ABSTRACT
The performance of RCC dams that have been built allow to endorse some constructive processes and to discard others. In all cases, results rely upon the quality of the constructive procedures, which is a direct consequence of the quality control systems carried out during construction. In accordance with the experience acquired in construction of RCC dams, successful behavior is supported on several construction features. Special consideration deserves the control on production, transportation and placement of RCC, treatment of construction joints, construction of contraction joints, construction of impervious face, impermeability treatments of the foundation rock, and also monitoring of the behavior of the dam. This paper presents a description of the most important procedures of quality assurance from the point of view of the experiences acquired in the construction of Miel I hydroelectric project. As a result of an intensive quality assurance control program, it is concluded that the performance of Miel I dam one year after impoundment has been successful. After impoundment, results of leakage, not only through the dam body but also through the abutments have not exceeded 8.5 lts/sec. Field densities and RCC strength met the design requirements. Temperature development in the concrete mass has been recorded within the expected ranges. Each one of these aspects plays an important role in the behavior of the dam and any possible malfunction of one of them would limit the adequate performance of the structure.
