Without drains. Where there have not been any
provisions provided for uplift reduction, the hydraulic
gradient will be assumed to vary, as a straight line, from
headwater at the heel to zero or tailwater at the toe.
Determination of uplift, at any point on or below the
foundation, is demonstrated in Figure 3-1.
(c) With drains. Uplift pressures at the base or below
the foundation can be reduced by installing foundation
drains. The effectiveness of the drainage system will
depend on depth, size, and spacing of the drains; the
Figure 3-1. Uplift distribution without foundation

drainage
character of the foundation; and the facility with which

the drains can be maintained. This effectiveness will be
assumed to vary from 25 to 50 percent, and the design
memoranda should contain supporting data for the
assumption used. If foundation testing and flow analysis
provide supporting justification, the drain effectiveness
can be increased to a maximum of 67 percent with
approval from CECW-ED. This criterion deviation will
depend on the pool level operation plan instrumentation to
verify and evaluate uplift assumptions and an adequate
drain maintenance program. Along the base, the uplift
pressure will vary linearly from the undrained pressure
head at the heel, to the reduced pressure head at the line
of drains, to the undrained pressure head at the toe, as
shown in Figure 3-2. Where the line of drains intersects
the foundation within a distance of 5 percent of the reservoir depth from the upstream face, the uplift may be
assumed to vary as a single straight line, which would be
the case if the drains were exactly at the heel. This condition is illustrated in Figure 3-3. If the drainage gallery
is above tailwater elevation, the pressure of the line of
drains should be determined as though the tailwater level
is equal to the gallery elevation.
(d) Grout curtain. For drainage to be controlled
economically, retarding of flow to the drains from the
upstream head is mandatory. This may be accomplished
by a zone of grouting (curtain) or by the natural imperviousness of the foundation. A grouted zone (curtain)
should be used wherever the foundation is amenable to
grouting. Grout holes shall be oriented to intercept the
maximum number of rock fractures to maximize its effectiveness. Under average conditions, the depth of the grout
zone should be two-thirds to three-fourths of the
headwater-tailwater differential and should be supplemented by foundation drain holes with a depth of at least
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Figure 3-2. Uplift distribution with drainage gallery
Figure 3-4. Uplift distribution cracked base with

drainage, zero compression zone not extending
beyond drains
Figure 3-3. Uplift distribution with foundation drains

near upstream face
two-thirds that of the grout zone (curtain). Where the

foundation is sufficiently impervious to retard the flow
and where grouting would be impractical, an artificial
cutoff is usually unnecessary. Drains, however, should be
provided to relieve the uplift pressures that would build
up over a period of time in a relatively impervious
medium. In a relatively impervious foundation, drain
spacing will be closer than in a relatively permeable
foundation.
(e) Zero compression zones. Uplift on any portion of
any foundation plane not in compression shall be 100 percent of the hydrostatic head of the adjacent face, except
where tension is the result of instantaneous loading resulting from earthquake forces. When the zero compression
zone does not extend beyond the location of the drains,
the uplift will be as shown in Figure 3-4. For the condition where the zero compression zone extends beyond the
drains, drain effectiveness shall not be considered. This
uplift condition is shown in Figure 3-5. When an existing
dam is being investigated, the design office should submit
a request to CECW-ED for a deviation if expensive remedial measures are required to satisfy this loading
assumption.
Figure 3-5. Uplift distribution cracked base with

drainage, zero compression zone extending beyond
drains
(2) Within dam.

(a) Conventional concrete. Uplift within the body
of a conventional concrete-gravity dam shall be assumed
to vary linearly from 50 percent of maximum headwater
at the upstream face to 50 percent of tailwater, or zero, as
the case may be, at the downstream face. This simplification is based on the relative impermeability of intact
concrete which precludes the buildup of internal pore
pressures. Cracking at the upstream face of an existing
dam or weak horizontal construction joints in the body of
the dam may affect this assumption. In these cases, uplift
along these discontinuities should be determined as
described in paragraph 3-3.d(1) above.
(b) RCC concrete. The determination of the percent
uplift will depend on the mix permeability, lift joint treatment, the placements, techniques specified for minimizing
segregation within the mixture, compaction methods, and
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the treatment for watertightness at the upstream and
downstream faces. A porous upstream face and lift joints
in conjunction with an impermeable downstream face may
result in a pressure gradient through a cross section of the
dam considerably greater than that outlined above for
conventional concrete. Construction of a test section
during the design phase (in accordance with EM 1110-22006, Roller Compacted Concrete) shall be used as a
means of determining the permeability and, thereby, the
exact uplift force for use by the designer.
(3) In the foundation. Sliding stability must be considered along seams or faults in the foundation. Material
in these seams or faults may be gouge or other heavily
sheared rock, or highly altered rock with low shear resistance. In some cases, the material in these zones is
porous and subject to high uplift pressures upon reservoir
filling. Before stability analyses are performed, engineering geologists must provide information regarding potential failure planes within the foundation. This includes the
location of zones of low shear resistance, the strength of
material within these zones, assumed potential failure
planes, and maximum uplift pressures that can develop
along the failure planes. Although there are no prescribed
uplift pressure diagrams that will cover all foundation
failure plane conditions, some of the most common
assumptions made are illustrated in Figures 3-6 and 3-7.
These diagrams assume a uniform head loss along the
failure surface from point A to tailwater, and assume
that the foundation drains penetrate the failure plane and
are effective in reducing uplift on that plane. If there is
concern that the drains may be ineffective or partially
effective in reducing uplift along the failure plane, then
uplift distribution as represented by the dashed line in
Figures 3-6 and 3-7 should be considered for stability
computations. Dangerous uplift pressures can develop
along foundation seams or faults if the material in the
seams or faults is pervious and the pervious zone is intercepted by the base of the dam or by an impervious fault.
These conditions are described in Casagrande (1961) and
illustrated by Figures 3-8 and 3-9. Every effort is made
to grout pervious zones within the foundation prior to
constructing the dam. In cases where grouting is impractical or ineffective, uplift pressure can be reduced to safe
levels through proper drainage of the pervious zone.
However, in those circumstances where the drains do not
penetrate the pervious zone or where drainage is only
partially effective, the uplift conditions shown in
Figures 3-8 and 3-9 are possible.
Figure 3-6. Uplift pressure diagram. Dashed line

represents uplift distribution to be considered for
stability computations
Figure 3-7. Dashed line in uplift pressure diagram

represents uplift distribution to be considered for
stability computations
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monolith release heat faster than the interior; thus the core
will be in compression and the edges in tension. When
the strength of the concrete is exceeded, cracks will
appear on the surface. When the monolith starts cooling,
the contraction of the concrete is restrained by the foundation or concrete layers that have already cooled and hardened. Again, if this tensile strain exceeds the capacity of
the concrete, cracks will propagate completely through the
monolith. The principal concerns with cracking are that it
affects the watertightness, durability, appearance, and
stresses throughout the structure and may lead to undesirable crack propagation that impairs structural safety.
(2) In conventional concrete dams, various techniques have been developed to reduce the potential for
temperature cracking (ACI 224R-80). Besides contraction
joints, these include temperature control measures during
construction, cements for limiting heat of hydration, and
mix designs with increased tensile strain capacity.
Figure 3-8. Development of dangerous uplift pressure
along foundation seams or faults
(3) If an RCC dam is built without vertical contraction joints, additional internal restraints are present.
Thermal loads combined with dead loads and reservoir
loads could create tensile strains in the longitudinal axis
sufficient to cause transverse cracks within the dam.
f. Earth and silt. Earth pressures against the dam
may occur where backfill is deposited in the foundation
excavation and where embankment fills abut and wrap
around concrete monoliths. The fill material may or may
not be submerged. Silt pressures are considered in the
design if suspended sediment measurements indicate that
such pressures are expected. Whether the lateral earth
pressures will be in an active or an at-rest state is determined by the resulting structure lateral deformation.
Methods for computing the Earths pressures are discussed in EM 1110-2-2502, Retaining and Flood Walls.
Figure 3-9. Effect along foundation seams or faults if

material is pervious and pervious zone is intercepted
by base of dam or by impervious fault
e. Temperature.
(1) A major concern in concrete dam construction is
the control of cracking resulting from temperature change.
During the hydration process, the temperature rises
because of the hydration of cement. The edges of the
g. Ice pressure. Ice pressure is of less importance in

the design of a gravity dam than in the design of gates
and other appurtenances for the dam. Ice damage to the
gates is quite common while there is no known instance
of any serious ice damage occurring to the dam. For the
purpose of design, a unit pressure of not more than
5,000 pounds per square foot should be applied to the
contact surface of the structure. For dams in this country,
the ice thickness normally will not exceed 2 feet. Climatology studies will determine whether an allowance for ice
pressure is appropriate. Further discussion on types of
ice/structure interaction and methods for computing ice
forces is provided in EM 1110-2-1612, Ice Engineering.
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h. Earthquake.
(1) General.
(a) The earthquake loadings used in the design of
concrete gravity dams are based on design earthquakes
and site-specific motions determined from seismological
evaluation. As a minimum, a seismological evaluation
should be performed on all projects located in seismic
zones 2, 3, and 4. Seismic zone maps of the United
States and Territories and guidance for seismic evaluation
of new and existing projects during various levels of
design documents are provided in ER 1110-2-1806,
Earthquake Design and Analysis for Corps of Engineers
Projects.
(b) The seismic coefficient method of analysis should
be used in determining the resultant location and sliding
stability of dams. Guidance for performing the stability
analysis is provided in Chapter 4. In strong seismicity
areas, a dynamic seismic analysis is required for the internal stress analysis. The criteria and guidance required in
the dynamic stress analysis are given in Chapter 5.
Figure 3-10. Seismically loaded gravity dam, nonoverflow monolith
Pex
Max
W
g
g
(3-2)
where
Pex = horizontal earthquake force
(c) Earthquake loadings should be checked for horizontal earthquake acceleration and, if included in the
stress analysis, vertical acceleration. While an earthquake
acceleration might take place in any direction, the analysis
should be performed for the most unfavorable direction.
M = mass of dam
ax = horizontal earthquake acceleration = g
W = weight of dam
(2) Seismic coefficient.

The seismic coefficient
method of analysis is commonly known as the pseudostatic analysis. Earthquake loading is treated as an inertial
force applied statically to the structure. The loadings are
of two types: inertia force due to the horizontal acceleration of the dam and hydrodynamic forces resulting from
the reaction of the reservoir water against the dam (see
Figure 3-10). The magnitude of the inertia forces is computed by the principle of mass times the earthquake acceleration. Inertia forces are assumed to act through the
center of gravity of the section or element. The seismic
coefficient is a ratio of the earthquake acceleration to
gravity; it is a dimensionless unit, and in no case can it be
related directly to acceleration from a strong motion
instrument. The coefficients used are considered to be the
same for the foundation and are uniform for the total
height of the dam. Seismic coefficients used in design
are based on the seismic zones given in ER 1110-2-1806.
g = acceleration of gravity
= seismic coefficient
(b) Inertia of reservoir for horizontal earthquake
acceleration. The inertia of the reservoir water induces an
increased or decreased pressure on the dam concurrently
with concrete inertia forces. Figure 3-10 shows the pressures and forces due to earthquake by the seismic coefficient method. This force may be computed by means of
the Westergaard formula using the parabolic approximation:
Pew
2
Ce () y ( hy )
3
(3-3)
where
(a) Inertia of concrete for horizontal earthquake
acceleration. The force required to accelerate the concrete
mass of the dam is determined from the equation:
Pew = additional total water load down to depth y (kips)
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Ce = factor depending principally on depth of water and
the earthquake vibration period, te, in seconds
h = total height of reservoir (feet)
Westergaard's approximate equation for Ce, which is
sufficiently accurate for all usual conditions, in poundsecond feet units is:
51
Ce '
1 & 0.72
h
1,000 t e
(3-4)
where te is the period of vibration.

(3) Dynamic loads. The first step in determining
earthquake induced loading involves a geological and
seismological investigation of the damsite. The objectives
of the investigation are to establish the controlling maximum credible earthquake (MCE) and operating basis
earthquake (OBE) and the corresponding ground motions
for each, and to assess the possibility of earthquakeproduced foundation dislocation at the site. The MCE
and OBE are defined in Chapter 5. The ground motions
are characterized by the site-dependent design response
spectra and, when necessary in the analysis, accelerationtime records. The dynamic method of analysis determines
the structural response using either a response spectrum or
acceleration-time records for the dynamic input.
(a) Site-specific design response spectra. A response
spectrum is a plot of the maximum values of acceleration,
velocity, and/or displacement of an infinite series of
single-degree-of-freedom systems subjected to an earthquake. The maximum response values are expressed as a
function of natural period for a given damping value. The
site-specific response spectra is developed statistically
from response spectra of strong motion records of earthquakes that have similar source and propagation path
properties or from the controlling earthquakes and that
were recorded on a similar foundation. Application of the
response spectra in dam design is described in Chapter 5.
(b) Acceleration--time records. Accelerograms, used
for input for the dynamic analysis, provide a simulation of
the actual response of the structure to the given seismic
ground motion through time. The acceleration-time
records should be compatible with the design response
spectrum.
i. Subatmospheric pressure. At the hydrostatic head

for which the crest profile is designed, the theoretical
pressures along the downstream face of an ogee spillway
crest approach atmospheric pressure. For heads higher
than the design head, subatmospheric pressures are
obtained along the spillway. When spillway profiles are
designed for heads appreciably less than the probable
maximum that could be obtained, the magnitude of these
pressures should be determined and considered in the
stability analysis. Methods and discussions covering the
determination of these pressures are presented in
EM 1110-2-1603, Hydraulic Design of Spillways.
j. Wave pressure. While wave pressures are of more
importance in their effect upon gates and appurtenances,
they may, in some instances, have an appreciable effect
upon the dam proper. The height of waves, runup, and
wind setup are usually important factors in determining
the required freeboard of any dam. Wave dimensions and
forces depend on the extent of water surface or fetch, the
wind velocity and duration, and other factors. Information
relating to waves and wave pressures are presented in the
Coastal Engineering Research Center's Shore Protection
Manual (SPM), Vol II (SPM 1984).
k. Reaction of foundations. In general, the resultant
of all horizontal and vertical forces including uplift must
be balanced by an equal and opposite reaction at the
foundation consisting of the normal and tangential components. For the dam to be in static equilibrium, the location of this reaction is such that the summation of forces
and moments are equal to zero. The distribution of the
normal component is assumed as linear, with a knowledge
that the elastic and plastic properties of the foundation
material and concrete affect the actual distribution.
(1) The problem of determining the actual distribution is complicated by the tangential reaction, internal
stress relations, and other theoretical considerations.
Moreover, variations of foundation materials with depth,
cracks, and fissures that interrupt the tensile and shearing
resistance of the foundation also make the problem more
complex.
(2) For overflow sections, the base width is
generally determined by projecting the spillway slope to
the foundation line, and all concrete downstream from this
line is disregarded. If a vertical longitudinal joint is not
provided at this point, the mass of concrete downstream
from the theoretical toe must be investigated for internal
stresses.
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(3) The unit uplift pressure should be added to the
computed unit foundation reaction to determine the maximum unit foundation pressure at any point.
(4) Internal stresses and foundation pressures should

be computed with and without uplift to determine the
maximum condition.
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(a) Pool elevation at top of closed spillway gates
where spillway is gated, and at spillway crest where spillway is ungated.
Chapter 4
Stability Analysis
(b) Minimum tailwater.
4-1. Introduction
(c) Uplift.
a. This chapter presents information on the stability
analysis of concrete gravity dams. The basic loading
conditions investigated in the design and guidance for the
dam profile and layout are discussed. The forces acting
on a structure are determined as outlined in Chapter 3.
b. For new projects, the design of a gravity dam is
performed through an interative process involving a preliminary layout of the structure followed by a stability and
stress analysis. If the structure fails to meet criteria then
the layout is modified and reanalyzed. This process is
repeated until an acceptable cross section is attained. The
method for conducting the static and dynamic stress analysis is covered in Chapter 5. The reevaluation of existing
structures is addressed in Chapter 8.
c. Analysis of the stability and calculation of the
stresses are generally conducted at the dam base and at
selected planes within the structure. If weak seams or
planes exist in the foundation, they should also be
analyzed.
4-2.
Basic Loading Conditions
a. The following basic loading conditions are generally used in concrete gravity dam designs (see Figure 4-1). Loadings that are not indicated should be
included where applicable. Power intake sections should
be investigated with emergency bulkheads closed and all
water passages empty under usual loads. Load cases used
in the stability analysis of powerhouses and power intake
sections are covered in EM 1110-2-3001.
(1) Load Condition
condition - construction.
No.
unusual
loading
(a) Dam structure completed.
(d) Ice and silt pressure, if applicable.

(3) Load Condition No.
condition - flood discharge.
unusual
loading
(a) Pool at standard project flood (SPF).

