Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
18
Foundation grouting
18.1
GENERAL CONCEPTS OF GROUTING DAM FOUNDATIONS
The foundations for most dams more than 15 m high built on rock, and for some which
are smaller, are treated by grouting. Grouting consists of drilling a line or lines of holes
from the cutoff level of the dam into the dam foundation and forcing cement slurry, or
chemicals under pressure into the rock defects, that is joints, fractures, bedding partings
and faults. Figure 18.1 shows an example:
The grouting is carried out to:
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Reduce leakage through the dam foundation, i.e. through the defects;
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Reduce seepage erosion potential;
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Reduce uplift pressures (under concrete gravity dams when used in conjunction with
drain holes);
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Reduce settlements in the foundation (for concrete gravity, buttress and arch dams).
Figure 18.1.
An example of embankment dam foundation grouting.
