ICOLD Bulletin 150, Cutoffs for Dams, discusses foundation treatment methods using cutoff-type barriers. High emphasis is given to alluvial deposits throughout this document; however, different materials may require cutoff. The construction of cutoffs has made significant advances mainly through the development of more powerful machinery for drilling and excavation, but also through the introduction of new concepts and techniques, such as jet grouting and deep soil mixing. The following types of cutoffs are presented in this Bulletin:
- Diaphragm walls
- Vib walls
- Pile walls
- Superimposed concreted galleries
- Jet grouting
- Deep mixing
These methods are described, and the practical application of each method is illustrated by selected case histories. These case histories also demonstrate how certain difficulties specific to a particular dam site have been dealt with. The performance of cutoffs should be monitored so that their efficiency in reducing flow and piezometric head can be evaluated. Piezometers installed in the foundation upstream and downstream of the cutoff are needed to meet this objective.
1 Introduction
2 Need of cutoffs in dam foundations
3 Diaphragm walls
4 Vib walls
5 Pile wall
6 Superposed concreted galleries
7 Jet grouting
8 Deep mixing
Appendix 1 - Case histories on diaphragm walls
Biography
the Commission Internationale des Grands Barrages (CIGB) / International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) is a non-governmental International Organization which provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience in dam engineering.
The Organization leads the profession in ensuring that dams are built safely, efficiently, economically, and without detrimental effects on the environment. Its original aim was to encourage advances in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of large dams and their associated civil works, by collecting and disseminating relevant information and by studying related technical questions.
Since the late sixties, focus was put on subjects of current concern such as dam safety, monitoring of performance, reanalysis of older dams and spillways, effects of ageing and environmental impact. More recently, new subjects include cost studies at the planning and construction stages, harnessing international rivers, information for the public at large, and financing.