(b) Gates at appropriate flood-control openings and
tailwater at flood elevation.
(c) Tailwater pressure.
(d) Uplift.
(e)
Silt, if applicable.
(f)
No ice pressure.
(4) Load Condition No. 4 - extreme loading

condition - construction with operating basis earthquake
(OBE).
(a) Operating basis earthquake (OBE).
(b) Horizontal earthquake acceleration in upstream
direction.
(c) No water in reservoir.
(d) No headwater or tailwater.
(5) Load Condition No. 5 - unusual loading
condition - normal operating with operating basis
earthquake.
(a) Operating basis earthquake (OBE).
(b) No headwater or tailwater.

(2) Load Condition No. 2 - usual loading condition normal operating.
(b) Horizontal earthquake acceleration in downstream

direction.
(c)
Usual pool elevation.
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Figure 4-1. Basic loading conditions in concrete gravity dam design
(7) Load Condition No. 7 condition - probable maximum flood.
(d) Minimum tailwater.
extreme
loading
(e) Uplift at pre-earthquake level.

(a) Pool at probable maximum flood (PMF).
(f) Silt pressure, if applicable.
(b) All gates open and tailwater at flood elevation.
(g) No ice pressure.
(c) Uplift.
(6) Load Condition No. 6 - extreme loading

condition - normal operating with maximum credible
earthquake.
(a) Maximum credible earthquake (MCE).
(b) Horizontal earthquake acceleration in downstream
direction.
(c) Usual pool elevation.
(d) Tailwater pressure.

(e) Silt, if applicable.
(f) No ice pressure.
b. In Load Condition Nos. 5 and 6, the selected pool
elevation should be the one judged likely to exist coincident with the selected design earthquake event. This
means that the pool level occurs, on the average, relatively frequently during the course of the year.
(d) Minimum tailwater.

4-3. Dam Profiles
(e) Uplift at pre-earthquake level.
a. Nonoverflow section.
(f) Silt pressure, if applicable.
(g) No ice pressure.
(1) The configuration of the nonoverflow section is

usually determined by finding the optimum cross section
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that meets the stability and stress criteria for each of the
loading conditions. The design cross section is generally
established at the maximum height section and then used
along the rest of the nonoverflow dam to provide a
smooth profile. The upstream face is generally vertical,
but may include a batter to increase sliding stability or in
existing projects provided to meet prior stability criteria
for construction requiring the resultant to fall within the
middle third of the base. The downstream face will usually be a uniform slope transitioning to a vertical face
near the crest. The slope will usually be in the range of
0.7H to 1V, to 0.8H to 1V, depending on uplift and the
seismic zone, to meet the stability requirements.
(2) In the case of RCC dams not using a downstream
forming system, it is necessary for construction that the
slope not be steeper than 0.8H to 1V and that in applicable locations, it include a sacrificial concrete because of
the inability to achieve good compaction at the free edge.
The thickness of this sacrificial material will depend on
the climatology at the project and the overall durability of
the mixture. The weight of this material should not be
included in the stability analysis. The upstream face will
usually be vertical to facilitate construction of the facing
elements. When overstressing of the foundation material
becomes critical, constructing a uniform slope at the
lower part of the downstream face may be required to
reduce foundation pressures.
In locations of slope
changes, stress concentrations will occur. Stresses should
be analyzed in these areas to assure they are within
acceptable levels.
(3) The dam crest should have sufficient thickness to
resist the impact of floating objects and ice loads and to
meet access and roadway requirements. The freeboard at
the top of the dam will be determined by wave height and
runup. In significant seismicity areas, additional concrete
near the crest of the dam results in stress increases. To
reduce these stress concentrations, the crest mass should
be kept to a minimum and curved transitions provided at
slope changes.
b. Overflow section. The overflow or spillway section should be designed in a similar manner as the nonoverflow section, complying with stability and stress
criteria. The upstream face of the overflow section will
have the same configuration as the nonoverflow section.
The required downstream face slope is made tangent to
the exponential curve of the crest and to the curve at the
junction with the stilling basin or flip bucket. The
methods used to determine the spillway crest curves is
covered in EM 1110-2-1603, Hydraulic Design of
Spillways. Piers may be included in the overflow section
to support a bridge crossing the spillway and to support

spillway gates. Regulating outlet conduits and gates are
generally constructed in the overflow section.
4-4. Stability Considerations
a. General requirements. The basic stability requirements for a gravity dam for all conditions of loading are:
(1) That it be safe against overturning at any horizontal plane within the structure, at the base, or at a plane
below the base.
(2) That it be safe against sliding on any horizontal
or near-horizontal plane within the structure at the base or
on any rock seam in the foundation.
(3) That the allowable unit stresses in the concrete or
in the foundation material shall not be exceeded.
Characteristic locations within the dam in which a stability criteria check should be considered include planes
where there are dam section changes and high concentrated loads. Large galleries and openings within the
structure and upstream and downstream slope transitions
are specific areas for consideration.
b. Stability criteria. The stability criteria for concrete
gravity dams for each load condition are listed in
Table 4-1. The stability analysis should be presented in
the design memoranda in a form similar to that shown on
Figure 4-1. The seismic coefficient method of analysis,
as outlined in Chapter 3, should be used to determine
resultant location and sliding stability for the earthquake
load conditions. The seismic coefficient used in the analysis should be no less than that given in ER 1110-2-1806,
Projects. Stress analyses for a maximum credible earthquake event are covered in Chapter 5. Any deviation
from the criteria in Table 4-1 shall be accomplished only
with the approval of CECW-ED, and should be justified
by comprehensive foundation studies of such nature as to
reduce uncertainties to a minimum.
4-5. Overturning Stability
a. Resultant location. The overturning stability is
calculated by applying all the vertical forces (V) and
lateral forces for each loading condition to the dam and,
then, summing moments (M) caused by the consequent
forces about the downstream toe. The resultant location
along the base is:
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Table 4-1
Stability and stress criteria
Load
Condition
Resultant
Location
at Base
Minimum
Sliding
FS
Foundation
Bearing
Pressure
Concrete Stress
Compressive
Tensile
Usual
Middle 1/3
2.0
allowable
0.3 fc
Unusual
Middle 1/2
1.7
allowable
0.5 fc
0.6 fc2/3
Extreme
Within base
1.3
1.33 allowable
0.9 fc
1.5 fc2/3
Note: fc is 1-year unconfined compressive strength of concrete. The sliding factors of safety (FS) are based on a comprehensive field
investigation and testing program. Concrete allowable stresses are for static loading conditions.
Resultant location
M
V
(4-1)
The methods for determining the lateral, vertical, and

uplift forces are described in Chapter 3.
b. Criteria. When the resultant of all forces acting
above any horizontal plane through a dam intersects that
plane outside the middle third, a noncompression zone
will result. The relationship between the base area in
compression and the location of the resultant is shown in
Figure 4-2. For usual loading conditions, it is generally
required that the resultant along the plane of study remain
within the middle third to maintain compressive stresses
in the concrete. For unusual loading conditions, the resultant must remain within the middle half of the base. For
the extreme load conditions, the resultant must remain
sufficiently within the base to assure that base pressures
are within prescribed limits.
FS
( tan
c)
(4-2)
where F = tan + c, according to the Mohr-Coulomb

Failure Criterion (Figure 4-3). The sliding FS is applied
to the material strength parameters in a manner that places
the forces acting on the structure and rock wedges in
sliding equilibrium.
(2) The sliding FS is defined as the ratio of the maximum resisting shear (TF) and the applied shear (T) along
the slip plane at service conditions:
FS
TF
T
(N tan
T
cL)
(4-3)
where
N = resultant of forces normal to the assumed sliding
plane
4-6. Sliding Stability

a. General. The sliding stability is based on a factor
of safety (FS) as a measure of determining the resistance
of the structure against sliding. The multiple-wedge analysis is used for analyzing sliding along the base and
within the foundation. For sliding of any surface within
the structure and single planes of the base, the analysis
will follow the single plane failure surface of analysis
covered in paragraph 4-6e.
b. Definition of sliding factor of safety.
(1) The sliding FS is conceptually related to failure,
the ratio of the shear strength (F), and the applied shear
stress () along the failure planes of a test specimen
according to Equation 4-2:
= angle of internal friction

c = cohesion intercept
L = length of base in compression for a unit strip of
dam
c. Basic concepts, assumptions, and simplifications.
(1) Limit equilibrium. Sliding stability is based on a
limit equilibrium method. By this method, the shear force
necessary to develop sliding equilibrium is determined for
an assumed failure surface. A sliding mode of failure
will occur along the presumed failure surface when the
applied shear (T) exceeds the resisting shear (TF).
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Figure 4-3. Failure envelope
predetermined by discontinuities in the foundation. All

the potential planes of failure must be defined and
analyzed to determine the one with the least FS.
(3) Two-dimensional analysis. The principles presented for sliding stability are based on a two-dimensional
analysis. These principles should be extended to a threedimensional analysis if unique three-dimensional geometric features and loads critically affect the sliding stability
of a specific structure.
(4) Force equilibrium only. Only force equilibrium is
satisfied in the analysis. Moment equilibrium is not used.
The shearing force acting parallel to the interface of any
two wedges is assumed to be negligible; therefore, the
portion of the failure surface at the bottom of each wedge
is loaded only by the forces directly above or below it.
There is no interaction of vertical effects between the
wedges.
The resulting wedge forces are assumed
horizontal.
Figure 4-2. Relationship between base area in compression and resultant location
(2) Failure surface. The analyses are based on failure

surfaces that can be any combination of planes and
curves; however, for simplicity all failure surfaces are
assumed to be planes. These planes form the bases of the
wedges. It should be noted that for the analysis to be
realistic, the assumed failure planes have to be kinematically possible.
In rock the slip planes may be
(5) Displacements.
Considerations regarding displacements are excluded from the limit equilibrium
approach. The relative rigidity of different foundation
materials and the concrete structure may influence the
results of the sliding stability analysis. Such complex
structure-foundation systems may require a more intensive
sliding investigation than a limit-equilibrium approach.
The effects of strain compatibility along the assumed
failure surface may be approximated in the limitequilibrium approach by selecting the shear strength
parameters from in situ or laboratory tests according to
the failure strain selected for the stiffest material.
(6) Relationship between shearing and normal forces.
A linear relationship is assumed between the resisting
shearing force and the normal force acting on the slip
plane beneath each wedge. The Coulomb-Mohr Failure
Criterion defines this relationship.
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d. Multiple wedge analysis.
(1) General. This method computes the sliding FS
required to bring the sliding mass, consisting of the structural wedge and the driving and resisting wedges, into a
state of horizontal equilibrium along a given set of slip
planes.
wedge, the general wedge and wedge interaction equation

can be written as shown in Equation 4-5 (derivation is
provided in Appendix C).
(2) Analysis model. In the sliding stability analysis,

the gravity dam and the rock and soil acting on the dam
are assumed to act as a system of wedges. The dam
foundation system is divided into one or more driving
wedges, one structural wedge, and one or more resisting
wedges, as shown in Figures 4-4 and 4-5.
(3) General wedge equation. By writing equilibrium
equations normal and parallel to the slip plane, solving for
Ni and Ti, and substituting the expressions for Ni and Ti
into the equation for the factor of safety of the typical
FS
Wi
Vi cos i
C iL i /
HLi
HLi
Figure 4-4. Geometry of structure foundation system
HRi sin i
HRi cos i
Pi
Pi
Pi sin i
Pi cos i
Wi
Figure 4-5. Dam foundation system, showing driving, structural, and resisting wedges
4-6
Ui tan i
Vi sin i
(4-5)
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Solving for (Pi-1 - Pi) gives the general wedge equation,
Pi
Pi
Wi
Vi tan di cos i
tan di sin i
cos i
where
i = number of wedge being analyzed
(Pi-1 - Pi) = summation of applied forces acting horizontally on the ith wedge. (A negative value for
this term indicates that the applied forces
acting on the ith wedge exceed the forces
resisting sliding along the base of the wedge.
A positive value for the term indicates that
the applied forces acting on the ith wedge are
less than the forces resisting sliding along the
base of that wedge.)
Wi = total weight of water, soil, rock, or concrete
in the ith wedge
Vi = any vertical force applied above top of ith
wedge
tan di = tan i /FS
i = angle between slip plane of ith wedge and
horizontal. Positive is counterclockwise
Ui = uplift force exerted along slip plane of the ith
wedge
sin i
cdiLi
Ui tan di HLi
cos i
HRi
(4-6)
tan di sin i
(4) Failure plane angle. For the initial trial, the failure plane angle alpha for a driving wedge can be
approximated by:
45
where d
tan
tan
FS
For a resisting wedge, the slip plane angle can be approximated by:
45
d
2
These equations for the slip plane angle are the exact
solutions for wedges with a horizontal top surface with or
without a uniform surcharge.
(5) Procedure for a multiple-wedge analysis. The
general procedure for analyzing multi-wedge systems
includes:
HLi = any horizontal force applied above top or

below bottom of left side adjacent wedge
(a) Assuming a potential failure surface based on the

stratification, location and orientation, frequency and
distribution of discontinuities of the foundation material,
and the configuration of the base.
HRi = any horizontal force applied above top or

below bottom of right side adjacent wedge
(b) Dividing the assumed slide mass into a number of

wedges, including a single-structure wedge.
cdi = ci /FS
(c) Drawing free body diagrams that show all the

forces assuming to be acting on each wedge.
Li = length along the slip plane of the ith wedge

(d) Estimate the FS for the first trial.
This equation is used to compute the sum of the applied
forces acting horizontally on each wedge for an assumed
FS. The same FS is used for each wedge. The derivation
of the general wedge equation is covered in Appendix C.
(e) Compute the critical sliding angles for each

wedge. For a driving wedge, the critical angle is the
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angle that produces a maximum driving force. For a
resisting wedge, the critical angle is the angle that produces a minimum resisting force.
where
(f) Compute the uplift pressure, if any, along the slip

plane. The effects of seepage and foundation drains
should be included.
C = cohesion on slip plane
H = horizontal force applied to dam
L = length along slip plane
(g) Compute the weight of each wedge, including any

water and surcharges.
(h) Compute the summation of the lateral forces for
each wedge using the general wedge equation. In certain
cases where the loadings or wedge geometries are complicated, the critical angles of the wedges may not be easily
calculated. The general wedge equation may be used to
iterate and find the critical angle of a wedge by varying
the angle of the wedge to find a minimum resisting or
maximum driving force.
(i) Sum the lateral forces for all the wedges.
(j) If the sum of the lateral forces is negative,
decrease the FS and then recompute the sum of the lateral
forces. By decreasing the FS, a greater percentage of the
shearing strength along the slip planes is mobilized. If
the sum of the lateral forces is positive, increase the FS
and recompute the sum of the lateral forces. By increasing the FS, a smaller percentage of the shearing strength
is mobilized.
(k) Continue this trial and error process until the sum
of the lateral forces is approximately zero for the FS used.
This procedure will determine the FS that causes the
sliding mass in horizontal equilibrium, in which the sum
of the driving forces acting horizontally equals the sum of
the resisting forces that act horizontally.
(l) If the FS is less than the minimum criteria, a
redesign will be required by sloping or widening the base.
e. Single-plane failure surface. The general wedge
equation reduces to Equation 4-7 providing a direct
solution for FS for sliding of any plane within the dam
and for structures defined by a single plane at the interface between the structure and foundation material with
no embedment. Figure 4-6 shows a graphical representation of a single-plane failure mode for sloping and horizontal surfaces.
FS
[W cos
U H sin ] tan
H cos W sin
CL
Figure 4-6. Single plane failure mode
(4-7)
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For the case of sliding through horizontal planes, generally the condition analyzed within the dam, Equation 4-7
reduces to Equation 4-8:
FS
(W
U) tan
HL
CL
(4-8)
f. Design considerations.
(1) Driving wedges. The interface between the group
of driving wedges and the structural wedge is assumed to
be a vertical plane that is located at the heel of the structural wedge and extends to its base. The magnitudes of
the driving forces depend on the actual values of the
safety factor and the inclination angles of the slip path.
The inclination angles, corresponding to the maximum
active forces for each potential failure surface, can be
determined by independently analyzing the group of driving wedges for a trial safety factor. In rock, the inclination may be predetermined by discontinuities in the
foundation. The general equation applies directly only to
driving wedges with assumed horizontal driving forces.
(2) Structural wedge. The general wedge equation is
based on the assumption that shearing forces do not act
on the vertical wedge boundaries; hence there can be only
one structural wedge because concrete structures transmit
significant shearing forces across vertical internal planes.
Discontinuities in the slip path beneath the structural
wedge should be modeled by assuming an average slip
plane along the base of the structural wedge.
(3) Resisting wedges. The interface between the
group of resisting wedges and the structural wedge is
assumed to be a vertical plane that is located at the toe of
the structural wedge and extends to its base. The magnitudes of the resisting forces depend on the actual values
of the safety factor and the inclination angles of the slip
path. The inclination angles, corresponding to the minimum passive forces for each potential failure mechanism,
can be determined by independently analyzing the group
of resisting wedges for a trial safety factor. The general
wedge equation applies directly only to resisting wedges
with assumed horizontal passive forces. If passive resistance is used, then rock that may be subjected to high
velocity water scouring should not be used unless adequately protected. Also, the compressive strength of the
rock layers must be sufficient to develop the wedge resistance. In some cases, wedge resistance should not be
included unless rock anchors are installed to stabilize the
wedge.
(4) Effects of cracks in foundation. Sliding analyses

