Vaiont Dam

1
Vaiont Dam
Matt Hanson (4002290) Chris Nicholson (4004603)
2
INTRODUCTION

• One of the Largest Dams in the World
• Completed in 1961
• Cupola dam 266m high
• Lies on the Vaiont River
• Generates Hydro-Electric Power
• Stored Water spilt over the Dam

3
GEOLOGY

• Geological Structure Syncline
• Sedimentary Rocks Shale and Limestone
• Slip Surface along Weak Bedding Planes
• Reservoir Filled
• Old Slip Surface Began to Move

4
GEOLOGY
5
WHAT HAPPENED
6
ENGINEERING APPROACHES

• Groundwater Pressures increase drainage
• Geology Consulting saturated clay layer
• Slip Surface
• Engineers Error

7
SOLUTIONS ADOPTED

• Feb 1960 - 1st filling of Reservoir varying
  level of water
• Oct 1961 - 2nd filling surface movement rates
  increased
• April 1963 - 3rd filling movement rates
  increased further
• Sept 1963, water levels dropped to bring creep
  under control
• October 9th catastrophic failure

8
CONCLUSION

• Reservoir Inappropriate for Area
• Engineers Incompetence
• Major Disaster for Civil Engineering
• Highlighted the importance of Geological Surveys