ABSTRACT
Seismic analysis indicated that the existing Saluda Dam near Columbia, SC, USA, would fail due to liquefaction, and therefore, a $200 million remediation program was undertaken. The most cost effective remedial design scheme consists of constructing a backup berm, essentially a “dry dam”, at the downstream toe of the existing Dam, a major portion of which is RCC – about 1.0 m3 and probably the third largest in the USA. This paper presents an overview of the design aspects of the RCC portion of the Project. We address topics such as the seismic design basis, loading conditions, finite element analysis, mix design parameters, laboratory and field testing, drainage and joint design, facing considerations, thermal stress analysis and joint spacing, and the mix design testing programs.