should consider the effects of cracks on the driving side
of the structural wedge in the foundation material resulting from differential settlement, shrinkage, or joints in a
rock mass. The depth of cracking in massive strong rock
foundations should be assumed to extend to the base of
the structural wedge. Shearing resistance along the crack
should be ignored, and full hydrostatic pressure should be
assumed to act at the bottom of the crack. The hydraulic
gradient across the base of the structural wedge should
reflect the presence of a crack at the heel of the structural
wedge.
(5) Uplift. The effects of uplift forces should be
included in the sliding analysis. Uplift pressures on the
wedges and within any plane within the structure should
be determined as described in Chapter 3, Section 3.
(6) Resultant outside kern. As previously stated,
requirements for rotational equilibrium are not directly
included in the general wedge equation. For some load
cases, the normal component of the resultant applied loads
will lie outside the kern of the base area, and not all of
the structural wedge will be in contact with the foundation
material. The sliding analysis should be modified for
these load cases to reflect the following secondary effects
due to coupling of the sliding and rational behavior.
(a) The uplift pressure on the portion of the base not
in contact with the foundation material should be a uniform value that is equal to the maximum value of the
hydraulic pressure across the base (except for instantaneous load cases such as those resulting from seismic
forces).
(b) The cohesive component of the sliding resistance
should include only the portion of the base area in contact
with the foundation material.
(7) Seismic sliding stability. The sliding stability of a
structure for an earthquake-induced base motion should be
checked by assuming the specified horizontal earthquake
and the vertical earthquake acceleration, if included in the
analysis, to act in the most unfavorable direction. The
earthquake-induced forces on the structure and foundation
wedges may then be determined by the seismic coefficient
method as outlined in Chapter 3. Lateral earthquake
forces for resisting and driving wedges consisting of soil
material should be determined as described in
EM 1110-2-2502, Retaining and Flood Walls.
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(8) Strain compatibility. Shear resistance in a dam
foundation is dependent on the strength properties of the
rock. Slide planes within the foundation rock may pass
through different materials, and these surfaces may be
either through intact rock or along existing rock discontinuities. Less deformation is required for intact rock to
reach its maximum shear resistance than for discontinuity
surfaces to develop their maximum frictional resistances.
Thus, the shear resistance developed along discontinuities
depends on the amount of displacement on the intact rock
part of the shear surface. If the intact rock breaks, the
shear resistance along the entire length of the shear plane
is the combined frictional resistance for all materials
along the plane.
(3) The program considers the effects of:

(a) Multiple layers of rock with irregular surfaces.
(b) Water and seepage effects. The line-of-creep and
seepage factor/gradient are provided.
(c) Applied vertical surcharge loads including line,
uniform, strip, triangular, and ramp loads.
(d) Applied horizontal concentrated point loads.
(e) Irregularly shaped structural geometry with a horizontal or sloped base.
(f) Percentage of the structure base in compression
because of overturning effects.
4-7. Base Pressures

a. Computations of base pressures. For the dam to
be in static equilibrium, the resultant of all horizontal and
vertical forces including uplift must be balanced by an
equal and opposite reaction of the foundation consisting
of the total normal reaction and the total tangential shear.
The location of this force is such that the summation of
moments is equal to zero.
b. Allowable base pressure. The maximum computed
base pressure should be equal to or less than the allowable bearing capacity for the usual and unusual load conditions. For extreme loading condition, the maximum
bearing pressure should be equal to or less than 1.33
times the allowable bearing capacity.
4-8. Computer Programs
a. Program for sliding stability analysis of concrete
structures (CSLIDE).
(1) The computer program CSLIDE has the capability
of performing a two-dimensional sliding stability analysis
of gravity dams and other concrete structures. It uses the
principles of the multi-wedge system of analysis as discussed in paragraph 4-6. Program documentation is covered in U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment
Station (WES) Instruction Report ITL-87-5, Sliding
Stability of Concrete Structures (CSLIDE).
(g) Single and multiple-plane options for the failure

surfaces.
(h) Horizontal and vertical induced loads because of
earthquake accelerations.
(i) Factors requiring the user to predetermine the
failure surface.
(4) It will not analyze curved surfaces or discontinuities in the slip surface of each wedge. In those cases,
an average linear geometry should be assumed along the
base of the wedge.
b. Three-dimensional stability analysis and design
program (3DSAD), special purpose modules for dams
(CDAMS).
(1) General. The computer program called CDAMS
performs a three-dimensional stability analysis and design
of concrete dams. The program was developed as a specific structure implementation of the three-dimensional
stability analysis and design (3DSAD) program. It is
intended to handle two cross-sectional types:
(a) An overflow monolith with optional pier.
(b) A nonoverflow monolith.
(2) The potential failure planes and the associated

wedges are chosen for input and, by satisfying limit equilibrium principles, the FS against sliding failure is computed for output. The results also give a summary of
failure angles and forces acting on the wedges.
The program can operate in either an analysis or design

mode. Load conditions outlined in paragraph 4-1 can be
performed in any order. A more detailed description and
information about the use of the program can be found in
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EM 1110-2-2200
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Instruction Report K-80-4, A Three-Dimensional Stability Analysis/Design Program (3DSAD); Report 4, Special
Purpose Modules for Dams (CDAMS) (U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (USACE) 1983).
(3) Design. In the design mode, the structure is

incrementally modified until a geometry is established that
meets criteria. Different geometric parameters may be
varied to achieve a stable geometry. A design memorandum plate option is also available.
(2) Analysis. In the analysis mode, the program is

capable of performing resultant location, bearing, and
sliding computations for each load condition. A review is
made of the established criteria and the results outputted.
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Chapter 5
Static and Dynamic Stress Analyses
5-1. Stress Analysis

a. General.
(1) A stress analysis of gravity dams is performed to
determine the magnitude and distribution of stresses
throughout the structure for static and dynamic load conditions and to investigate the structural adequacy of the
substructance and foundation. Load conditions usually
investigated are outlined in Chapter 4.
(2) Gravity dam stresses are analyzed by either
approximate simplified methods or the finite element
method depending on the refinement required for the
particular level of design and the type and configuration
of the dam. For preliminary designs, simplified methods
using cantilever beam models for two-dimensional analysis or the trial load twist method for three-dimensional
analysis are appropriate as described in the US Bureau of
Reclamation (USBR), Design of Gravity Dams (1976).
The finite element method is ordinarily used for the feature and final design stages if a more exact stress investigation is required.
b. Finite element analysis.
(1) Finite element models are used for linear elastic
static and dynamic analyses and for nonlinear analyses
that account for interaction of the dam and foundation.
The finite element method provides the capability of
modeling complex geometries and wide variations in
material properties. The stresses at corners, around openings, and in tension zones can be approximated with a
finite element model. It can model concrete thermal
behavior and couple thermal stresses with other loads.
An important advantage of this method is that complicated foundations involving various materials, weak joints
on seams, and fracturing can be readily modeled. Special
purpose computer programs designed specifically for
analysis of concrete gravity dams are CG-DAMS (Anatech 1993), which performs static, dynamic, and nonlinear
analyses and includes a smeared crack model, and MERLIN (Saouma 1994), which includes a discrete cracking
fracture mechanics model.
(2) Two-dimensional, finite element analysis is generally appropriate for concrete gravity dams. The designer
should be aware that actual structure response is threedimensional and should review the analytical and realistic
results to assure that the two-dimension approximation is

acceptable and realistic. For long conventional concrete
dams with transverse contraction joints and without keyed
joints, a two-dimensional analysis should be reasonably
correct. Structures located in narrow valleys between
steep abutments and dams with varying rock moduli
which vary across the valley are conditions that necessitate three-dimensional modeling.
(3) The special purpose programs Earthquake Analysis of Gravity Dams including Hydrodynamic Interaction
(EADHI) (Chakrabarti and Chopra 1973) and Earthquake
Response of Concrete Gravity Dams Including Hydrodynamic and Foundation Interaction Effects (EAGD84)
(Chopra, Chakrabarti, and Gupta 1980) are available for
modeling the dynamic response of linear two-dimensional
structures. Both programs use acceleration time records
for dynamic input. The program SDOFDAM is a twodimensional finite element model (Cole and Cheek 1986)
that computes the hydrodynamic loading using Chopras
simplified procedure. The finite element programs such
as GTSTRUDL, SAP, ANSYS, ADINA, and ABAQUS
provide general capabilities for modeling static and
dynamic responses.
5-2. Dynamic Analysis
The structural analysis for earthquake loadings consists of
two parts: an approximate resultant location and sliding
stability analysis using an appropriate seismic coefficient
(see Chapter 4) and a dynamic internal stress analysis
using site-dependent earthquake ground motions if the
following conditions exist:
a. The dam is 100 feet or more in height and the
peak ground acceleration (PGA) at the site is greater than
0.2 g for the maximum credible earthquake.
b. The dam is less than 100 feet high and the PGA at
the site is greater than 0.4 g for the maximum credible
earthquake.
c. There are gated spillway monoliths, wide roadways, intake structures, or other monoliths of unusual
shape or geometry.
d. The dam is in a weakened condition because of
accident, aging, or deterioration. The requirements for a
dynamic stress analysis in this case will be decided on a
project-by-project basis in consultant and approved by
CECW-ED.
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EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
paragraph 5-6) in the form required for the methods of
dynamic analysis to be used.
5-3. Dynamic Analysis Process

The procedure for performing a dynamic analysis include
the following:
a. Review the geology,
temporary tectonic setting.
seismology,
and
5-5. Performance Criteria for Response to

Site-Dependent Earthquakes
con-
b. Determine the earthquake sources.

c. Select the candidate maximum credible and operating basis earthquake magnitudes and locations.
a. Maximum credible earthquake.

Gravity dams
should be capable of surviving the controlling MCE without a catastrophic failure that would result in loss of life
or significant damage to property. Inelastic behavior with
associated damage is permissible under the MCE.
d. Select the attenuation relationships for the candidate earthquakes.
b. Operating basis earthquake. Gravity dams should

be capable of resisting the controlling OBE within the
elastic range, remain operational, and not require extensive repairs.
e. Select the controlling maximum credible and operating basis earthquakes from the candidate earthquakes
based on the most severe ground motions at the site.
5-6. Geological and Seismological Investigation
f. Select the design response spectra for the controlling earthquakes.

g. Select the appropriate acceleration-time records
that are compatible with the design response spectra if
acceleration-time history analyses are needed.
h. Select the dynamic material properties for the
concrete and foundation.
A geological and seismological investigation of all damsites is required for projects located in seismic zones 2
through 4. The objectives of the investigation are to
establish controlling maximum and credible operating
basis earthquakes and the corresponding ground motions
for each and to assess the possibility of earthquakeinduced foundation dislocation at the site. Selecting the
controlling earthquakes is discussed below. Additional
information is also available in TM 5-809-10-1.
5-7. Selecting the Controlling Earthquakes
i. Select the dynamic methods of analysis to be used.

j. Perform the dynamic analysis.
k. Evaluate the stresses from the dynamic analysis.
5-4. Interdisciplinary Coordination
A dynamic analysis requires a team of engineering geologists, seismologists, and structural engineers. They must
work together in an integrated approach so that elements
of conservatism are not unduly compounded. An example
of undue conservatism includes using a rare event as the
MCE, upper bound values for the PGA, upper bound
values for the design response spectra, and conservative
criteria for determining the earthquake resistance of the
structure. The steps in performing a dynamic analysis
should be fully coordinated to develop a reasonably conservative design with respect to the associated risks. The
structural engineers responsible for the dynamic structural
analysis should be actively involved in the process of
characterizing the earthquake ground motions (see
a. Maximum credible earthquake. The first step for

selecting the controlling MCE is to specify the magnitude
and/or modified Mercalli (MM) intensity of the MCE for
each seismotectonic structure or source area within the
region examined around the site. The second step is to
select the controlling MCE based on the most severe
vibratory ground motion within the predominant frequency range of the dam and determine the foundation
dislocation, if any, capable of being produced at the site
by the candidate MCEs. If more than one candidate
MCE produce the largest ground motions in different
frequency bands significant to the response of the dam,
each should be considered a controlling MCE.
b. Operating basis earthquake.
(1) The selection of the OBE is based upon the
desired level of protection for the project from earthquake-induced damage and loss of service project life.
The project life of new dams is usually taken as
100 years. The probability of exceedance of the OBE
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during the project life should be no greater than
50 percent unless the cost savings in designing for a less
severe earthquake outweighs the risk of incurring the cost
of repairs and loss of service because of a more severe
earthquake.
(2) The probabilistic analysis for the OBE involves
developing a magnitude frequency or epicentral intensity
frequency (recurrence) relationship of each seismic
source; projecting the recurrence information from
regional and past data into forecasts concerning future
occurrence; attenuating the severity parameter, usually
either PGA of MM intensity, to the site; determining the
controlling recurrence relationship for the site; and finally,
selecting the design level of earthquake based upon the
probability of exceedance and the project life.
5-8. Characterizing Ground Motions
a. General. After specifying the location and magnitude (or epicentral intensity) of each candidate earthquake
and an appropriate regional attenuation relationship, the
characteristics of vibratory ground motion expected at the
site can be determined. Vibratory ground motions have
been described in a variety of ways, such as peak ground
motion parameters, acceleration-time records (accelerograms), or response spectra (Hayes 1980, and Krinitzsky
and Marcuson 1983). For the analysis and design of
concrete dams, the controlling characterization of vibratory ground motion should be a site-dependent design
response spectra.
b. Site-specific design response spectra.
(1) Wherever possible, site-specific design response
spectra should be developed statistically from response
spectra of strong motion records of earthquakes that have
similar source and propagation path properties as the
controlling earthquake(s) and are recorded on a foundation
similar to that of the dam. Important source properties
include magnitude and, if possible, fault type and tectonic
environment. Propagation path properties include distance, depth, and attenuation. As many accelerograms as
possible that are recorded under comparable conditions
and have a predominant frequency similar to that selected
for the design earthquake should be included in the
development of the design response spectra. Also, accelerograms should be selected that have been corrected for
the true baseline of zero acceleration, for errors in digitization, and for other irregularities (Schiff and Bogdanoff
1967).
(2) Where a large enough ensemble of site-specific

strong motion records is not available, design response
spectra may be approximated by scaling that ensemble of
records that represents the best estimate of source, propagation path, and site properties. Scaling factors can be
obtained in several ways. The scaling factor may be
determined by dividing the peak or effective peak acceleration specified for the controlling earthquake by the peak
acceleration of the record being rescaled. The peak
velocity of the record should fall within the range of peak
velocities specified for the controlling earthquake, or the
record should not be used. Spectrum intensity can be
used for scaling by using the ratio of the spectrum intensity determined for the site and the spectrum intensity of
the record being rescaled (USBR 1978). Acceleration
attenuation relationships can be used for scaling by dividing the acceleration that corresponds to the source distance and magnitude of the controlling earthquake by the
acceleration that corresponds to the source distance and
magnitude of the record being rescaled (Guzman and
Jennings 1970). Because the scaling of accelerograms is
an approximate operation at best, the closer the characteristics of the actual earthquake are to those of the controlling earthquake, the more reliable the results. For this
reason, the scaling factor should be held to within a range
of 0.33 to 3 for gravity dam.
(3) Guidance for developing design response spectra,
statistically, from strong motion records is given in
Vanmarcke (1979).
(4) Site-dependent response spectra developed from
strong motion records, as described in paragraphs 5-8b,
should have amplitudes equal to or greater than the mean
response spectrum for the appropriate foundation given by
Seed, Ugas, and Lysmer (1976), anchored by the PGA
determined for the site. This minimum response spectrum
may be anchored by an effective PGA determined for the
site, but supporting documentation for determining the
effective PGA will be required (Newmark and Hall 1982).
(5) A mean smooth response spectrum of the
response spectra of records chosen should be presented
for each damping value of interest. The statistical level
of response spectra used should be justified based on the
degree of conservatism in the preceding steps of the seismic design process and the thoroughness of the development of the design response spectra. If a rare event is
used as the controlling earthquake and the earthquake
records are scaled by upper bound values of ground
motions, then use a response spectrum corresponding to
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the mean of the amplification factors if the response spectrum is based on five or more earthquake records.
c. Accelerograms for acceleration-time history
analysis. Accelerograms used for dynamic input should
be compatible with the design response spectrum and
account for the peak ground motions parameters, spectrum
intensity, and duration of shaking. Compatibility is
defined as the envelope of all response spectra derived
from the selected accelerograms that lie below the smooth
design response spectrum throughout the frequency range
of structural significance.
(2) This simplified method can be used also for an

ungated spillway monolith that has a section similar to a
nonoverflow monolith. A simplified method for gated
spillway monoliths is presented in WES Technical Report
SL-89-4 (Chopra and Tan 1989).
(3) The program SDOFDAM is available to easily
model a dam using the finite element method and
Chopras simplified procedure for estimating the hydrodynamic loading. This analysis provides a reasonable first
estimate of the tensile stress in the dam. From that estimate, one can decide if the design is adequate or if a
refined analysis is needed.
5-9. Dynamic Methods of Stress Analysis

c. Finite element methods.
a. General. A dynamic analysis determines the structural response based on the characteristics of the structure
and the nature of the earthquake loading. Dynamic
methods usually employ the modal analysis technique.
This technique is based on the simplifying assumption
that the response in each natural mode of vibration can be
computed independently and the modal responses can be
combined to determine the total response (Chopra 1987).
Modal techniques that can be used for gravity dams
include a simplified response spectrum method and finite
element methods using either a response spectrum or
acceleration-time records for the dynamic input.
A
dynamic analysis should begin with the response spectrum
method and progress to more refined methods if needed.
A time-history analysis is used when yielding (cracking)
of the dam is indicated by a response spectrum analysis.
The time-history analysis allows the designer to determine
the number of cycles of nonlinear behavior, the magnitude
of excursion into the nonlinear range, and the time the
structure remains nonlinear.
(1) General. The finite element method is capable of

modeling the horizontal and vertical structural deformations and the exterior and interior concrete, and it includes
the response of the higher modes of vibrations, the interaction effects of the foundation and any surrounding soil,
and the horizontal and vertical components of ground
motion.
(2) Finite element response spectrum method.
(a) The finite element response spectrum method can
model the dynamic response of linear two- and threedimensional structures. The hydrodynamic effects are
modeled as an added mass of water moving with the dam
using Westergaards formula (Westergaard 1933). The
foundations are modeled as discrete elements or a half
space.
(b) Six general purpose finite element programs are
compared by Hall and Radhakrishnan (1983).
b. Simplified response spectrum method.

