In Situ Large Scale Direct Shear Test for Evaluating Compaction Work of Random Material: Case of Construction Failure in an Indonesia Dam

Abstract:

Random material is commonly used for building dam embankments. On one hand, random fill materials offer many advantages, such as saving construction cost and reducing environmental impact. On the other hand, the shear strength of random materials is exceedingly difficult to assess. This difficulty is mainly associated with large size particles in random materials that inhibit the use of regular testing equipment. In fact, misinterpretation of random material shear strength can lead to a catastrophic dam failure. An in-situ large scale direct shear device as large as 70 cm x 70 cm x 30 cm was developed for random material testing. This device has been utilized successfully to investigate construction failure of a dam in Indonesia. Post failure testing at some locations in this dam showed low shear strength and loose material behavior, which may be associated with the collapse. This large in-situ test offers an attractive method for evaluating the effect of compaction work on random material, such as shear strength, shear-strain behavior, and density. Decision, whether the current design and compaction work should be re-evaluated or continued, can be made. This test is strongly advised as regular practice in dam construction.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 972)
• Pages: 125-132
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-28QzdB
• Online since: December 2023
• Authors: Andhika Sahadewa*
• Keywords: Dam, Direct Shear, In Situ Test, Large-Scale Test, Random Fill Material

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