Grout Curtain Design for Dams

The basic concept of designing and constructing a grout curtain within a rock foundation for a dam is deceptively simple. Everyone understands that when successfully executed, an underground barrier to seepage is constructed that significantly reduces both the amount of seepage and the seepage pressures at and below the base of the dam. Despite the fact that there are fewer dams being constructed in recent years, there has been a growth in the amount of information available about foundation grouting for dams. Much of that information is oriented to proper field procedures for performing effective grouting, which is, without doubt, absolutely critical to the success of the grouting. This paper addresses some of the practical issues that designers of grout curtains, or those reviewing the design of grout curtains, should consider. 12 pp., 3 references.