Development and innovation in Spanish RCC dam technology

Spain was one of the pioneering countries for RCC dams, with the construction of the Castilblanco de los Arroyos dam in 1985. Since then, Spain has developed the most RCC dam experience of any European country. There are currently 27 RCC dams in operation and one under construction. The extensive experience accumulated over the past 30 years by dam owners and Spanish engineering and construction companies has created a vast knowledge to preserve and share with other countries. This paper summarizes the main features of Spanish RCC dams and their long-term performance, and sums up their design philosophies, construction methodologies and essential characteristics such as typical cross sections, main structural aspects and RCC mixtures.