Abutment stability assessment at the Hongrin arch dam

The Hongrin north dam is a 125 m-high double curvature concrete arch structure located in the western Swiss Prealps. A hydrogeological study and ground water monitoring revealed the presence of water pressure caused by slight seepage flow through the rock joints in the dam foundation, and this raised a concern about the stability of the right bank abutment. The stability of the abutment was assessed using continuum-discontiniuum analysis. The results of the analysis provide an enhanced understanding of potential failure mechanisms and help in the developement of furthur saftely measures.