Safety problems of small embankment dams in the Czech Republic
- Authors: Jaromir Riha
- Citation: Acta hydrotechnica, vol. 26, no. 44, pp. 15-25, 2013.
- Abstract: In the Czech Republic there are about 20 000 small reservoirs with dams which in many cases do not meet present requirements for hydraulic and structural safety. Surprisingly, most of the problems arise from improper design, insufficient technological discipline and poor technical supervision during construction, and also from insufficient maintenance. The safety of numerous older small dams has deteriorated due to ageing and inadequate modifications during their operational life. These defects not only decrease dam safety but also cause problems during dam operation. Sometimes the original purpose of the reservoir cannot be fulfilled. This paper focuses on the safety issues of small embankment dams. Typical identified defects, hydraulic and stability problems of individual structural elements are demonstrated and discussed in more detail.
- Keywords: small dam, dam safety, defects, bottom outlet, seepage, spillway, hydraulic safety
- Full text: a44jr.pdf
- References:
- Jandora, J., Riha, J. (2010). Incidents and Failures Affecting Small Dams in the Czech Republic. In. Proceedings of the 8th ICOLD European Club Symposium, Innsbruck, Austria, 2010, 419–424.
- TNV 75 2935 Dam safety assessment of hydraulic structures during floods. Czech technical standard. (In Czech).
- ČSN 75 2410 Small water reservoirs. Czech national standard. (In Czech).
- ČSN 75 2310 Dry reservoirs. Czech national standard. (In Czech).