Transcript VAJONT DAM DISASTER.ppt

VAJONT DAM DISASTER
SLOPE FAILURE
Group 14
BACKGROUND
• Vajont Dam
• Alps
• 265.5m high
• 1956-1960
AREA MAP
HYDRO POWER
• Series of raising and lowering the water
level
• Oct – river depth = 170m
• 3.5cm/d displacement was observed
• Nov – Failure: 700,000m3 land slide, depth
raised to 235m
CONTROLING LAND SLIDE
• Altering the level of Dam
• 1963 between April & May
• Level increased from 185m – 231m
• Sept 245m dropped to 235m
• Velocities of movement continued to
increase
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE
• Oct 1963 heavy rains + earthquake dislodged a
piece of the mountainside
• 2600 drowned
• Damaged property
• Dam structure in tact
CAUSES OF FAILURE
• Increased levels increased pore water
pressures in clay layers
• Reduced effective strength and shear
resistance
• Filling and lowering of dam may have
contributed to build up of hydraulic
pressures in clay
CONCLUSION
• Structurally sound but,
• Emphasis on impacts of construction on
surrounding environment
• Importance of soil testing
• Town planning development of escape
routes and protection from floods
THANK YOU
• Any Questions?