Ensuring the dynamic stability of Sesquilé dam in Colombia, 1990

The stability during an earthquake of Sesquilé dam in Colombia has been questioned since 1972, because its foundation material, composed of a hydraulic fill of find sand with low density, could liquefied in the event of a severe earthquake (greater than 7 on the Richter scale). Measures taken to ensure the stability of Sesquilé dam in Colombia in the event of the earthquake are described. It had been feared that the foundation could liquefy, and it was therefore decided to construct two stabilizing berms, and to densify the downstream berm foundation. Data relating to the design and construction of the downstream berm , results of the foundation densification with sand piles and behavior of the berm, are discussed. The densification results showed that the minimum required degree of densification had been achieved to avoid a dam failure towards downstream, should liquefaction occur below the dam body.

The stability during an earthquake of Sesquilé dam in Colombia has been questioned since 1972, because its foundation material, composed of a hydraulic fill of find sand with low density, could liquefied in the event of a severe earthquake (greater than 7 on the Richter scale).
Measures taken to ensure the stability of Sesquilé dam in Colombia in the event of the earthquake are described. It had been feared that the foundation could liquefy, and it was therefore decided to construct two stabilizing berms, and to densify the downstream berm foundation. Data relating to the design and construction of the downstream berm , results of the foundation densification with sand piles and behavior of the berm, are discussed. The densification results showed that the minimum required degree of densification had been achieved to avoid a dam failure towards downstream, should liquefaction occur below the dam body.