Treatment of the seepage problems at the Kalecik Dam (Turkey)

Abstract This paper describes the seepage prevention measures at Kalecik Dam. Water leaked from the foundation of the dam after the impoundment. The dam, 77 m in height, was constructed for irrigation purposes. The foundation consists of Mesozoic ophiolite, Paleocene allochthonous units composed of different lithologies and Miocene conglomerate. Karstified and fractured Paleocene limestone outcrops on the right bank of the dam foundation. This unit extends into, and its thickness increases within, the right abutment. The leakage occurs towards the downstream springs through the right bank limestone. The main grout curtain is 200 m long and 60 m deep and was constructed on the right bank. After reservoir impounding, new springs were observed in the downstream area. Therefore, after the construction of the dam, remedial curtain grouting was required and carried out in three stages. Firstly, the main grout curtain was supplemented by additional grouting to seal the fractures and infill karstic cavities. The diversion tunnel was also repaired. The curtain depth was the same as the depth of the previous curtain. The second stage of additional treatment consisted of new deep grouting. Some investigation holes were also drilled along the same alignment as the main curtain to locate the seepage in the region. These holes were extended to an elevation of 442 m. The final stage of grouting measures was between the spillway and the dam body and underneath the spillway. As a result of the additional grouting measures, the spring discharges observed downstream of the dam embankment decreased. However, the seepage paths were extended and were moved with time so that the seepage problems are still continuing.