(1) The simplified response spectrum method computes the maximum linear response of a nonoverflow
section in its fundamental mode of vibration due to the
horizontal component of ground motion (Chopra 1987).
The dam is modeled as an elastic mass fully restrained on
a rigid foundation. Hydrodynamic effects are modeled as
an added mass of water moving with the dam. The
amount of the added water mass depends on the fundamental frequency of vibration and mode shape of the dam
and the effects of interaction between the dam and reservoir. Earthquake loading is computed directly from the
spectral acceleration, obtained from the design earthquake
response spectrum, and the dynamic properties of the
structural system.
(c) A finite element program computes the natural

frequencies of vibration and corresponding mode shapes
for specified modes. The earthquake loading is computed
from earthquake response spectra for each mode of vibration induced by the horizontal and vertical components of
ground motion. These modal responses are combined to
obtain an estimate of the maximum total response.
Stresses are computed by a static analysis of the dam
using the earthquake loading as an equivalent static load.
(d) The complete quadratic combination (CQC)
method (Der Kiureghian 1979 and 1980) should be used
to combine the modal responses. The CQC method
degenerates to the square root of the sum of squares
(SRSS) method for two-dimensional structures in which
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the frequencies are well separated. Combining modal
maxima by the SRSS method can dramatically overestimate or significantly underestimate the dynamic response
for three-dimensional structures.
(e) The finite element response spectrum method
should be used for dam monoliths that cannot be modeled
two dimensionally or if the maximum tensile stress from
the simplified response spectrum method (paragraph 5-9b)
exceeds 15 percent of the unconfined compressive
strength of the concrete.
(f) Normal stresses should be used for evaluating the
results obtained from a finite element response spectrum
analysis.
Finite element programs calculate normal
stresses that, in turn, are used to compute principal
stresses. The absolute values of the dynamic response at
different time intervals are used to combine the modal
responses. These calculations of principal stress overestimate the actual condition. Principal stresses should be
calculated using the finite element acceleration-time history analysis for a specific time interval.
model static and dynamic responses of linear

two-dimensional dams. The hydrodynamic effects are
modeled using the wave equation. The compressibility of
water and structural deformation effects are included in
computing the hydrodynamic pressures. EADHI was
developed assuming a fixed base for the dam. The most
comprehensive two-dimensional earthquake analysis program available for gravity dams is EAGD84, which can
model static and dynamic responses of linear
two-dimensional dams, including hydrodynamic and
foundation interaction. Dynamic input for EADHI and
EAGD84 is an acceleration time record.
(b) The acceleration-time history method computes
the natural frequencies of vibration and corresponding
mode shapes for specified modes. The response of each
mode, in the form of equivalent lateral loads, is calculated
for the entire duration of the earthquake acceleration-time
record starting with initial conditions, taking a small time
interval, and computing the response at the end of each
time interval. The modal responses are added for each
time interval to yield the total response. The stresses are
computed by a static analysis for each time interval.
(3) Finite element acceleration-time history method.

(a) The acceleration-time history method requires a
general purpose finite element program or the special
purpose computer program called EADHI. EADHI can
(c) An acceleration-time history analysis is

appropriate if the variation of stresses with time is
required to evaluate the extent and duration of a highly
stressed condition.
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Chapter 6
Temperature Control of Mass Concrete
6-1. Introduction
Temperature control of mass concrete is necessary to
prevent cracking caused by excessive tensile strains that
result from differential cooling of the concrete. The concrete is heated by reaction of cement with water and can
gain additional heat from exposure to the ambient conditions. Cracking can be controlled by methods that limit
the peak temperature to a safe level, so the tensile strains
developed as the concrete cools to equilibrium are less
than the tensile strain capacity.
6-2. Thermal Properties of Concrete
a. General. The properties of concrete used in thermal studies for the design of gravity dams are thermal
diffusivity, thermal conductivity, specific heat, coefficient
of thermal expansion, heat of hydration of the cement,
tensile strain capacity, and modulus of elasticity. The
most significant factor affecting the thermal properties is
the composition of the aggregates. The selection of suitable aggregates is based on other considerations, so little
or no control can be exercised over the thermal properties
of the aggregates. Type II cement with optional low heat
of hydration limitation and a cement replacement are
normally specified. Type IV low-heat cement has not
been used in recent years, because in most cases heat
development can be controlled by other measures and
type IV cement is not generally available.
b. Thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of
a material is the rate at which it transmits heat and is
defined as the ratio of the flux of heat to the temperature
gradient. Water content, density, and temperature significantly influence the thermal conductivity of a specific
concrete. Typical values are 2.3, 1.7, and 1.2 British
thermal units (Btu)/hour/foot/Fahrenheit degree (F) for
concrete with quartzite, limestone, and basalt aggregates,
respectively.
c. Thermal diffusivity. Diffusivity is described as an
index of the ease or difficulty with which concrete undergoes temperature change and, numerically, is the thermal
conductivity divided by the product of specific heat and
density. Typical diffusivity values for concrete range
from 0.03 square foot/hour for basalt concrete to
0.06 square foot/hour for quartzite concrete.
d. Specific heat. Specific heat or heat capacity is the

heat required to raise a unit weight of material 1 degree.
Values for various types of concrete are about the same
and vary from 0.22 to 0.25 Btus/pound/F.
e. Coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficient
of thermal expansion can be defined as the change in
linear dimension per unit length divided by the temperature change expressed in millionths per F. Basalt and
limestone concretes have values from 3 to 5 millionths/F;
quartzite concretes range up to 8 millionths/F.
f. Heat of hydration. The reaction of water with
cement is exothermic and generates a considerable amount
of heat over an extended period of time. Heats of hydration for various cements vary from 60 to 95 calories/gram
at 7 days and 70 to 110 calories/gram at 28 days.
g. Tensile strain capacity. Design is based on maximum tensile strain. The modulus of rupture test
(CRD-C 16) is done on concrete beams tested to failure
under third-point loading. Tensile strain capacity is determined by dividing the modulus of rupture by the modulus
of elasticity.
Typical values range from 50 to
200 millions depending on loading rate and type of
concrete.
h. Creep. Creep of concrete is deformation that
occurs while concrete is under sustained stress. Specific
creep is creep under unit stress. Specific creep of mass
concrete is in the range of 1.4 10-6/pounds per square
inch (psi).
i. Modulus of elasticity. The instantaneous loading
modulus of elasticity for mass concrete ranges from about
1.5 to 6 106 psi and under sustained loading from about
0.5 to 4 106 psi.
6-3. Thermal Studies
a. General. During the design of gravity dams, it is
necessary to assess the possibility that strain induced by
temperature changes in the concrete will not exceed the
strain capacity of the concrete. Detailed design procedures for control of the generation of heat and volume
changes to minimize cracking may be found in the ACI
Manual of Concrete Practice, Section 207. The following
concrete parameters should be determined by a division
laboratory: heat of hydration (CRD-C 229), adiabatic
temperature rise (CRD-C 38), thermal conductivity
(CRD-C 44), thermal diffusivity (CRD-C 37), specific
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heat (CRD-C 124), coefficient of thermal expansion
(CRD-C 397, 125, and 126), creep (CRD-C 54), and
tensile strain capacity (CRD-C 71). Thermal properties
testing should not be initiated until aggregate
investigations have proceeded to the point that the most
likely aggregate sources are determined and the availability of cementitious material is known.
b. Allowable peak temperature. The peak temperature for the interior mass concrete must be controlled to
prevent cracking induced by surface contraction. The
allowable peak temperature commonly used to prevent
serious cracking in mass concrete structures is the mean
annual ambient temperature plus the number of degrees
Fahrenheit determined by dividing the tensile strain capacity by the coefficient of linear expansion. This assumes
that the concrete will be subjected to 100-percent restraint
against contraction. When the potential temperature rise
of mass concrete is reduced to this level, the temperature
drop that causes tensile strain and cracking is reduced to
an acceptable level.
6-4. Temperature Control Methods
The temperature control methods available for consideration all have the basic objective of reducing increases in
temperature due to heat of hydration, reducing thermal

differentials within the structure, and reducing exposure to
cold air at the concrete surfaces that would create
cracking. The most common techniques are the control of
lift thickness, time interval between lifts, maximum allowable placing temperature of the concrete, and surface
insulation. Postcooling may be economical for large
structures. Analysis should be made to determine the
most economic method to restrict temperature increases
and subsequent temperature drops to levels just safely
below values that could cause undesirable cracking. For
structures of limited complexity, such as conventionally
shaped gravity dams, satisfactory results may be obtained
by use of the design procedures in ACI 207 Mass Concrete for Dams and Other Massive Structures. Roller
compacted concrete thermal control options include the
installation of contraction joints, winter construction,
mixture design, and increased heat dissipation. Contraction joints can be created by inserting a series of cuts or
metal plates into each lift to produce a continuous vertical
joint. Using very high production and placement rates,
RCC construction can be limited to colder winter months
without excessive schedule delays. The normal lift height
of 1 to 2 feet provides for an increased rate of heat dissipation during cool weather.
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Chapter 7
Structural Design Considerations
7-1. Introduction
This chapter discusses the layout, design, and construction
considerations associated with concrete gravity dams.
These general considerations include contraction and
construction joints, waterstops, spillways, outlet works,
and galleries. Similar considerations related to RCC
gravity dams are addressed in Chapter 9.
7-2. Contraction and Construction Joints
a. To control the formation of cracks in mass concrete, vertical transverse contraction (monolith) joints will
generally be spaced uniformly across the axis of the dam
about 50 feet apart. Where a powerhouse forms an integral part of a dam and the spacing of the units is in
excess of this dimension, it will be necessary to increase
the joint spacing in the intake block to match the spacing
of the joints in the powerhouse. In the spillway section,
gate and pier size and other requirements are factors in
the determination of the spacing of the contraction joints.
The location and spacing of contraction joints should be
governed by the physical features of the damsite, details
of the appurtenant structures, results of temperature studies, placement rates and methods, and the probable concrete mixing plant capacity. Abrupt discontinuities along
the dam profile, material changes, defects in the foundation, and the location of features such as outlet works and
penstock will also influence joint location. In addition,
the results of thermal studies will provide limitations on
monolith joint spacing for assurance against cracking from
excessive temperature-induced strains. The joints are
vertical and normal to the axis, and they extend continuously through the dam section. The joints are constructed
so that bonding does not exist between adjacent monoliths
to assure freedom of volumetric change of individual
monoliths. Reinforcing should not extend through a contraction joint. At the dam faces, the joints are chamfered
above minimum pool level for appearance and for minimizing spalling. The monoliths are numbered, generally
sequentially, from the right abutment.
b. Horizontal or nearly horizontal construction joints
(lift joints) will be spaced to divide the structure into
convenient working units and to control construction
procedure for the purpose of regulating temperature
changes. A typical lift will usually be 5 feet consisting of
three 20-inch layers, or 7-1/2 feet consisting of five
18-inch layers. Where necessary as a temperature control
measure, lift thickness may be limited to 2-1/2 feet in

certain areas of the dam. The best lift height for each
project will be determined from concrete production capabilities and placing methods. EM 1110-2-2000 provides
guidance on establishing lift thickness.
7-3. Waterstops
A double line of waterstops should be provided near the
upstream face at all contraction joints. The waterstops
should be grouted 18 to 24 inches into the foundation or
sealed to the cutoff system and should terminate near the
top of the dam. For gated spillway sections, the tops of
the waterstops should terminate near the crest of the ogee.
A 6- to 8-inch-diameter formed drain will generally be
provided between the two waterstops. In the nonoverflow
monolith joints, the drains extend from maximum pool
elevation and terminate at about the level of, and drain
into, the gutter in the grouting and drainage gallery. In
the spillway monolith joints, the drains extend from the
gate sill to the gallery. A single line of waterstops should
be placed around all galleries and other openings crossing
monolith joints. EM 1110-2-2102 provides further details
and guidance for the selection and use of waterstops and
other joint materials.
7-4. Spillway
a. The primary function of a spillway is to release
surplus water from reservoirs and to safely bypass the
design flood downstream in order to prevent overtopping
and possible failure of the dam. Spillways are classified
as controlled (gate) or uncontrolled (ungated). The overflow (ogee) spillway is the type usually associated with
concrete gravity dams. Other less common spillway types
such as chute, side channel, morning glory, and tunnel are
not addressed in this manual.
b. An overflow spillway profile is governed in its
upper portions by hydraulic considerations rather than by
stability requirements. The downstream face of the spillway section terminates either in a stilling basin apron or
in a bucket type energy dissipator, depending largely upon
the nature of the site and upon the tailwater conditions.
The design of the spillway shall include the stability and
internal stress analysis and the structural performance.
Loadings should be consistent with those discussed in
Chapter 4. Operating equipment should be designed to be
operational following a maximum credible earthquake.
c. Discharge over the spillway or flip bucket section
must be confined by sidewalls on either side, terminating
in training walls extending along each side of the stilling
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basin or flip bucket. Height and length of training walls
are usually determined by model tests or from previous
tests of similar structures. Sidewalls should be of sufficient height to contain the spillway design flow, with a
2-foot freeboard. Negative pressures (see EM 1110-21603) due to flowing water should be considered in the
design of the sidewalls, with the maximum allowance (see
EM 1110-2-2400) being made at the stilling basin,
decreasing uniformly to no allowance at the crest. Sidewalls are usually designed as cantilevers projecting out of
the monolith. A wind load of 30 pounds/square foot or
earthquake loading should be assumed for design of reinforcing in the outer face of the walls. The spillway section surfaces should be designed to withstand the high
flow velocities expected during peak discharge and
reduced pressures resulting from the hydrodynamic
effects.
d. The dynamic loads occurring in the energy dissipators will include direct impact, pulsating loads from turbulence, multidirectional and deflected hydraulic flows,
surface erosion from high velocities and debris, and cavitation. The downstream end of the dissipator should
include adequate protection against undermining from
turbulence and eddies. Concrete apron, riprap, or other
measures have been used for stabilization.
conform to the standard specification for highway bridges

adopted by the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
c. Materials used in the design and construction of the
bridge should be selected on the basis of life cycle costs
and functional requirements. Floors, curbs, and parapets
should be reinforced concrete. Beams and girders may be
structural steel, precast or cast-in-place reinforced concrete, or prestressed concrete. Prestressed concrete is
often used because it combines economy, simple erection
procedures, and low maintenance.
7-6. Spillway Piers
a. For uncontrolled spillways, the piers function as
supports for the bridge. On controlled spillways, the piers
will also contain the anchorage or slots for the crest gates
and may support fixed hoists for the gates. The piers are
generally located in the middle of the monolith, and the
width of pier is usually determined by the size of the
gates, with the average width being between 8 and
10 feet. The spillway piers in RCC dams are constructed
with conventional concrete.
b. Since each pier supports a gate on each side, the
following pier loading conditions should be investigated:
7-5. Spillway Bridge

