42
Geotechnical News • March 2018
THE GROUT LINE
Paolo Gazzarrini
Overture
50th episode of the Grout Line. It is a
significant number with approximately
12.5 years in, and what better oppor-
tunity to celebrate this anniversary
with an article about one of the most
important grouting projects ongoing in
this moment? It is important not only
technically but also logistically due to
the well-known political situation. I
am talking about Mosul Dam, Iraq.
I publish this article with some nostal-
gia, and many memories, considering
that in 1982 (when I was still young
and slim) it was my first international
project that I had the possibility to
work on, with ROKEM (Rodio-Keller
Mosul JV).
The article was prepared by
David
Paul, PE
, Dam Safety Officer, United
States Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE),
,
Juan Vargas, PE
, Vice
President AECOM
,
Nagesh Malyala,
PE
, Senior Geotechnical Engineer
AECOM (
nagesh.malyala@aecom.
com
), and
Raffaella Granata
, PE,
Senior Advisor at Technical Depart-
ment, Trevi S.p.A
, respectively designers, the
first three, and contractor.
Mosul Dam – An extraordinary year of rehabilitaton
to address dam safety issues
David Paul, Juan Vargas, Nagesh Malyala, Raffaella Granata
Background
Mosul Dam, a 3.4 km long, earth fill
dam, located in Northern Iraq is one of
the largest multi-purpose dams in the
Middle-East. The dam is located on an
extremely problematic karstic founda-
tion which has the potential to erode
due to the presence of dissolvable
gypsum and carbonate layers. As the
gypsum dissolves it can form intercon-
necting openings in the foundation that
could compromise the stability of the
dam. This issue has been addressed by
maintenance grouting over the years;
however, the deteriorating foundation
of the dam poses a risk that if not fully
addressed, could result in catastrophic
loss of life, economic damage, and
geopolitical instability. This paper
discusses the technology, grout mixes,
grouting methodology, equipment and
computer-based monitoring systems
used during 2016 and 2017 to address
these foundation issues. The paper
also discusses how technology is
being used to address the aggressive
schedules, production and intensity of
the grouting effort and socio-political
conditions.
Introduction
Mosul Dam is located on the Tigris
River, approximately 40 km northwest
of Mosul. The construction of Mosul
Dam was completed in 1984. The
majority of the flow into the reservoir
comes from snow melt flow from Tur-
key. The dam is a multi-purpose dam
providing flood control, irrigation,
power generation, and water supply.
Figure 1. Project location map.
