ABSTRACT
This paper describes the numerical calculations with the finite element method with the aim of evaluating the deformations when the crest of the Ajaure dam is to be raised. The dam is situated in the upper part of the Ume River in northern Sweden. This dam is particularly important from the dam safety point of view, because a dam failure could have disastrous consequences for downstream hydropower stations all the way to the sea. In accordance with the new Swedish Dam Safety Guidelines, the Ajaure dam is to be upgraded in order to allow for the new design flood required in the Guideline. To raise the dam crest is one alternative for the upgrading. Numerical calculation were carried out to estimate the deformations that will occur when the dam is raised. The numerical model was calibrated by comparing the calculated deformations with the measured movements that have occured in the past.
