CS20C - Concurrent Session 20C: Case Study of Instrumentation Responses at Arkabutla and Rough River Dams

Abstract Description: Arkabutla Dam and Rough River Dam are two high-hazard embankment dams owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Arkabutla Dam, operational since 1943, stands 85 feet tall and 9,700 feet long, while Rough River Dam, operational since 1960, is 130 feet tall and 1,600 feet long. Despite their construction in different eras, both dams exhibit similar design features, including cut and cover conduits, upstream sand layers to aid pore pressure dissipation, a lack of positive seepage cutoffs across the foundation, and unfiltered exit conditions near the stilling basin outlet. Both dams have documented internal erosion potential failure modes and histories of poor performance and signs of surface distress.
This case study provides an overview of the construction, performance, instrumentation, and monitoring for both dams in relation to each structure, highlighting similar instrumentation responses that accompany signs of distress and poor performance. Observations and instrumentation trends observed at each dam will be discussed. The information presented emphasizes the importance of addressing internal erosion risks and highlights the critical role of instrumentation and performance monitoring in managing high-hazard embankment dams effectively.