Studies for the transverse joint waterstops at Xiaowan dam

摘要

Xiaowan dam is the highest arch dam under construction in the world. It is a challenge to ensure the safety of the waterstop as a result of the 290 m water pressure and estimated maximum opening width of 1.5 cm under seismic loading. It would be expensive to install steel bars to decrease the opening movement, as at the Enguri arch dam in Georgia. IWHR has therefore done a series of experiments which have concluded that the dam will be safe without steel bars, and to a special design for the waterstop design has been recommended.