Investigation of concrete dams in Norway
Gabriel Sas from the Division of Structural and Construction Engineering is engaged a major new project in Norway.
Who finances the project?
- The project is financed by Statkraft Norway, one of the major players on the European energy exchange and is managed by NORUT.
Can you tell us a bit about the project?
- Concrete slab buttress dam and light gravity dams have been built in Norway in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Many of these dams do not meet NVEs requirements with respect to sliding and overturning stability. The method we are using is based on an extensive finite element modeling procedure assisted by field and laboratory tests. These tests are carried out on existing or analogues materials used for constructing the dam: rock foundation and concrete. This is done within the framework of NVE regulations.
How many partners are involved in the project?
- The scope of the project is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the stability of the Målset Dam. Dams are unique and complex structures, therefore this analysis requires competence in diverse research fields like rock mechanics, hydrology, concrete structure or numerical modeling just to mention a few. Therefore we considered extending or strengthening our collaborations with different partners such as LTU, NTU from Trondheim and KTH from Stockholm.
Where in Norway are the dams located?
- Currently we are investigating the stability of the Målset Dam, located close to Voss, Norway and the Ipto Dam close to Narvik, Norway. Dams are widespread allover Norway and usually in remote areas which make it hard to undertake major rehabilitation work.
What is Complab´s part in the project?
- I see Complab as one of the most important partner in this project. At Complab we will carry more than one hundred specific tests on rocks, concrete. It’s a work of about 2-3 months. The facility and the personal fits like a glove on a hand in this project. There are machines to carry out our tests and highly qualified personal to operate them. Besides, I know the guys for quite some years, we’ve worked already in different projects and we meet daily.
