Construction challenges at a roller compacted concrete dam in Vietnam

This paper describes the challenges faced during construction of a 110m high roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam in central Vietnam. The paper details the main features of the dam’s design and construction including the method of river diversion; the mix design, trials, production, placement and testing of the RCC and the programme of curtain grouting. Geological conditions at the left abutment proved much worse than were foreseen. The paper sets out how the geological conditions were investigated and tested and what practical measures were put in place to overcome the problems.