Questions to ponder on designing very high CFRDs

Design aspects of concrete faced rockfill dams were discussed. Slab thickness and reinforcement, upstream transition, joint waterstops, and rockfill zoning were the main issues considered. A parametric study by three dimensional finite element method was used to analyze the design. Thin concrete slabs, light steel reinforcement, minimization of transition zones, and use of less water for rockfill compaction were considered essential for improvement of the construction technique.