a. Bridges are provided across dam spillways to furnish a means of access for pedestrian and vehicular traffic
between the nonoverflow sections; to provide access or
support for the operating machinery for the crest gates; or,
usually, to serve both purposes. In the case of an uncontrolled spillway and in the absence of vehicular traffic,
access between the nonoverflow sections may be provided
by a small access bridge or by stair shafts and a gallery
beneath the spillway crest.
b. The design of a deck-type, multiple-span spillway
bridge should generally conform to the following criteria.
The class of highway design loading will normally not be
less than HS-20. Special loadings required for performing
operation and maintenance functions and those that the
bridge is subjected to during construction should be taken
into account, including provisions for any heavy concentrated loads. Heavy loadings for consideration should
include those due to powerhouse equipment transported
during construction, mobile cranes used for maintenance,
and gantry cranes used to operate the regulating outlet
works and to install spillway stoplogs. If the structure
carries a state or county highway, the design will usually
(1) Case 1--both gates closed and water at the top of

gates.
(2) Case 2--one gate closed and the other gate wide
open with water at the top of the closed gate.
(3) Case 3--one gate closed and the other open with
bulkheads in place and water at the top of the closed gate.
c. Cases 1 and 3 result in maximum horizontal shear
normal to the axis of the dam and the largest overturning
moment in the downstream direction.
d. Case 2 results in lower horizontal shear and downstream overturning moment, but in addition the pier will
have a lateral bending moment due to the water flowing
through the open gate and to the hoisting machinery when
lifting a closed gate. A torsional shear in the horizontal
plane will also be introduced by the reaction of the closed
gate acting on one side of the pier. When tainter gates
with inclined end frames are used, Cases 2 and 3
introduce the condition of the lateral component of the
thrust on the trunion as a load on only one side of the
pier in addition to the applicable loads indicated above.
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7-7. Outlet Works
a. The outlet works for concrete dams are usually
conduits or sluices through the mass with an intake structure on the upstream face, gates or valves for regulation
control, and an energy dissipator on the downstream face.
Multiple conduits are normally provided because of economics and operating flexibility in controlling a wide
range of releases. The conduits are frequently located in
the center line of the overflow monoliths and discharge
into the spillway stilling basin. Outlet works located in
nonoverflow monoliths will require a separate energy
dissipator. All conduits may be at low level, or some
may be located at one or more higher levels to reduce the
head on the gates, to allow for future reservoir silting, or
to control downstream water quality and temperature.
The layout, size, and shape of the outlet works are based
on hydraulic and hydrology requirements, regulation
plans, economics, site conditions, operation and maintenance needs, and interrelationship to the construction plan
and other appurtenant structures. Conduits may be provided for reservoir evacuation, regulation of flows for
flood control, emergency drawdown, navigation, environmental (fish), irrigation, water supply, maintaining minimum downstream flows and water quality, or for multiple
purposes. Low-level conduits are used to aid water
quality reservoir evacuation and are sometimes desirable
for passage of sediment. These openings are generally
unlined except for short sections adjacent to the control
gates. For lined conduits, it is assumed that the liner is
designed for the full loading. In conduits where velocities
will be 40 feet/second or higher, precautions will be taken
to ensure that the concrete in the sidewalls and inverts
will be of superior quality. If the dam includes a power
intake section, penstocks will be provided and designed in
accordance with EM 1110-2-3001.
b. The effect of project functions upon outlet works
design and hydraulic design features, including trashrack
design and types for sluice outlets, are discussed in
EM 1110-2-1602. A discussion of the structural features
of design for penstocks and trashracks for power plant
intakes is included in EM 1110-2-3001. The structural
design of outlet works is addressed in EM 1110-2-2400.
7-8. Foundation Grouting and Drainage
It is good engineering practice to grout and drain the
foundation rock of gravity dams. A well-planned and
executed grouting program should assist in disclosing
weaknesses in the foundation and improving any existing
defects. The program should include area grouting for
foundation treatment and curtain grouting near the
upstream face for seepage cutoff through the foundation.

Area grouting is generally done before concrete placement. Curtain grouting is commonly done after concrete
has been placed to a considerable height or even after the
structure has been completed. A line of drainage holes is
drilled a few feet downstream from the grout curtain to
collect seepage and reduce uplift across the base.
Detailed information on technical criteria and guidance on
foundation grouting is contained in EM 1110-2-3506.
7-9. Galleries
A system of galleries, adits, chambers, and shafts is
usually provided within the body of the dam to furnish
means of access and space for drilling and grouting and
for installation, operation, and maintenance of the accessories and the utilities in the dam. The primary considerations in the arrangement of the required openings within
the dam are their functional usefulness and efficiency and
their location with respect to maintaining the structural
integrity.
a. Grouting and drainage gallery. A gallery for
grouting the foundation cutoff will extend the full length
of the dam. It will also serve as a collection main for
seepage from foundation drainage holes and the interior
drainage holes. The location of the gallery should be near
the upstream face and as near the rock surface as feasible
to provide the maximum reduction in overall uplift. A
minimum distance of 5 feet should be maintained between
the foundation surface and gallery floor and between the
upstream face and the gallery upstream wall. It has been
standard practice to provide grouting galleries 5 feet wide
by 7 feet high. Experience indicates that these dimensions should be increased to facilitate drilling and
grouting operations. Where practicable, the width should
be increased to 6 or 8 feet and the height to 8 feet. A
gutter may be located along the upstream wall of the
gallery where the line of grout holes is situated to carry
away drill water and cuttings. A gutter should be
locatedalong the downstream gallery wall to carry away
flows from the drain pipes. The gallery is usually
arranged as a series of horizontal runs and stair flights.
The stairs should be provided with safety treads or a
nonslip aggregate finish. Metal treads are preferable
where it is probable that equipment will be skidded up or
down the steps since they provide protection against chipping of concrete. Where practicable, the width of tread
and height of riser should be uniform throughout all
flights of stairs and should never change in any one flight.
Further details on the grouting and drainage gallery are
covered in EM 1110-2-3506.
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b. Gate chambers and access galleries. Gate chambers are located directly over the service and emergency
sluice gates. These chambers should be sized to accommodate the gate hoists along with related mechanical and
electrical equipment and should provide adequate clearances for maintenance. Access galleries should be sufficient size to permit passage of the largest component of
the gates and hoists and equipment required for maintenance. Drainage gutters should be provided and the floor
of the gallery sloped to the gutter with about 1/4 inch/foot
slope.
7-10. Instrumentation
Structural behavior instrumentation programs are provided
for concrete gravity dams to measure the structural
integrity of the structure, check design assumptions, and

monitor the behavior of the foundation and dam during
construction and the various operating phases. The extent
of instrumentation at projects will vary between projects
depending on particular site conditions, the size of the
dam, and needs for monitoring critical sections. Instrumentation can be grouped into those that either directly or
indirectly measure conditions related to the safety of the
structure. Plumbing, alignment, uplift, and seismic instruments fall into the category of safety instruments. In the
other group, the instruments measure quantities such as
stress and strain, length change, pore pressure, leakage,
and temperature change. Details and guidance on the
planning of instrumentation programs, types of instruments, and the preparation, installation, and collection of
data are provided in EM 1110-2-4300.
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Chapter 8
Reevaluation of Existing Dams
8-1. General
Existing gravity dams and foundations should be reevaluated for integrity, strength, and stability when:
a. It is evident that distress has occurred because of
an accident, aging, or deterioration.
b. Design criteria have become more stringent.
c. Excavation is to be performed near existing
structures.
d. Structural deficiencies have been detected.
e. Actual loadings are, or anticipated loadings will
be, greater than those used in the original design. Loadings can increase as a result of changed operational procedures or operational deficiencies, an increase in dam
height, or an increase in the maximum credible earthquake as a result of seismological investigations. Conditions such as excessive uplift pressures, unusual horizontal
or vertical displacements, increased seepage through the
concrete or foundation, and structural cracking are indications that a reevaluation should be performed.
8-2. Reevaluation
The reevaluation should be based on current design criteria and prevailing geological, structural, and hydrological
conditions. If the investigations indicate a fundamental
deficiency, then the initial effort should concentrate on
restoring the dam to a safe and acceptable operating condition. Efforts could include measures to reduce excessive uplift pressures, reduce leak, repair cracks, or restore
deteriorated concrete. Should restoration costs be unreasonable or should the fundamental deficiency be due to
changes in load or stability criteria, a detailed analysis
should be performed in accordance with the following
procedures. The evaluation and repair of concrete structures is covered by EM 1110-2-2002. Reevaluation of
structures not designed to current standards should be in
accordance with the requirements of ER 1110-2-100.
necessary measures for rehabilitation of existing concrete

gravity dams.
a. Existing data. Collect and review all the available
information for the structure including geologic and foundation data, design drawings, as-built drawings, periodic
inspection reports, damage reports, repair and maintenance
records, plans of previous modifications to the structure,
measurements of movement, instrumentation data, and
other pertinent information.
Any unusual structural
behavior that may be an indication of an unsafe condition
or any factor that may contribute to the weakening of the
structures stability should be noted and investigated
further.
b. Site inspection. Inspect and examine the existing
structure and site conditions. Any significant difference
in structure details and loading conditions between existing conditions and design plans and any major damage
due to erosion, cavitation, undermining, corrosion, cracking, chemical reaction, or general deterioration should be
identified and evaluated.
c. Preliminary analyses. Perform the preliminary
analyses based on current structural criteria and available
data. If the structure does not meet the current criteria,
list the possible remedial schemes and prepare a preliminary cost estimate for each scheme. ER 1130-2-417
should be followed as applicable.
d. Design meeting. Schedule a meeting when the
preliminary analyses indicate that the structure does not
meet current criteria. The meeting should include representatives from the District, Division, CECW-E, and
CECW-O to decide on a plan for proposed analyses, the
extent of the sampling and testing program, the remedial
schemes to be studied, and the proposed schedule. This
meeting will facilitate the design effort and should obviate
the need for major revisions or additional studies when
the results are submitted for review and approval.
8-3. Procedures
e. Parametric study. Perform a parametric study to

determine the effect of each parameter on the structures
safety. The parameters to be studied should include, but
not be limited to, unit weight of concrete, groundwater
levels, uplift pressures, and shear strength parameters of
rock fill material, rock foundation, and structurefoundation interface. The maximum variation of each
parameter should be considered in determining its effect.
The following procedures shall be used in evaluating

current structural conditions and determining the
f. Field investigations. Develop an exploration, sampling, testing, and instrumentation program, if needed, to
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determine the magnitude and reasonable range of variation
for the parameters that have significant effects on the
safety of the structure as determined by the parametric
study. The Division Material Laboratory should be used
to the maximum extent practicable to perform the testing
in accordance with ER 1110-1-8100.
g. Detailed structural analyses. Perform detailed
analyses using data obtained from studies, field investigations, and procedures outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.
Three-dimensional modeling should be used as appropriate to more accurately predict the structural behavior.
h. Refined structural analysis.
The conventional
methods described in Chapters 4 and 5 may be more conservative than necessary, especially when making a determination as to the need for remedial strengthening to
improve the stability of an existing dam. If the conventional analyses indicate remedial strengthening is required,
then a refined finite element analysis should be performed. This refined analysis should accurately model
the strength and stiffness of the dam and foundation to
determine the following:
(1) The extent of tensile cracking at the dam foundation interface.
(2) The base area in compression.
8-4. Considerations of Deviation from

Structural Criteria
a. The purpose of incorporating a factor of safety in
structural design is to provide a reserve capacity with
respect to failure and to account for strength variability of
the dam and foundation materials. The required margin
depends on the consequences of failure and on the degree
of uncertainties due to loading variations, analysis simplifications, design assumptions, variations in material
strengths, variations in construction control, and other
factors. For evaluation of existing structures, a higher
degree of confidence may be achieved when the critical
parameters can be determined accurately at the site.
Therefore, deviation from the current structural criteria for
an existing structure may be allowed under the conditions
listed in paragraph 8-4b.
b. In addition to the detailed analyses and cost estimates as listed in paragraph 8-3h, the following information should also be presented with the request for a deviation from the current structural criteria:
(1) Past performance of the structure, including
instrumentation data and a description of the structure
condition such as cracking, spalling, displacements, etc.
(2) The anticipated remaining life of the structure.
(3) The actual magnitude and distribution of foundation pressures.

(4) The magnitude and distribution of concrete
stresses.
Information relative to refined stability analysis procedures can be found in Technical Report REMR-CS-120
(Eberling et al., in preparation).
i. Review and approval.
Present the results of
detailed structural analyses and cost estimates for remedial
measures to the Division Office for review and approval.
If a deviation from current structural criteria was made in
the analyses, the results should be forwarded to
CECW-ED for approval. The required basis for deviating
from current structural criteria is given in paragraph 8-4b.
j. Plans and specifications. Develop design plans,
specifications, and a cost estimate for proposed remedial
measures in accordance with ER 1110-2-1200.
(3) A description of consequences in case of failure.

c. Approval of the deviation depends upon the degree
of confidence in the accuracy of design parameters determined in the field, the remaining life of the structure, and
the potential adverse effect on lives, property, and services in case of failure.
8-5. Structural Requirements for
Remedial Measure
When it is determined that remedial measures are required
for the existing structure, they should be designed to meet
the structural criteria of Chapter 4.
8-6. Methods of Improving Stability in
Existing Structures
a. General.
Several methods are available for
improving the rotational and sliding stability of concrete
gravity dams. In general, the methods can be categorized
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as those that reduce loadings, in particular uplift, or those
that add stabilizing forces to the structure and increase
overturning or shear-frictional resistance. Stressed foundation anchor systems are considered one of the most
economical methods of increasing rotational and sliding
resistance along the base of the dam. Foundation grouting
and drainage may also be effective in reducing uplift,
reducing foundation settlements and displacements,
thereby increasing bearing capacity.
Regrouting the
foundation could adversely affect existing foundation
drainage systems unless measures are taken to prevent
plugging the drains; otherwise, drain redrilling will be
required. Various methods of transferring load to more
competent adjacent structures or foundation material
through shear keys, buttresses, underpinning, etc., are also
possible ways of improving stability.
b. Reducing uplift forces. In many instances, measured uplift pressures are substantially less than those
used in the original design. These criteria limit drain efficiency to a maximum of 50 percent. Many designs are
based on efficiencies less than 50 percent. Existing drainage systems can produce efficiencies of 75 percent or
more if they extend through the most pervious layers of
the foundation, if the elevation of the drainage gallery is
at or near tailwater, and if the drains are closely spaced
and effectively maintained. If measured uplift pressures
are substantially less than design values, then parametric
studies should determine what benefit it may have
towards improving stability. Uplift pressures less than
design allowables should be data from reliable instrumentation which assures that the measured uplift is indicative
of pressures within the upper zones and along the entire
foundation. Uplift pressures can be reduced by additional
foundation grouting and re-establishing drains. Uplift
may also be reduced by increasing the depth of existing
drains, adding new drains, or rehabilitating existing drains
by reaming and cleaning.
c. Prestressed anchors. Prestressed anchors with
double corrosion protection may be used to stabilize existing concrete monoliths, but generally should not be used
in the design of new concrete gravity dams. They are
effective in improving sliding resistance, resultant location, and excessive foundation pressure. Anchors may be
used to secure thrust blocks or stilling basins for the sole
purpose of improving sliding stability. The anchor force
required to stabilize a dam will depend largely on the
orientation of the anchors. Anchors should be oriented
for maximum efficiency subject to constraints of access,
embedded features, galleries, and stress concentrations
they induce in the dam. Analyses of tensile stresses
under anchor heads should be made, and reinforcing
should be provided as required. Tendon size, spacing,

