From theory to field evidence: observations on the evolution of the settlements of an earthfill dam, over long time scale

Unprecedented flooding events put dams and downstream communities at risk, as evidenced by the recent cases of the Oroville and Whaley bridge dams. Empirical models may describe an expected 'normal' dam behaviour but they do not account for changes due to recurring extreme weather events. Numerical modelling provides insights into this but results are affected by the chosen material properties. Long-term field monitoring data can help with understanding the mechanical behaviour of earthfill dams and how this is affected by the environment over decades. We analyse the recorded settlements for one of the largest earthfill dams in Europe. We compare the evolution of these settlements to the reservoir level, rainfall and the occurrence of earthquakes for a period of 31 years after first impoundment. We find that the crest responds to the reservoir fluctuations with an increasing (from 0 to 27 6 months) time delay. This is the first time that a change in the behavior of a central clay core dam, as observed from field data, is reported in the international literature. Seepage rates, as recorded within the drainage galleries, are directly affected by cumulative rainfall depths exceeding 67mm per fortnight.