The effect of discontinuities on the erodibility of rock in unlined spillways of dams

Abstract

Problems with erosion in unlined spillways of dams, have caused environmental and safety hazards, and necessitate the development of reliable scientific methods to assess the erodibility of the bedrock material. In an attempt to analyze the causes and effects of different geological, geotechnical, hydraulic, hydrological and engineering design parameters on erosion of unlined spillways, a number of dam spillways in the R.S.A. were studied. All the parameters considered important for the erosion resistance of the rock were collected and correlated with hydraulic factors and observed extent of erosion. Rock type, strength, weathering and uniformity of the geological conditions are important geotechnical considerations while velocity and energy of the water flow are the main hydraulic parameters. The main consideration of the study was the effect of the discontinuities. All the properties of the jointing of the rock mass, such as number of joint sets, RQD, joint spacing, joint separation, joint orientation, roughness and filling material, were surveyed. Joints. weaken the rock mass and induce removal of the rock blocks if the joint properties are unfavourable to stability. The jointed bedrock is much less resistant to flowing or falling water, the result being an extensive and quickly formed scour. Various rock mass classification systems have been applied and a reasonable correlation between rock class and extent of erosion was established by means of slightly modified Kirsten (1982) and Weaver (1975) rippability classifications. A number of methods for the prevention and repair of erosion damage have been proposed.