and embedment length should be based on the required
anchor force, and should be provided the geotechnical
engineer for determination of the required embedment
length. Design, installation, and testing of anchors and
anchorages should be guided by information in Recommendations for Prestressed Rock and Soil Anchors (PostTensioning Institute (PTI) 1985). Allowable bond stresses
used to determine the length of embedment between grout
and rocks are recommended to be one half of the ultimate
bond stress determined by tests. The typical values of
bond strength given in the above referenced PTI publication may be used in lieu of test values during design, but
the design value should be verified by test before or during construction. The first three anchors installed and a
minimum of 2 percent of the remaining anchors selected
by the engineer should be performance tested. All other
anchors must be proof tested upon installation in
accordance with the PTI recommendations. Additionally,
initial lift-off readings should be taken after the anchor is
seated and before the jack is removed. Lift-off tests of
random anchors selected by the engineer should be made
7 days after lock-off and prior to secondary grouting.
Long-term monitoring of selected anchors using load cells
and unbonded tendons should be employed where unusual
conditions exist or the effort and expense can be justified
by the importance of the structure. In addition to stability
along the base of the dam, prestressed anchors may be
required for deep-seated stability problems as discussed in
the following paragraph. Non-prestressed anchors shall
not be used to improve the stability of dams.
8-7. Stability on Deep-Seated Failure Planes
A knowledge of the rock structure of a foundation is
crucial to a realistic stability analysis on deep-seated
planes. If instability is to occur, it will take place along
zones of weakness within the rock mass. A team effort
between the geotechnical and structural engineers is
important in evaluating the foundation and its significance
to the design of the dam. Deep-seated sliding is of primary interest as it is the most common problem encountered. Significant foundation features are: rock surface
joint patterns that admit water to potential deep-seated
sliding planes; inclination of joints and fracturing that
affect passive resistance; relative permeability of foundation materials that affect uplift; and discontinuities such as
gouge zones and faulting which affect both strength and
uplift along failure planes. Strength values for failure
planes are required for design. As these values are often
difficult to define with a high level of confidence, they
should be described in terms of expected values and
standard deviations. Analyses of resultant location and
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maximum bearing pressure will also be required. Criteria
for these loading conditions will be the same as in
Chapter 4 for the dam.
a. Method and assumptions. Stability on deep-seated
planes is similar to methods described in Chapter 4 for
the dam.
Tensile strength within the foundation is
neglected except where it can be demonstrated by exploration and testing. Vertical and near vertical joints are
assumed to be fully pressurized by the pool to which they
are exposed. Normally a pressurized vertical joint will be
assumed to exist at or near the heel of the dam. Uplift on
flat and inclined bedding planes will be dependent on
their state of compression and the presence of drains
passing through these planes as described for dams in
Chapter 3. Passive resistance will be based on the rock
conditions downstream of the dam. Adversely inclined
joints, faults, rock fracturing, or damage from excavation
by blasting will affect available passive resistance.
b. Anchor penetration. Required anchor penetration
depends on the purpose of the anchor. Anchors provided
to resist uplift of the heel must have sufficient penetration
to develop the capacity of the anchors. Anchors provided
to resist sliding must be fully developed below the lowest
critical sliding plane. Critical sliding planes are those
requiring anchors to meet minimum acceptable factors of
safety against sliding.
c. Anchor resistance. The capacity of the anchor to
resist uplift should be limited to the force that can be
developed by the submerged weight of the rock engaged
by the anchor. Rock engaged will either be shaped as
cones or intersecting cones depending on the length and
spacing of the anchors. The anchor force that can be
developed should be based on the pullout resistance of a
cone with an apex angle of 90 deg. Tensile stresses will
occur in the anchorage zone of prestressed anchors. The
possibility of foundation cracking as a result of these
tensile stresses must be considered. It is possible that
cracks in the foundation could open at the lower terminal
points of the anchors and propagate downstream. To
alleviate this potential problem, a sufficient weight of
submerged rock should be engaged to resist the anchor
force, and the anchor depths should be staggered.
8-8. Example Problem
The following example is a gated outlet structure for an
earth fill dam. The existing gated spillway monoliths are
deficient in sliding resistance along a weak seam in the

foundation which daylights in the stilling basin. A crosssection of the spillway monoliths is shown in Figure 8-1.
The spillway monoliths are founded at elevation 840 on
moderately hard silty shale. A continuous soft, plastic
clay shale seam approximately 1/2 inch in thickness exists
at elevation 830. A free body diagram showing forces
acting on the gravity structure and foundation above the
weak seam is shown in Figure 8-2. Even though the
foundation drains penetrate the potential sliding plane,
the drains are assumed ineffective as they are insufficient
to drain a thin clay seam. The sliding plane is in full
compression, and uplift is assumed to vary uniformly
from upper pool head to zero in the stilling basin. A
drained shear strength of 20 30 has been assigned to this
potential sliding surface, and a sliding factor of safety of
0.49 has been calculated for loading condition No. 2, i.e.,
pool to top of closed spillway gates. The tailwater is
below the level of the sliding surface. A summary of
loads and the resulting factor of safety for this critical
loading condition is shown in Table 8-1. The design of
anchors to provide a required factor of safety of 1.70 is
summarized in Table 8-2. The anchors are located as
shown in Figure 8-3. Details of the anchors are shown in
Figure 8-4. The 45-deg angle for the anchors was
selected to minimize drilling and to provide a large component of resisting force without creating a potential
upstream sliding problem during low pools. Tips of
anchors are staggered to avoid tensile stress concentrations in the foundation. The anchors are embedded below
the lowest sliding plane requiring anchors to meet
required safety factors. Reinforcement similar to that
used in post-tensioned beams is provided under the bearing plates to resist the high tensile bursting stresses associated with large capacity anchors. The anchors were
tensioned in the sequence shown in Figure 8-4 to avoid
unacceptable stress concentrations in the concrete monoliths. The anchors were designed, installed, and tested in
accordance with PTI (1985). The anchors are designed
for a working load of 826 kips and were locked-off at
910 kips (i.e., working load plus 10 percent) to allow for
calculated relaxation of the anchors, creep in the concrete
structure, and consolidation of the foundation. Proof
testing of all anchors to 80 percent of ultimate strength
confirmed the adequacy of the anchors for a working load
of 826 kips per anchor (approximately 60 percent of ultimate strength). Each anchor successfully passed a 14th
day lift-off test, secondary grouting was accomplished,
and anchor head recesses were filled with concrete to
restore the spillway profile.
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Figure 8-2. Free body diagram, Ry = resultant of vertical forces, RH = resultant of horizontal forces, and
XR = distance from heel to resultant location on sliding plane
Table 8-1
Summary of Forces on the Sliding Plane. Loading Condition No. 2 (Pool at Top of Gates, Tailwater Below Sliding Surface)
Vert, kips
Concrete
11,910
Rock (Saturated Weight)
13,160
Machinery
10
Gates
70
Water Down
870
Water Up
- 90
Uplift
Horz, kips
- 16,830
Horizontal Water
6,990
Totals, Loading Condition No. 2
Sliding FS, Without Anchors
TAN 20.5 9,100

6,990
________
_____
9,100
6,990
0.49
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Table 8-2
Summary of Forces on the Sliding Plane. Loading Condition No. 2, With Anchors
Vert, kips
Concrete
11,910
Rock
13,160
Machinery
10
Gates
70
Water Down
Horz, kips
870
Water Up
- 90
Uplift
- 16,830
Horizontal Water
6,990
Anchors (Vertical) 7 x 826 x 0.707
4,088
Anchors (Horizontal)
- 4,088
________
Totals, Loading Condition No. 2
Sliding FS, With Anchors
13,188
TAN 20.5 13,188

6,990 4,088
_______
2,902
1.70
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Figure 8-3.
Location of anchors
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Chapter 9
Roller-Compacted Concrete Gravity
Dams
9-1. Introduction
Gravity dams built using the RCC construction method,
afford economies over conventional concrete through
rapid placement techniques.
Construction procedures
associated with RCC require particular attention be given
in the layout and design to watertightness and seepage
control, horizontal and transverse joints, facing elements,
and appurtenant structures. The designer should take
advantage of the latitude afforded by RCC construction
and use engineering judgment to balance cost reductions
and technical requirements related to safety, durability,
and long-term performance. A typical cross section of an
RCC dam is shown in Figure 9-1. RCC mix design and
construction should be in accordance with
EM 1110-2-2006.
Figure 9-1. Typical RCC dam section
9-2. Construction Method

Construction techniques used for RCC placement often
result in a much lower unit cost per cubic yard compared
with conventional concrete placement methods. The dry,
nonflowable nature of RCC makes the use of a wide
range of equipment for construction and continuous
placement possible. End and bottom dump trucks and/or

conveyors can be used for transporting concrete from the
mixer to the dam. Mechanical spreaders, such as caterpillars and graders, place the material in layers or lifts.
Self-propelled, vibratory, steel-wheeled, or pneumatic
rollers along with the dozers perform the compaction.
The thickness of the placement layers, ranging from 8 to
24 inches, is established by the compaction capabilities.
With the flexibility of using the above equipment and
continuous placement, RCC dams can be constructed at
significantly higher rates than those achievable with conventional mass concrete. A typical work layout for the
RCC placement spreading operation is illustrated in
Figure 9-2.
9-3. Economic Benefits
RCC construction techniques have made gravity dams an
economically competitive alternative to embankment
structures. The following factors tend to make RCC more
economical than other dam types:
a. Material savings. Construction cost histories of
RCC and conventional concrete dams show the unit cost
per cubic yard of RCC is considerably less. The unit cost
of concrete for both types of dam varies with the volume
of the material in the dam. As the volume increases, the
unit cost decreases. The cost savings of RCC increase as
the volume decreases. RCC dams have considerably less
volume of construction material than embankments of the
same height. As the height increases, the volume versus
height for the embankment dam increases almost exponentially in comparison to the RCC dam. Thus, the
higher the structure, the more likely the RCC dam will be
less costly than the embankment alternative.
b. Rapid construction. The rapid construction techniques and reduced concrete volume account for the major
cost savings in RCC dams. Maximum placement rates of
5,800 to 12,400 cubic yards/day have been achieved.
These production rates make dam construction in one
construction season readily achievable. When compared
with embankment dams, construction time is reduced by
1 to 2 years. Other benefits from rapid construction
include reduced construction administration costs, earlier
project benefits, and possible selection of sites with
limited construction seasons. Basically, RCC construction
offers economic advantages in all aspects of dam construction that are related to time.
c. Spillways and appurtenant structures. The location
and layout alternatives for spillways, outlet and hydropower works, and other appurtenant structures in
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Figure 9-2. Typical work layout for RCC placement spreading operation
RCC dams provide additional economic advantages compared with embankment dams. The arrangements of these
structures is similar to conventional concrete dams, but
with certain modifications to minimize costly interference
to the continuous RCC placement operation.
Gate
structures and intakes should be located outside the dam
mass. Galleries, adits, and other internal openings should
be minimized. Details on the layout and design of spillways and appurtenant structures are discussed in paragraph 9-4. Spillways for RCC dams can be directly
incorporated into the structure. The layout allows discharging flows over the dam crest and down the downstream face. In contrast, the spillway for an embankment
dam is normally constructed in an abutment at one end of
the dam or in a nearby natural saddle. Generally, the
embankment dam spillway is more costly. For projects
that require a multiple-level intake for water quality control or for reservoir sedimentation, the intake structure can
be readily anchored to the upstream face of the dam. For
an embankment dam, the same type of intake tower is a
freestanding tower in the reservoir or a structure built into
or on the reservoir side of the abutment. The economic
savings for an RCC dam intake is considerably cheaper,

especially in high seismic areas. The shorter base dimension of an RCC dam compared with an embankment dam
reduces the size and length of the conduit and penstock
for outlet and hydropower works.
d. Diversion and cofferdam. RCC dams provide cost
advantages in river diversion during construction and
reduce damages and risks associated with cofferdam overtopping. The diversion conduit will be shorter compared
with embankment dams. With a shorter construction
period, the size of the diversion conduit and cofferdam
height can be reduced. These structures may need to be
designed only for a seasonal peak flow instead of annual
peak flows. With the high erosion resistance of RCC, if
overtopping of the cofferdam did occur, the potential for a
major failure would be minimal and the resulting damage
would be less.
e. Other advantages. The smaller volume of an RCC
dam makes the construction material source less of a
driving factor in site selection of a dam. Furthermore, the
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borrow source will be considerably smaller and more
environmentally acceptable. The RCC dam is also inherently safer against internal erosion, overtopping, and seismic ground motions.
9-4. Design and Construction Considerations
a. Watertightness and seepage control. Achieving
watertightness and controlling seepage through RCC dams
are particularly important design and construction considerations. Excessive seepage is undesirable from the
aspect of structural stability and because of the adverse
appearance of water seeping on the downstream dam face,
the economic value associated with lost water, and possible long-term adverse impacts on durability. RCC that
has been properly proportioned, mixed, placed, and compacted should be as impermeable as conventional concrete. The joints between the concrete lifts and interface
with structural elements are the major pathways for potential seepage through the RCC dam. This condition is
primarily due to segregation at the lift boundaries and
discontinuity between successive lifts. It can also be the
result of surface contamination and excessive time intervals between lift placements. Seepage can be controlled
by incorporating special design and construction procedures that include contraction joints with waterstops making the upstream face watertight, sealing the interface
between RCC layers, and draining and collecting the
seepage.
b. Upstream facing.
RCC cannot be compacted
effectively against upstream forms without the forming of
surface voids. An upstream facing is required to produce
a surface with good appearance and durability. Many
facings incorporate a watertight barrier. Facings with
barriers include the following:
(1) Conventional form work with a zone of conventional concrete placed between the forms and RCC
material.
(2) Slip-formed interlocking conventional concrete
elements. RCC material is compacted against the cured
elements.
(3) Precast concrete tieback panels with a flexible
waterproof membrane placed between the RCC and the
panels.
A waterproof membrane sprayed or painted onto a conventional concrete face is another method; however, its
use has been limited since such membranes are not elastic
enough to span cracks that develop and because of
concerns about moisture developing between the membrane and face and subsequent damage by freezing.
c. Horizontal joint treatment. Bond strength and
permeability are major concerns at the horizontal lift
joints in RCC. Good sealing and bonding are accomplished by improving the compactibility of the RCC mixture, cleaning the joint surface, and placing a bedding
mortar (a mixture of cement paste and fine aggregate)
between lifts. When the placement rate and setting time
of RCC are such that the lower lift is sufficiently plastic
to blend and bond with the upper layer, the bedding mortar is unnecessary; however, this is rarely feasible in
normal RCC construction. Compactibility is improved by
increasing the amount of mortar and fines in the RCC
mixture. The lift surfaces should be properly moist cured
and protected. Cleanup of the lift surfaces prior to RCC
placement is not required as long as the surfaces are kept
clean and free of excessive water. Addition of the
bedding mortar serves to fill any voids or depressions left
in the surface of the previous lift and squeezes up into the
voids in the bottom of the new RCC lift as it is compacted. A bedding mix consisting of a mixture of cement
paste and fine and 3/8-in.-MSA aggregate is also applied
at RCC contacts with the foundation, abutment surfaces,
and any other hardened concrete surfaces. EM 1110-22006 contains additional guidance on this issue.
d. Seepage collection. A collection and drainage
system is a method for stopping unsightly seepage water
from reaching the downstream face and for preventing
excessive hydrostatic pressures against conventional concrete spillway or downstream facing. It will also reduce
uplift pressures within the dam and increase stability.
Collection methods include vertical drains with waterstops
at the upstream face and vertical drain holes drilled from
within the gallery near the upstream or downstream face.
Collected water can be channeled to a gallery or the dam
toe.
e. Nonoverflow downstream facing.
Downstream
facing systems for nonoverflow sections may be required
for aesthetic reasons, maintaining slopes steeper than the
natural repose of RCC, and freeze-thaw protection in
severe climate locations. Facing is necessary when the
slope is steeper than 0.8H to 1.0V when lift thickness is
limited to 12 inches or less. Thicker lifts require a flatter
slope. Experience has demonstrated that these are the
steepest uncompacted slopes that can be practically controlled without special equipment or forms. The exposed
edge of an uncompacted slope will have a rough stairstepped natural gravel appearance with limited strength
within 12 inches of the face. Downstream facing systems
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include conventional vertical slipforming placement and
horizontal slipforming similar to that used on the
upstream face. When this type of slope is used, the
structural cross section should include a slight overbuild
to account for deterioration and unraveling of material
loosened from severe weather exposure over the project
life (see Figure 9-3). Several recent projects have compacted downstream faces using a tractor-mounted vibrating plate.
interfere or complicate the continuous placement operation

of RCC. At Elk Creek Dam, contraction joints were
installed with no impact to RCC placement operations by
inserting galvanized steel sheeting into the uncompacted
RCC for the entire thickness and height of the dam. The
sheets were pushed vertically into the RCC by means of a
tractor-mounted vibratory blade, as shown in Figure 9-4.
Figure 9-3. Compaction of RCC at downstream face
f. Transverse contraction joints. Transverse contraction joints are required in most RCC dams. The potential
for cracking may be slightly lower in RCC because of the
reduction in mixing water and reduced temperature rise
resulting from the rapid placement rate and lower lift
heights. In addition, the RCC characteristic of point-topoint aggregate contact decreases the volume shrinkage.
Thermal cracking may, however, create a leakage path to
the downstream face that is aesthetically undesirable.
Thermal studies should be performed to assess the need
for contraction joints. Contraction joints may also be
required to control cracking if the site configuration and
foundation conditions may potentially restrain the dam. If
properly designed and installed, contraction joints will not
Figure 9-4. Contract joint placement using a vibrating

blade to insert galvanized steel sheeting
g. Waterstops. Standard waterstops may be installed

in an internal zone of conventional concrete placed around
the joint near the upstream face. Waterstops and joint
drains are installed in the same manner as for conventional concrete dams. Typical internal waterstops and
joint drain construction in RCC dams are shown in
Figure 9-5. Around galleries and other openings crossing
joints, waterstop installation will require a section of
conventional concrete around the joint.
9-4
EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
Figure 9-5. Typical internal waterstops and joint drain construction in RCC dams
9-5
EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
Figure 9-6. RCC spillway details
9-6
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Roller Compacted Concrete
Appendix A
References
EM 1110-2-2102
Waterstops and Other Joint Materials
A-1. Required Publications

