Behavior of Two Big Rockfill Dams, and Design Aims

The case histories of two major compacted embankment dams are analysed with regard to the problem most amenable to reasonings and computations of statistics of averages, the problem of deformations, discussed regarding specific laboratory testing compared with use of generalized correlations. Improved mental models for predictions are proposed. In the earthcore-compacted rockfill section the problem of crest cracking suggests the interest in a significant change of zoned section in the topmost stretch. For the concrete-face rockfill dam it is suggested that one needs a significant revision of instrumentation and monitoring orientation. Both dams behaved extraordinarily well on questions of consequence and served to show that unfavourable observations, if too indirect, lead to no benefit, but may sometimes prove the inexistence of the consequential misbehavior to be guarded against