Contemporary Drilling and Grouting Practices for Dam Rehabilitation

Abstract Only - The paper provides an introduction to three aspects of the subject: drilling methods, grouting methods, and grouting materials. Regarding drilling, three generic methods of rock drilling are listed, together with the six most common soil/overburden methods. Guidelines are presented on applicability relating to depth, diameter, and ground type. Regarding grouting, the three conventional rock treatment methods are described, and the newer MPSP method for treating poor rock foundations is introduced. The five basic methods of treating soil/overburden are then examined. Regarding grouting materials, a four-fold classification is presented, in order to bring clarification to the potentially bewildering range of grouts available. Guidelines are presented on limits of applicability, and the kinds of results attainable. The paper then presents summary details from two recent major dam rehabilitation grouting projects: at Dworshak Dam, ID, and at Tims Ford Dam, TN. This paper is available on our website at www.ecogeosystems.com.