A contingency solution using jet grouting barrier for a dam under risk of piping in Brazil

Abstract

During routine inspection works in 2006 inspectors found resurgences of water at the toe of a small embankment dam named “Ribeirão do Gama”, located at Brasília-DF. After technical visits, geotechnical engineers characterized these groundwater leakages as a piping process at an early stage. Intervention only began in 2015 due to obstacles that occasionally happen in public works. In consequence, the piping problem worsened. A geotechnical consultancy was contracted to design a solution. After analysis of field conditions, the consultancy decided to build overlapping columns by the Jet Grouting method. This paper presents a case study of the project and works treatment, detailing its design, construction, and monitoring.