ABSTRACT
Swiss dams, mainly built for electricity generation, are monitored by an organization composed by the dam owner, the dam operator, qualified professionals, and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.
The paper presents different case studies of how ageing dams is addressed, including dams affected by alkali-silica reaction (ASR) or subjected to a change in thermal loading. The panel of case studies allows to identify the different stages of ageing and highlight the investigation process. It includes the deviation of the structural behavior, the crack appearance, and the detailed on-site investigation. These feedbacks challenge the existing processes, the studies used to help the decision and highlight strengths and weaknesses and when it is necessary to act. Furthermore, different solutions are highlighted from the rebuild or reinforcement to a reinforced monitoring.
The synthesis suggests a rehabilitation decision process to ensure an adequate response for both safety and economical aspects. The rehabilitation monitoring is finally discussed to control the effectiveness of the owner’s response.
