Overview - Overtopping Protection for Concrete Dams

Concrete Dam Overtopping• While most concrete dams can likely withstandovertopping flows due to their rock foundations,some may be vulnerable due to jointing andfracturing in the rock abutments and d/s toe, or dueto erodibility of softer rock foundations• Consider magnitude and duration of overtopping• Appurtenant structures may require protection fromovertopping flows, such as a powerplant or outletworks control house at downstream toe of dam• Evaluate any potential hydrologic failure modes2