Engineering >> 2024, Volume 32, Issue 1 doi: 10.1016/j.eng.2023.09.020
A Brief Review of Rock-Filled Concrete Dams and Prospects for Next-Generation Concrete Dam Construction Technology
a Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
b ISL Ingénierie, International Commission on Large Dams, Paris 75016, France
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Abstract
Over the past few decades, one of the most significant advances in dam construction has been the invention of the rock-filled concrete (RFC) dam, which is constructed by pouring high-performance selfcompacting concrete (HSCC) to fill the voids in preplaced large rocks. The innovative use of large rocks in dam construction provides engineers with a material that requires less cement consumption and hydration heat while enhancing construction efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, two fundamental scientific issues related to RFC need to be addressed: namely, the pouring compactness and the effect of large rocks on the mechanical and physical properties of RFC. This article provides a timely review of fundamental research and innovations in the design, construction, and quality control of RFC dams. Prospects for next-generation concrete dams are discussed from the perspectives of environmental
friendliness, intrinsic safety, and labor savings.