Geotechnical Investigations for Feasibility of Constructing Four Dams in Central Part of India and Problems Encountered

Central part of India is facing water scarcity during most part of the years. The difficult in geographical features of this area and low intensity of rainfall do not permit for constructing high dams for storage purposes. Therefore, to resolve water demand in the locality, it was proposed to construct small dams across lower and medium selected streams at different location in region. Intensive geotechnical investigations were carried out at four dam locations to ascertain the feasibility studies. Laboratory investigations such as mechanical analysis, Atterberg’s limits, proctor compaction test, laboratory permeability, one-dimension consolidation test, triaxial shear strength test, and dispersivity of soil were carried out to ascertain index and strength properties of soil. It was revealed during laboratory investigations that soil is suitable at some dam sites with clay of intermediate plasticity soil classification possessing adequate strength and engineering properties, while at other dam locations, the properties of soil were with clay of high plasticity and non-plastic silty soil in nature which is not suitable in constructing earthen dams. Efforts were made either to choose suitable borrow areas or blending of soils so as to fulfill the requirement of strength and other properties of soil. This paper presents the results of laboratory investigations of four dams and remedial measures taken for the improvement of soil properties.