Design of the Sarvsfossen concrete arch dam

The case of the Sarvsfossen double curvature arch dam is a good example to illustrate the importance of using a 3D solid finite element (FE) model, representing the exact geometric shape of a structure, and of modelling the boundary conditions in an appropriate way. The authors describe the advantages of such modelling for the design and construction of Sarvsfossen dam. Also, monitoring during impounding demonstrated that carefully planned, designed and executed mitigation measures could be successful in taking care of vertical and horizontal deflections which might otherwise have caused leakage. This challenging project revealed inconsistencies in Norwegian concrete design codes as regards shear tension capacity and the use of shear reinforcement. It is recommended that these be reviewed and amended to establish a consistent standard practice for concrete dams.