Note: References used in this EM are available on interlibrary loan from the Research Library, ATTN: CEWESIM-MI-R, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment
Station, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS
39180-6199.
TM 5-809-10-1
Seismic Design Guidelines for Essential Buildings
ER 415-1-11
Biddability, Constructibility and Operability
ER 1110-1-8100
Laboratory Investigations and Materials Testing
ER 1110-2-100
Periodic Inspection and Continuing Evaluation of Completed Civil Works Structures
ER 1110-2-1200
Plans and Specifications for Civil Works Projects
ER 1110-2-1806
Projects
ER 1130-2-417
Major Rehabilitation Program and Dam Safety Assurance
Program
EM 1110-2-2400
Structural Design of Spillways and Outlet Works
EM 1110-2-2502
Retaining and Flood Walls
EM 1110-2-2906
Design of Pile Foundations
EM 1110-2-3001
Planning and Design of Hydroelectric Power Plant
Structures
EM 1110-2-3506
Grouting Technology
EM 1110-2-4300
Instrumentation for Concrete Structures
A-2. Related Publications
EM 1110-1-1802
Geophysical Exploration
EM 1110-2-1605
Hydraulic Design of Navigation Dams
EM 1110-2-1901
Seepage Analysis and Control for Dams
EM 1110-2-1902
Stability of Earth and Rock Fill Dams
EM 1110-1-1804
Geotechnical Investigations
EM 1110-2-1602
Hydraulic Design of Reservoir Outlet Works
EM 1110-2-1603
Hydraulic Design of Spillways
ACI Committee 116

Cement and Concrete Terminology, ACI 116R-85, ACI
Manual of Concrete Practice, 1988.
ACI Committee 207
Mass Concrete for Dams and Other Massive Structures,
ACI Journal, Proceedings V. 67, No. 4, April 1970,
pp 273-309.
EM 1110-2-1612
Ice Engineering
EM 1110-2-2000
Standard Practice for Concrete for Civil Works Structures
EM 1110-2-2002
Evaluation and Repair of Concrete Structures
ACI Committee 207

Cooling and Insulating Systems for Mass Concrete,
Part 1, 207.4R-80, ACI Manual of Concrete Practice,
1988.
A-1
EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
ACI Committee 207
Roller Compacted Concrete, ACI 207.5R-80, ACI Manual of Concrete Practice, 1988.
ACI Committee 207
Mass Concrete, ACI 207.1 R-87.
ACI Committee 224
Control of Cracking in Concrete Structures, ACI 224R80 Revised 1984, ACI Journal, December 1972,
pp 717-753.
ACI Committee 439
Effect of Steel Strength and of Reinforcement Ration on
the Mode of Failure and Strain Energy Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Beams, ACI Journal, March 1969,
pp 164-172.
ASTM C 31
Test Methods for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Field, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral Aggregates.
ASTM C 39
Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical
Concrete Specimens, Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral Aggregates.
ASTM C 78
Test Method of Flexural Strength of Concrete Using
Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading, Annual Book of
ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral
Aggregates.
ASTM C 138
Test Method for Unit Weight, Yield, and Air Content
Gravimetric of Concrete, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral Aggregates.
ASTM C 172
Method of Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete, Annual
ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral
Aggregates.
ASTM C 469
Test Method for Static Modulus of Elasticity and
Poissons Ratio of Concrete in Compression, Annual
Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral Aggregates.
ASTM C 496
Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical
Concrete Specimens, Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral Aggregates.
ASTM C 512
Test Methods for Creep of Concrete in Compression,
Annual ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02, Concrete and Mineral Aggregates.
ASTM C 2848
Method for Laboratory Determination of Pulse Velocities
and Ultrasonic Elastic Constants of Rock, Annual Book
of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.08, Soil and Rock; Building
Stones.
ASTM C 3148
Test Method of Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core
Specimens of Uniaxial Compression, Annual Book of
ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.08, Soil and Rock; Building
Stones.
American Society of Civil Engineers 1974
American Society of Civil Engineers. 1974. Foundation
for Dams, Engineering Foundation Conference.
Anatech Corp. 1993
Anatech Corp. 1993. Concrete Gravity Dam Analysis
Modular Software, EPRI Project RP 2917-2, LaJolla,
CA.
Bey and Selim 1945
Bey, S. L., and Selim, M. A. 1945. Uplift Pressure in
and Beneath Dam a Symposium, American Society of
Civil Engineers Transactions Paper No. 2304, pp 444-526.
Cannon 1985
Cannon, R. W. 1985. Design Considerations for Roller
Compacted Concrete and Rollcrete in Dams, Concrete
International, pp 50-58.
Carlson 1951
Carlson, R. W. 1951. Permeability, Pore Pressure, and
Uplift in Gravity Dams, Report to Office of the Chief of
Engineers.
Carlson, Houghton, and Polivka 1979
Carlson, R. W., Houghton, D. L., and Polivka, M. 1979.
Causes and Control of Cracking in Unreinforced Mass
Concrete, ACI Journal, pp 831-837.
A-2
EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
Casagrande 1961
Casagrande, A. 1961. First Rankine Lecture Control of
Seepage through Foundations and Abutment of Dam.
Chakrabarti and Chopra 1972
Chakrabarti, P., and Chopra, A. K. 1972. Hydrodynamic Pressures and Response of Gravity Dams to
Vertical Earthquake Component, Journal of the International Association for Earthquake Engineering, 1:325-335.
Chakrabarti, P., and Chopra, A. K. 1973. A Computer
Program for Earthquake Analysis of Gravity Dams
Including Reservoir Interaction, EERC 73-7, Earthquake
Engineering Research Center, University of California,
Berkeley AD 766 271 A04.
Chakrabarti, P., and Chopra, A. K. 1973. Earthquake
Analysis of Gravity Dams Including Hydrodynamic Interaction EADHI, Earthquake Engineering and Structural
Dynamics, 2:143-160.
Chakrabarti, P., and Chopra, A. K. 1974. Hydrodynamic Effects in Earthquake Response of Gravity
Dams, ASCE Journal of the Structural Division,
106ST6:1211-1225.
Chang and Chen 1982
Chang, M. F., and Chen, W. F. 1982. Lateral Earth
Pressures on Rigid Retaining Walls Subjected to Earthquake Forces, SM Archives 7, pp 315-362.
Chopra 1970
Chopra, A. K. 1970. Earthquake Response of Concrete
Gravity Dams, Journal of the Engineering Mechanics
Division, American Society of Civil Engineers,
96EM4:443-454.
Chopra 1980
Chopra, A. K. 1980. Dynamics of Structures, A Primer,
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Berkeley, CA.
Chopra 1987
Chopra, A. K. 1987. Simplified Earthquake of Concrete
Gravity Dam, ASCE Journal of the Structural Division,
113ST8:1688-1708.
Concrete Gravity Dams, Journal of the International

Association for Earthquake Engineering, 12.
Chopra and Chakrabarti 1981
Chopra, A. K., and Chakrabarti, P. 1981. Earthquake
Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dams Including DamWater-Foundation Rock Interaction, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 9:262-383.
Chopra, Chakrabarti, and Gupta 1980
Chopra, A. K., Chakrabarti, P., and Gupta, S. 1980.
Earthquake Response of Concrete Gravity Dams Including
Hydrodynamic and Foundation Interaction Effects,
EERC 80-01, Earthquake Engineering Research Center,
University of California, Berkeley ADA 087297.
Chopra and Gupta 1982
Chopra, A. K., and Gupta, S. 1982. Hydrodynamic and
Foundation Interaction Effects in Frequency Response
Functions for Concrete Gravity Dams, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 10:89-106.
Chopra and Tan 1989
Chopra, A. K., and Tan, H. 1989. Simplified Earthquake Analysis of Gated Spillway Monoliths of Concrete
Gravity Dams, Technical Report SL-89-4, U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Clough and Zienkiewicz 1982
Clough, R. W., and Zienkiewicz, O. C. 1982. Finite
Element Methods in Analysis and Design of Dams, Committee on Analysis and Design of Dams.
Cole and Cheek 1986
Cole, R. A., and Cheek, J. B. 1986. Seismic Analysis
of Gravity Dams, Technical Report SL-86-44, U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Cosschalk and Brook 1976
Cosschalk, E. M., and Brook K. M. 1976. Methods of
Determining Effects of Shrinkage Creek and Temperature
on Concrete for Large Dams, International Commission
of Large Dams, Bulletin 26.
Der Kiureghian 1979
Der Kiureghian, A. 1979. On Response of Structures to
Stationary Excitiation, Report No. EERC 79-32, Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of
California, Berkeley.
Chopra and Chakrabarti 1972

Chopra, A. K., and Chakrabarti, P. 1972 Oct-Dec. The
Earthquake Experience at Koyna Dam and Stresses in
A-3
EM 1110-2-2200
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Der Kiureghian 1980
Der Kiureghian, A. 1980. Probabilistic Modal Combination for Earthquake Loading, 7th World Conference
on Earthquake Engineering, Proceedings, 6:729-736.
Dumanoglu and Severn 1984
Dumanoglu, A. A., and Severn, R. T. 1984. Dynamic
Response of Dams and Other Structures to Differential
Ground Motions, Proc. Lustn Civ Engrs, Part 2,
pp 333-352.
Ebeling et al.
Ebeling, R. M., Clough, G. W., Duncan, J. M., Brandon,
T. M. 1992 Technical Report REMR-CS-29, Methods of
Evaluating the Stability and Safety of Earth Retaining
Structures Founded on Rock, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Fanelli and Giuseppetti 1975
Fanelli, D. I. M., and Giuseppetti, G. 1975 Jun-Jul.
Techniques to Evaluate Effects of Internal Temperatures
in Mass Concrete, Water Power and Dam Construction,
pp 226-230.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
1985
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 1985.
Federal Guidelines for Earthquake Analysis and Design
of Dams, FEMA 65.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 1987
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). 1987.
Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower
Projects, FERC 0119-1.
Fenves and Chopra 1983
Fenves, G., and Chopra, A. K. 1983. Effects of Reservoir Bottom Absorption on Earthquake Response of Concrete Gravity Dams, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 11.
Fenves, G., and Chopra, A. K. 1984. Earthquake Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dams Including Reservoir Bottom Absorption and Dam-Water-Foundation Rock Interaction, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics,
12:663-680.
Fenves, G., and Chopra, A. K. 1985. Effects of Reservoir Bottom Absorption and Dam-Water-Foundation Rock
Interaction on Frequency Response Functions for Concrete
Gravity Dams, Earthquake Engineering and Structural
Dynamics, 13:13-31.

Fenves, G., and Chopra, A. K. 1985. Reservoir Bottom
Absorption Effects in Earthquake Response of Concrete
Gravity Dams, ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering,
American Society of Civil Engineeers, 1113:545-562.
Golz 1977
Golz, A. R. 1977. Handbook of Dam Engineering, Van
Nostrand Rienhold Company, New York.
Guedes, Rosso, and Franco 1981
Guedes, Q. M., Rosso, J. A., and de B. Franco, H. C.
1981. Analysing Displacement Measurements in Gravity
Dams, Water Power & Dam Construction, pp 43-46.
Guzman and Jennings 1970
Guzman, R. A., and Jennings, P. C. 1970. Design
Spectra for Nuclear Power Plants, Journal of the Power
Division, American Society of Civil Engineers,
102P02:165-178.
Hall and Chopra 1982
Hall, J. F., and Chopra, A. K. 1982. Hydrodynamic
Effects in the Dynamic Response of Concrete Gravity
Dams, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics,
10:333-345.
Hall and Radhakrishnan 1983
Hall, R. L., and Radhakrishnan, N. 1983. Case Study of
Six Major General-Purpose Finite Element Programs,
Technical Report K-83-4, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways
Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Harza 1976
Harza, L. F. 1976. The Significance of Pore Pressure in
Hydraulic Structures, American Society of Civil Engineers Transactions, Paper No. 2368, pp 193-289.
Hayes 1980
Hayes, W. W. 1980. Procedures for Estimating Earthquake Ground Motions, Geological Survey Professional
Paper 1114.
Henny 1934
Henny, D. C. 1934. Stability of Straight Concrete Gravity Dams, Transactions, American Society of Civil
Engineers, 99.
Houghton 1969
Houghton, D. L. 1969 Oct. Concrete Volume Change
for Dworshak Dam, ASCE Journal of the Power
Division, pp 153-166.
A-4
EM 1110-2-2200
30 Jun 95
Houghton 1976
Houghton, D. L. 1976 Dec. Determining Tensile Strain
Capacity of Mass Concrete, ACI Journal, pp 691-700.
Humar and Roufaiel 1983
Humar, J., and Roufaiel, M. 1983. Finite Element
Analysis of Reservoir Vibration, ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 1091:215-230.
Iida, Hoko, and Matsumoto 1979
Iida, R., Hoko, K., and Matsumoto, N. 1979. Safety
Monitoring of Dams During First Filling of Reservoirs,
International Congress on Large Dams, pp 385-405.
Iliev and Kalchev 1981
Iliev, S., and Kalchev, L. 1981 Dec. Selecting the
Optimum Cross Section of a Concrete Gravity Dam,
Water Power and Dam Construction, pp 23-27.
International Commission of Large Dams 1975
International Commission of Large Dams. 1975. A
Review of Earthquake Resistant Design of Dams,
Bulletin 27.
International Society for Rock Mechanics, Commission
on Standardization of Laboratory and Field Tests 1974
International Society for Rock Mechanics, Commission on
Standardization of Laboratory and Field Tests. 1974.
Suggested Methods for Determining Shear Strength,
Document No. 1.
Jansen 1988
Jansen, R. B. 1988. Advanced Dam Engineering for
Design, Construction, and Rehabilitation, Van Nostrand
Reinhold, New York.
Johnson and Heller 1973
Johnson, S. J., and Heller, L. W. 1973. Lectures and
Discussions by Professor N.W. Ambrareys on Engineering
Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Miscellaneous
Paper S-74-15, Vicksburg, MS.
Joshi 1980
Joshi, C. S. 1980. Designing the Profile of Gravity
Dams, Water Power and Dam Construction, pp 28-30.
Kenner 1950
Keener, K. B. 1950. Uplift Pressures in Concrete Dams,
American Society of Civil Engineers Transactions, Paper
No. 2464, pp 1218-1264.
Krinitzsky and Marcuson 1983

Krinitzsky, E. L., and Marcuson III, W. F. 1983. Principles for Selecting Earthquake Motions in Engineering
Design, Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists, XX3:253-265.
Liu and McDonald 1978
Liu, T. C., and McDonald, J. E. 1978 May. Prediction
of Tensile Strain Capacity of Mass Concrete, ACI Journal, pp 192-197.
Logie 1985
Logie, C. V. 1985. Economic Considerations in Selection of a Roller Compacted Concrete Dam, Proceedings
of ASCE Symposium, Roller Compacted Concrete,
May 1-2, American Society of Civil Engineers,
pp 111-122.
Mlakar, Vitaya-Udom, and Cole 1985
Mlakar, P. F., Vitaya-Udom, K. P., and Cole, R. A.
1985. Dynamic Tensile-Compressive Behavior of Concrete, ACI Journal, pp 484-491.
Morgenstern and Price 1965
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Geotechnique, 15.
Newmark and Hall 1982
Newmark, N. M., and Hall, W. J. 1982. Earthquake
Spectra and Design, Earthquake Engineering Research
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Post-Tensioning Institute 1985
Post-Tensioning Institute. 1985. Recommendations for
Prestressed Rock and Soil Anchors, Phoenix, AZ.
Price 1982
Price, W. H. 1982. Control of Cracking in Mass Concrete Dams, Concrete International, pp 36-44.
Raphael 1984
Raphael, J. M. 1984 Mar-Apr. Tensile Strength of
Concrete, ACI Journal, pp 158-165.
Rea, Liaw, and Chopra 1975
Rea, D., Liaw C. Y., and Chopra, A. K. 1975. Mathematical Models for the Dynamic Analysis of Concrete
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Richter 1958
Richter, C. F. 1958. Elementary Seismology, W. H.
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Saini, S. S., Betless, P., and Kiewica, Z. 1978. Coupled
Hydrodynamic Response of Concrete Gravity Dams Using
Finite and Infinite Elements, Earthquake Engineering
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Schiff and Bogdanoff 1967
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Schrader 1979
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and Hygrometric Expansion of Mass Concrete, ACI
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Stelle, W. W., Rubin, D. I., and Buhas, H. J. 1983.
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Appendix B
Glossary
square inch and designated fc (ACI 116R-85) (see also

