ABSTRACT
Changes of exploitation mode of a structure should be carefully analyzed during the design stage and performed under strict quality control. It is very risky to exploit structures under new loads and environmental conditions without the correct preparation of a structure for the new tasks. An example of such a case is given in the paper. A dry reservoir with an earth dam, which was filled occasionally only during flood periods, after 50 years of service started to be used for permanent storage of industrial water. The quality of adaptation works-by covering of the upstream dam slope with concrete slabs has proven to be insufficient. After several, years the reservoir has come back to its primary function as a dry reservoir and the concrete screen has to be repaired.
