In the rugged landscapes of Jijel Province, Algeria, a monumental feat of engineering stands tall: the Tabellout RCC Arch Dam. This isn’t just any dam; it’s a pioneering structure that blends gravity and arch designs, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in dam engineering. Recent research, led by Houssam Khelalfa from the Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE) at the University of Jijel and Selinus University of Science and Literature (SUSL) in Bologna, Italy, has shed new light on the behavior of this unique dam, with implications that could reshape the future of hydropower projects worldwide.
The Tabellout Dam, a roller-compacted concrete (RCC) marvel, has been under the microscope in a comprehensive study published in the Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures. Khelalfa and his team have been delving into the intricate dance between the dam’s RCC layers and the adjacent slopes, using real-time, full-scale numerical modeling with Plaxis 2D software. Their work is a testament to the power of integrating advanced technology with on-the-ground monitoring.
“The interaction between RCC layers and slopes is a critical aspect of dam stability,” Khelalfa explains. “Our study bridges a significant gap by incorporating hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures measured during the initial filling phase into our model. This gives us unprecedented insights into the dam’s behavior under both static and dynamic conditions.”
The team’s monitoring of RCC layers across three elevations prior to operation revealed minimal displacements, with the maximum recorded displacement being a mere 1 mm in the critical interaction zone between the RCC and the left bank slope. Post-operation analysis showed uniform deformation across elevations, with a negligible 1 mm variance. This uniformity confirms the homogeneity of RCC stiffness, a crucial factor for structural stability.
But the story doesn’t end with static conditions. The safety factor (FoS) analysis confirmed stability under static conditions, but it also highlighted vulnerabilities under seismic conditions. This underscores the need for enhanced resilience measures, a call to action for the energy sector.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, so does the need for robust, resilient hydropower infrastructure. The Tabellout Dam’s unique design and the insights gained from this study could pave the way for future hydropower projects, particularly in seismically active regions.
Khelalfa’s work also validates the importance of a seismic belt at the foundation, a finding that could influence design standards and practices in the industry. By integrating real-time monitoring data from PDL pendulums with detailed numerical analysis, the study offers a blueprint for future research and development in dam engineering.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned from the Tabellout Dam could shape the future of hydropower. The study, published in the Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures, is a significant step forward in our understanding of RCC dams and their behavior under operational conditions. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and the pursuit of knowledge, driving progress in the energy sector and beyond.