Chapter 3).
ABUTMENT. The foundation along the sides of the

valley or gorge against which the dam is constructed.
CONCRETE. A composite material that consists essentially of a binding medium which is embedded particles or
fragments of aggregate; in portland cement concrete, the
binder is a mixture of portland cement and water (ACI
116R-85).
ACCELEROGRAM. The record from an accelerometer

showing acceleration as a function of time.
AGGREGATE. The natural sands, gravels, and crushed
stones used in the manufacture of concrete. Aggregate
for concrete commonly is obtained from alluvial stream
deposits or from rock quarries.
ANISOTROPIC. Exhibiting properties with different values when measured along axes in different directions.
APPURTENANT FEATURE. Any physical feature other
than the dam, such as the spillway, outlet, powerhouse,
penstock, tunnels, etc.
AUTOGENOUS VOLUME CHANGE. Change in volume produced by continued hydration of cement exclusive
of effects of external forces or change of water content or
temperature (ACI 116R-85).
BEDROCK. The solid rock foundation of a dam, usually
overlain by soil or other unconsolidated superficial
material.
BOND. The adhesion of concrete or mortar to other
concrete layers, rock, and other surfaces.
BOND STRENGTH. Resistance to separation of concrete
or mortar and other contact surfaces.
BOND STRESS. The force per unit area of contact
between two bonded surfaces.
COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION.
The
change in linear dimension per unit length divided by the
temperature change (see also paragraph 6-2).
COFFERDAM. A temporary structure constructed around
part or all of the excavation for a dam or other appurtenant features to facilitate construction in the dry.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH. The maximum resistance
of a concrete or mortar specimen to axial loading,
expressed as force per unit cross-sectional area, or the
specified resistance used in design calculations, in the US
customary units of measure expressed in pounds per
CONSTRUCTION JOINT. The surface between two

consecutive placements of concrete that develops bond
strength (see also paragraph 7-1).
CONTRACTION JOINT. A formed surface, usually
vertical, in a dam to create a plane for the regulation of
volumetric changes (see also paragraph 7-1).
CONTRACTION JOINT GROUTING. Injection of grout
into contraction joints.
CREEP. Deformation over a long period of time under a
continuous sustained load.
CRUSHED GRAVEL.
crushing of stone.
Gravel created by the artificial
CURING. The process of humidity and temperature

maintenance performed after concrete placement to assure
satisfactory heat of hydration and proper
hardening of the concrete.
CUTOFF. An impervious construction placed beneath a
dam to intercept seepage flow.
DAMPING. Resistance that reduces vibration by energy
absorption. There are different types of damping such as
viscous and Coulomb damping.
DAMPING RATIO. The ratio of the actual damping to
the critical damping, critical damping being the minimum
amount of damping that prevents free oscillatory
vibration.
DEAD LOAD. The constant load on the dam resulting
from the mass of the concrete and other attachments.
DEFLECTION. Linear deviation of the structure due to
the effect of loads or volumetric changes.
DEFORMATION. Alteration of shape or dimension due
to stress.
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DENSITY. Weight per unit volume.
DESIGN RESPONSE SPECTRA. Smooth, broad-banded
spectra appropriate for specifying the level of seismic
design force, or displacement, for earthquake-resistant
design purposes.
DIVERSION CHANNEL OR TUNNEL. A structure to
temporarily divert water around a damsite during
construction.
DURABILITY. The ability of concrete to resist weathering action, chemical attack, abrasion, and other conditions
of service.
DYNAMIC MODULUS OF ELASTICITY. The modulus
of elasticity computed from the size, weight, shape, and
fundamental frequency of vibration of a concrete test
specimen, or from pulse velocity (ACI 116R-85).
EFFECTIVE PEAK GROUND ACCELERATION. That
acceleration which is most closely related to structural
response and to damage potential of an earthquake. It
differs from, and is less than, the peak free-field ground
acceleration (Newmark and Hall 1982).
ELASTIC DESIGN. Design based on a linear stressstrain relationship and elastic properties of the materials.
GROUND MOTION.
A general term including all
aspects of ground motion, namely particle acceleration,
velocity, or displacement, from an earthquake or other
energy source.
GROUT. A mixture of water and cement or a chemical
solution that is forced by pumping into foundation rocks
or joints in a dam to prevent seepage and to increase
strength.
GROUT CURTAIN. A row of holes filled with grout
under pressure near the heel of the dam to control seepage
under the dam (see also paragraph 7-8).
HEAT OF HYDRATION. Heat generated by chemical
reactions of cementitious materials with water, such as
that evolved during the setting and hardening of portland
cement.
HEEL OF DAM. The location where the upstream face
of the dam intersects the foundation.
HOMOGENEOUS. Uniform in structure or composition.
INSTANTANEOUS MODULUS OF ELASTICITY. The
modulus of elasticity of concrete that occurs immediately
after loading (see also Chapter 6).
ELASTIC LIMIT. The limit of stress without undergoing

permanent deformation.
INSTRUMENTATION.
Devices installed on and
embedded within a dam to monitor the structural behavior
during and after construction of the dam.
EXPANSION JOINT. A joint between parts of a concrete structure to allow for thermal changes to occur
independently.
INTAKE STRUCTURE. The structure in the forebay that

is the entrance to any water transporting facility such as a
conduit or tunnel.
EXTENSIBILITY. The maximum tensile strain of concrete before cracking.
ISOTROPIC. Having identical properties in all directions.
FOREBAY. The impoundment of water above a dam or

hydroelectric plant.
FOUNDATION. The surface and the natural material on
which a dam and appurtenant features are constructed.
FOUNDATION DRAINAGE SYSTEM. A line of
drilled downstream of the grout curtain designed to
cept and control seepage through or beneath a dam
to reduce uplift pressures under a dam (see
paragraph 7-8).
holes
interso as
also
GALLERY. A long, narrow passage inside a dam used

for access, inspection, grouting, or drilling of drain holes.
LIFT. The concrete placed between two consecutive

horizontal construction joints.
MAGNITUDE. A measure of the strength of an earthquake, or the strain energy released by it, as determined
by seismographic observations. C. F. Richter first defined
local magnitude as the logarithm, to the base 10, of the
amplitude, in microns, of the largest trace deflection that
would be observed on a standard torsion seismograph at a
distance of 100 kilometers from the epicenter (Richter
1958). Magnitudes determined at teleseismic distances
are called body-wave magnitude and surface-wave magnitude. The local, body-wave, and surface-wave magnitudes of an earthquake do not necessarily have the same
numerical value (see also Chapter 5).
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MASS CONCRETE. Any volume of concrete with
dimensions large enough to require that measures be taken
to cope with generation of heat of hydration of the cement
and attendant volume change to minimize cracking
(ACI 116R-85).
MAXIMUM CREDIBLE EARTHQUAKE (MCE). The
largest earthquake associated with a specific seismotectonic structure or source area within the region examined (see also Chapter 5).
MODIFIED MERCALLI (MM) INTENSITY. A numerical index, developed in 1931, describing the effects of an
earthquake on mankind, on structures built by mankind
and on the Earths surface. The grades of the scale are
indicated by Roman numerals from I to XII (see also
Chapter 5) (Hayes 1980).
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY.
stress to strain.
under laminar flow conditions through a unit crosssectional area of a porous medium under a unit hydraulic
gradient and standard temperature conditions, usually
20 degrees Centigrade.
PLACEMENT. The process of depositing, distributing,
and consolidating of newly mixed concrete.
POISSONS RATIO. The ratio of transverse strain to
axial stress resulting from uniformly distributed axial
stress below the proportional limit of the material.
PORE PRESSURE. The interstitial pressure of water
within the mass of rock or concrete. Also called neutral
stress and pore-water pressure.
POROSITY. The ratio of the volume of voids to the total
volume of the material.
The ratio of normal
MONOLITH. A section or block of the dam that is

bounded by transverse contraction joints.
NONOVERFLOW SECTION. The section of the dam
that is designed not to be overtopped.
OPERATING BASIS EARTHQUAKE (OBE).
The
earthquake, usually smaller than the MCE, associated with
a specific seismotectonic structure or source area within
the region examined which reflects the level of earthquake
protection desired for operational or economic reasons
(see also Chapter 5).
ORTHOTROPIC. Having elastic properties with considerable variations of strength in two or more directions
perpendicular to each other.
OUTLET STRUCTURE. A structure at the outlet of a
canal, conduit, or tunnel for the purpose of discharging
water from the reservoir.
OVERFLOW SECTION. That portion of a dam, usually
occupied by a spillway, which allows the overflow of
water. Also referred to as spillway section.
PEAK GROUND ACCELERATION (PGA). That acceleration representing the peak acceleration of free-field
vibratory ground motion, that is, motion which is not
influenced by topography or man-made structures.
PERMEABILITY (LABORATORY) (TO WATER,
COEFFICIENT OF). The rate of discharge of water
PREDOMINANT PERIOD(S) OF VIBRATION. The

period(s) at which maximum spectral amplitudes are
shown on response spectra.
PRINCIPAL STRESS. Maximum and minimum stress
occurring at right angles to a principal plane of stress.
RESPONSE SPECTRUM. A plot of the maximum
response of a series of single-degree-of-freedom damped
oscillators (elastic systems) as a function of their natural
periods, or frequencies, when the oscillators are subjected
to a vibratory ground motion.
RESTRAINT (OF CONCRETE). Internal or external
restriction of free movement of concrete in one or more
directions.
ROLLER-COMPACTED CONCRETE (RCC). A relatively dry concrete material that has been consolidated
through external vibration from vibratory rollers.
SPECTRUM INTENSITY. The integral of the pseudovelocity response spectrum taken over the range of significant structural vibration periods of the structure being
analyzed.
SPILLWAY. The structure over or through which reservoir flood flows are discharged.
SPILLWAY CHUTE. The outlet channel for the spillway
discharge.
STILLING BASIN. A basin to dissipate the energy in
the water discharged from the spillway or outlet structure.
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STRUCTURAL CONCRETE.
Concrete used
structural load and forms a part of the structure.
for
THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY. The measure of the facility

with which temperature changes take place with a mass of
concrete (see also Chapter 6).
SUSTAINED MODULUS OF ELASTICITY. The modulus of elasticity of concrete that occurs with a constant
sustained load over a period of time (see also Chapter 6).
TOE OF DAM. The location where the downstream face

of the dam intersects the foundation.
TAILRACE. The channel or canal that carries water

away from a dam. Also sometimes called afterbay.
TRANSVERSE CRACKS. Cracks that develop at right

angles to the longitudinal axis of the dam.
TAILWATER ELEVATION. The elevation of the water

surface downstream from a dam or hydroelectric plant.
TRANSVERSE JOINT. A joint normal to the longitudinal axis of the dam.
TEMPERATURE RISE. The increase in temperature in

concrete resulting from the hydration of cement.
UPLIFT PRESSURE. The upward water pressure in the

pores of concrete or rock or along the base of the dam
(see also Chapter 3).
TEMPERATURE STRESS. Stresses created in concrete

from the changes or differentials in temperature.
TENSILE STRENGTH. The maximum stress that a
material is capable of resisting under an axial tensile load.
WATER STOP. A thin sheet of metal, rubber, plastic, or

other material placed across joints in concrete dams to
prevent seepage of water through the joint (see also
Chapter 7).
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY.
The measure of the
ability of concrete to conduct heat (see also Chapter 6).
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Appendix C
Derivation of the General Wedge
Equation
oriented at an angle () with respect to the +x- and

y-axes. A positive value of is a counter-clockwise
rotation; a negative value of is a clockwise rotation.
The equations for sliding stability analysis of a general

wedge system are based on the right-hand sign convention
that is commonly used in engineering mechanics. The
origin of the coordinate system for each wedge is located
in the lower left-hand corner of the wedge. The x- and
y-axes are horizontal and vertical, respectively.
Axes
that are tangent (t) and normal (n) to the failure plane are
Figure C-2. Geometry of the typical ith wedge and

adjacent wedges
Figure C-3. Distribution of pressures and resultant

forces acting on a typical wedge
Figure C-1. Sign convention for geometry
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Figure C-4. Free body diagram of the ith wedge
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Figure C-5. Derivation of the general equation (Sheet 1 of 3)
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Figure C-5.
(Sheet 2 of 3)
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Figure C-5.
(Sheet 3 of 3)
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Figure C-6.
Free body diagram of the ith wedge with anchor
The free body diagram above varies from that shown in

Figure C-4 in that the above free body diagram contains
an anchor force Ai oriented at an angle, i with the
vertical. The equilibrium equations and governing wedge
equation on the following pages will include this anchor
force.
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Figure C-7. Derivation of the general equation for a wedge containing an anchor force (Sheet 1 of 3)
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Note: Solutions of factors of safety and forces on free

bodies determined by the above equations, or by computer
analyses should be verified by an independent method of
analysis. Vector diagrams may be used to check the
results graphically. In multi-wedge analyses, consideration should be given to the stress-strain compatibility of
different rock materials on the failure plane.
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Appendix D
Example Problems - Sliding Analysis for
Single and Multiple Wedge Systems
D-1. Examples of typical static loading conditions for

single and multiple wedge systems are presented in this
appendix.
D-2. These examples are provided to clearly demonstrate the procedure for applying the general wedge equation to the sliding analysis of single and multiple wedge
systems. The variations of uplift pressure, orientation of
failure planes, etc., used in the examples were only
selected to simplify the calculations and are not intended
to represent the only conditions to be considered during
the design of a hydraulic structure.
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Sliding Stability Analysis
Example: Five Wedge System
Summary: Wedge Forces for Trial Safety Factors
FS = 1.5
Li
HLi
HRi
Vi
Wi
Ui
(Pi-1 - Pi )
-51.82
6.36
6.14
1.15
10.93
-9.01
-55.53
12.13
10.73
8.20
26.53
-24.56
9.5
30.3
47.33
32.97
34.47
8.83
30.38
9.89
19.53
122.4
7.02
4.14
7.59
2.82
1.54
3.32
PR = 10.31
FS = 2.5
Li
HLi
HRi
Vi
Wi
Ui
(Pi-l - Pi )
-49.14
6.61
6.75
1.27
11.36
-9.10
-51.5
12.78
12.43
9.50
27.95
-25.48
9.5
30.3
47.33
19.65
38.5
8.0
35.72
8.56
19.53
122.4
6.06
3.76
6.26
2.29
1.34
2.45
PR = -6.20
FS = 2.0
Li
HLi
HRi
Vi
Wi
Ui
(Pi-1 - Pi )
-50.16
6.51
6.52
1.22
11.19
-9.06
-53.05
12.51
11.73
8.97
27.37
-25.13
9.5
30.3
47.33
24.53
36.95
8.33
33.62
9.03
19.53
122.4
6.43
3.9
6.73
2.48
1.41
2.75
PR = -0.18
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Gravity Dam Design

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Engineering and Design

and design of concrete gravity dams for civil works projects.

This engineer manual supersedes EM 1110-2-2200 dated 25 September 1958.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Engineering and Design

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Economic Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

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c. Except as specifically noted throughout the

a. This manual presents analysis and design guidance

This engineer manual supersedes EM 1110-2-2200 dated

2-1. Types of Concrete Gravity Dams

Conventional concrete dams.

(1) Conventionally placed mass concrete dams are

dumped from the bucket. The concrete is placed in lifts

Figure 2-1. Typical dam overflow section

guidance on the use, design, and construction of RCC.

mechanisms, and other related features of the analytical

2-2. Coordination Between Disciplines

Figure 2-2. Nonoverflow section

The design of concrete dams involves consideration of

evaluation of the most appropriate laboratory and/or in

rock may be obtained from numerous available references

by the linear relationship T = C + tan in which C is

3-1. Concrete Properties

(4) The splitting tension test (ASTM C 496) or the

a. General. The specific concrete properties used in

lower value than the elastic modulus of intact rock.

(b) For design of overflow sections.

Figure 3-1. Uplift distribution without foundation

character of the foundation; and the facility with which

Figure 3-2. Uplift distribution with drainage gallery

Figure 3-4. Uplift distribution cracked base with

Figure 3-3. Uplift distribution with foundation drains

two-thirds that of the grout zone (curtain). Where the

Figure 3-5. Uplift distribution cracked base with

(2) Within dam.

Figure 3-6. Uplift pressure diagram. Dashed line

Figure 3-7. Dashed line in uplift pressure diagram

Figure 3-9. Effect along foundation seams or faults if

g. Ice pressure. Ice pressure is of less importance in

Figure 3-10. Seismically loaded gravity dam, nonoverflow monolith

(2) Seismic coefficient.

Pew = additional total water load down to depth y (kips)

where te is the period of vibration.

i. Subatmospheric pressure. At the hydrostatic head

(4) Internal stresses and foundation pressures should

(b) Minimum tailwater.

Basic Loading Conditions