Roller Compacted Concrete - Levee Design

[mmeyer]

I would like to see if anyone has experience in using roller compacted concrete for the construction of above ground reservoir levees. This design is being considered as an option for a large levee surrounding a 36,000 acre above ground reservoir. The designs I have seen are terraced and I would like to know if they can be designed to retain soil on the terrace levels and what impact vegetation growing on the terraces might have on the structural integrity of the levee.

 

[cvg]

I am currently involved in a flood control dam project which will be constructed of RCC. Deep rooted vegetation is not allowed to be planted on this dam for fear that roots may find cracks in the RCC and damage the structure. However, the structure will be completely covered with soil for aesthetic and environmental mitigation.

 

[mmeyer]

What is the slope of this dam? The levee we are looking at is 1V:0.5H. Could you give some details on how covering it with soil is being viewed as environmental mitigation?

 

[cvg]

Side slopes are 1V:0.6H. The soil covering serves the following purposes:

1) Enhances aesthetics by allowing the structure to blend in with the surrounding landscape better

2) Grass, bushes and small trees can grow up on the slope providing some habitat

3) The earth cover greatly decreases the safety risk

4) It allows for multi-use opportunities such as pedestrian and equestrian trail. This dam is adjacent to a large regional park and the dam alignment is a segment of the connecting trail to another park further north.

 

[mmeyer]

Thanks, this sounds useful. We are having a meeting on the design next week and I would like to be able to present these type of enhancements for the project. Our total levee length is about 60 miles so there would be great opportunity for trails around the perimeter or on the top. The team has voiced some safety concerns about the liability of letting people on top of such a steep levee. Also, the bushes and small trees that you mention, are these actually on the slope, what about their roots, wouldn't they have the potential to impact the integrity of the concrete? Do you know of any web links that discuss these design features?

 

[cvg]

The slopes will be hydro-seeded with various seed mixes and some tall pots planted near the dam. However, the mix for on top of the dam only contains species that are not considered deep rooted. Periodic maintenance will remove any other deep rooted species bushes or trees that end up on top of the dam.