ABSTRACT
This article addresses the issues related to the geotechnical design of a zoned embankment dam, about 50 m high, located in the centre-south of Portugal. It addresses, more specifically, the issues related to the research and characterization of borrow areas for the various natural construction materials and the geometric optimization of the dam to maximize the exploitation of the various materials within the future submerged area of the reservoir, thus minimizing the environmental impacts caused by open pit exploitation outside this area, or by transport from commercial exploitations located at great distances.
