The impact on dam design of a new materials model for the early behaviour of RCC

In a recent paper (See H&D Issue 2, 2010), the author demonstrated that the behaviour characteristics of RCC in dams are quite different to those of CVC with respect to early autogenous and drying shrinkage and creep. In the case of high strength, paste-rich RCC, it was established that a mix can be designed to indicate negligible autogenous and drying shrinkage, or irreversible creep during the hydration cycle. Here the impact of this new materials model for high strength RCC on the design of large dams is discussed, focusing on aspects of particular importance for arch dams. An approach combining field measurement with structural modelling to predict and demonstrate actual materials behaviour is discussed.