Searching for hydraulic quality in concrete dam foundations

This book represents, in the field of dams engineering, a valuable contribution to achieving safety and hydraulic quality in concrete dam foundations - in design, construction and throughout the dam serviceable life.

The author, civil engineer Abel Mascarenhas, LNEC´s principal researcher, has developed important studies during his career in the domain of the hydraulic of foundations and, more recently, to LNEC´s 2001-2005 research plan, in the ambit of the "QUALITY" program, some of which are included in the work here in overview.

Thus "Searching for hydraulic quality in concrete dam foundations" is a synthesis of existing knowledge regarding the hydromechanical behaviour and the deterioration in foundations of concrete dams containing relevant contributions from the author to the improvement in hydraulic design, hydromechanical behaviour observation and hydraulic rehabilitation of concrete dams´ foundations. An appreciation is due to INAG - Instituto da Água and to EDP - Electricidade de Portugal - two of the most important Portuguese institutions in the fi eld of dams, for its interest, support and sponsorship of this publication.

Foreword: Carlos Alberto de Brito Pina

Descriptors: Concrete dam / Dam foundation / Hydromechanical behaviour / Hydraulic quality / Deterioration / Hydraulic design / Grout curtain / Foundations drainage / Dams observation / Dams safety / Rehabilitation