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An unusual foundation for an arch dam in mauritania

Une fondation inhabituelle pour un barrage voûte en mauritanie

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Bulletin of the International Association of Engineering Geology - Bulletin de l'Association Internationale de Géologie de l'Ingénieur Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Between the years of 1981 and 1983 a 45 metres high arch dam was constructed for irrigation purposes at the Gorgol-Noir, a tributary of the Senegal River, in the semi-desert zone of southern Mauritania (Sahel). North of the city of M'bout the Gorgol-Noir erodes through a range of Precambrian metamorphic quartz-schists, trending north to south.

The paper describes the investigations—engineering geological and the rock mechanics—undertaken in the course of the design and construction of the dam. Of particular importance were cavities located on the valley sides, proved to be related to shale intercalations.

Résumé

Entre les années 1981 et 1983 un barrage voûte de 45 mètres de hauteur a été construit pour l'irrigation sur le Gorgol-Noir, affluent du fleuve Sénégal, dans la zone semi-aride de la Mauritanie du Sud (Sahel). Au nord de la ville de M'bout, le Gorgol-Noir recoupe une série de schistes quartzeux métamorphiques d'âge Précambrien.

L'article décrit les prospections et études de Géologie et de mécanique des roches réalisées au stade du projet puis de la construction du brrage. Des cavités, situées sur les deux flancs de la vallée, et liées à des intercalations schisteuses, ont posé des problèmes particuliers.

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References

  1. KOHLI J., HÖNISCH K., 1985: Einfluß von Klüftung und Hohlräumen im Fels auf die Gründung einer Bogenmauer. Felsbau, Nr. 1, Essen, Germany.

  2. SCHENK V., KÖNGETER J., 1982: The influence of anisotropic Foundation Rock on Design of an Arch Dam in the German Mountains. Proc. 14th ICOLD Congress, Rio de Janciro.

  3. LONDE P. 1969: Stability of Rock Slopes, a three-dimensional study. Journ. Soil Mech. Found. Eng. Dir. Proc. ASCE 95. SMI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lahmeyer International GmbH., Consulting Engineers, P.O.B. 71 06 51, D-6000, Frankfurt/Main, Federal Republic of Germany

    H. Risch (Senior Geologist)

Authors
  1. Schenk V.
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  2. H. Risch
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Schenk, V., Risch, H. An unusual foundation for an arch dam in mauritania. Bulletin of the International Association of Engineering Geology 36, 59–67 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02600940

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02600940

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