Dams

Itasca performs analyses for concrete/masonry dams (including arch, gravity, RCR - roller compacted concrete) and embankment dams (earth, rockfill, and mine tailings dams), including:

  • Short- and long-term mechanical behavior analysis of dams on fractured rock
  • Optimizing dam design based on criteria constraints
  • Analyzing thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of a concrete dam subjected to thermal variations and to variations in the water level in the reservoir

Itasca has also evaluated numerous dam spillways and underground powerhouses.

By analyzing ground strength, stresses, and dynamic events, Itasca can estimate foundation, slope, tunnel, and cavern stability, and suggest successful remedial solutions as needed. Itasca assesses risk by interpreting modeling results and incorporating onsite monitoring information where available. Selected examples of Itasca dam projects can be seen in the following table.

Type

Dam Name

Country

Arch

Alcolea

Spain

Asfalou River

Morocco

Bin el Ouidane

Morocco

Krokströmmen Kraftstation

Sweden

RMEL

Morocco

Saint Maria

Switzerland

Vargfors

Sweden

Zapotillo

Mexico

Earth/Rock Fill

Albages

Spain

Bennett

Canada

Bisri

Lebanon

Chalupas

Ecuador

Convento Viejo

Chile

El Bato

Chile

Koldam

India

Laguna del Maule

Chile

Lautaro

Chile

Los Loros

Perú

Lukovo Pole

Macedonia

Malvecino exp

Spain

Martil River

Morocco

Moreau

Guadeloupe Island

Reyunod

Argentina

Saint-Christophe

France

Wirgane

Morocco

YESA expansion

Spain

Concrete

Al Massira

Morocco

Idriss 1er

Morocco

Yaté

New Caledonia

Dome

Busanga

DRC

Tailings

El Mauro

Chile

El Morro

Chile

Laguna Seca

Chile

Mantos Blancos

Chile

Ovejería

Chile

Pampa Pabellón

Chile

Porvenir

Perú

Quebrada Honda

Perú

Quillayes

Chile

Santo Domingo

Chile

Sierra Gorda

Chile

Torito

Chile

Tórtolas

Chile

Static Design and Safety Services

From proposal to conclusion of a project, Itasca engineers are committed to minimizing risk and maximizing reliability. Frequently, a key to understanding dam behavior is accurate prediction of water pressures and flow within the dam components and its foundations. Itasca has experts in water flow in both porous media and jointed rock. We can examine the causes of leakage and erosion, predict failure modes and evaluate the results of remedial measures. Structural elements, artificial interfaces, and natural jointing can be included in models to predict the effectiveness of rock and soil reinforcement and reduced-permeability zones may be included to predict the viability of grouting and curtain walls. Itasca also has considerable experience incorporating material creep and thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling in evaluating seasonal variations in temperature and water level and concrete curing.

Dynamic Response Services

The dynamic behavior of dams can be simulated by performing nonlinear analysis of dam behavior in the time domain. Hydrodynamic interaction between the dam and reservoir can also be represented. In many places, the dynamic behavior of a dam during dynamic events is critical, with re-evaluation of existing dams becoming more important for jurisdictions with evolving design codes. Itasca engineers can perform fully non-linear analyses of a dam’s response to dynamic loading in the time domain. The behavior of the dam in real time allows design weaknesses to be identified and corrected. The effects of earthquakes, blasting, soil liquefaction, hydrodynamic influences, and water flow can all be modeled to predict any design weaknesses and optimize remediation for enhanced safety and longer infrastructure life.

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