Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 20.1.
Summary of failures of dams and causes of failure of dams over 15 m high (1900-1975)
(National Research Council, 1983).
(b) Piping is the main cause of failure for concrete dams on soil foundations;
(c) A large proportion of failures occur on first filling, or historic high reservoir levels. This
is particularly the case for piping failures. Older dams are also represented in the failures.
From this information it is clear that dams are most likely to fail or have an accident on
first filling or in the first 5 years, but that there are failures and accidents which occur in
