Abstract:
Pedrógão dam is an RCC gravity dam which shows some local high flow rates in
the foundation. In this paper a study on the foundation’s hydraulic behaviour is
presented. The data obtained in a series of inlet water tests was used to study a
specific cross section of the dam. A numerical model was developed for the analysis
of the flow in the rock mass and to support the assessment of the field results. The
safety evaluation for failure scenarios involving the foundation is addressed. Some
conclusions are drawn about the usefulness of the information provided by inlet water
tests and about suitable models to study the dam foundation’s hydraulic behaviour.