Low-cement concrete dams: construction, structures and innovations

Introduction. Low-cement concrete dams are water-retaining structures frequently used in modern hydraulic engineering. The number of facilities of this type goes up every year due to their simple design, speedy construction and high economic efficiency. However, a number of problems may arise in the construction and operation of such facilities. In particular, reduced strength and water permeability of interlayer joints may constitute a problem. Temperature effects arising in the course of construction and operation may cause additional deformation of their structure, changes in their stress-strain state, opening of existing cracks and further cracking. The study of the design experience, building and operation of dams made of low-cement concrete will lay the groundwork for the development of similar structures and defect elimination methods. It will also provide an opportunity to learn more about thebehaviour of structures exposed to various conditions, including climatic ones. Materials and methods. Data on existing dams made of low-cement concrete, research articles, technical reports and conference proceedings, including those issued by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), have been collected and analyzed. Results. The comparative analysis of designs of dams in operation and future-oriented solutions is performed. The co-authors have demonstrated the need for an integrated approach to solving temperature cracking problems by using filtration through the dam body. Conclusions. The results can be used as the basis for further detailed studies. The comparative analysis of traditional and innovative waterproofing liners will help to effectively choose the protection solution for an upstream face of a facility. New forecasting methods and recommendations aimed at the reduction of negative temperature effects on the operation of facilities can solve the temperature cracking problem.