Curtain Grouting Applications in Wala Dam (Jordan)

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 72 - 80, 15.05.2024

Halil Özdemir Ekrem Kalkan

Abstract

Due to the influence of geological structures such as bedrock masses, stratigraphic planes, fracture systems, shear zones and faults, potentially concentrated water seepage is observed along dam foundations during operation and water retention. To achieve water tightness in bedrock masses, curtain grouting is a common method. In this study, the curtain grouting of the Wala Dam in Malih village of Madaba city, 30 km southwest of Amman, Jordan, was investigated. Due to the influence of geological structures such as bedrock masses, stratigraphic planes, fracture systems, shear zones and faults, potentially concentrated water seepage is observed along dam foundations during operation and water retention. To ensure water tightness in bedrock masses, curtain grouting is the most common method. In the field studies, core drilling, pressurized water tests, laboratory tests were carried out and grouting curtain length and mixture ratios to be used in grouting were determined. Within the scope of the project, a total of approximately 55.000 meters of drilling was carried out and an impermeable curtain was formed by grouting in these wells. The depth of the injection curtain was calculated to be socketed into the massive Upper Tafila Formation, which is considered impermeable according to Lugeon values. As a result of the curtain injection works carried out at Wala Dam, impermeability was ensured.

Keywords

Jordan, Wala Dam, Grouting, Curtain Grouting, Bedrock

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