ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: When the discharge capacity of an embankment dam spillway is not enough to evacuate the maximum foreseen flow, one possible solution is making it resistant to overtopping. This adaptation design requires the analysis of failure mechanisms in an overtopping situation. After brief consideration of a wide range of solutions and their scope of application, this essay examines the most simple solution based on the use of rockfill. Criteria are given for defining stone size and stable slope. The isoresistant composite slope method, developed at the UPM (Polytechnic University of Madrid), is shown. This essay also emphasizes certain additional topics that must be considered when designing the adaptation. Finally, the cost of simple solutions based on the use of rock-fill is compared to the cost of RCC protection, widely used in USA. This allows conclusions to be drawn as to the economical advantage of any type of solution. The need for additional research is emphasized.
