ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The capability to control uplift is a major asset for the safety of old dams, and can provide significant benefits in design of RCC dams. The installation of an upstream synthetic membrane system with dedicated face drainage is an efficient method to control uplift within the dam body. Without a drained membrane system, the reduction in uplift due to the dam drains is assumed to occur at the line of the drains, and to be in the order of 2/3 of the full uplift. With a drained membrane system, the reduction in uplift due to the face drainage of the system occurs at the upstream face, and can be theoretically in the order of 100%. The paper illustrates the main concepts, and discusses present trends for evaluation of uplift control by waterproofing drained synthetic membranes. Applications in rehabilitation of old dams, and in new construction, are also illustrated.
