3.1 Cause Of Failure
Although the dam incorporated some of the newest technical expertise, it was been built without due process of geological reports and possible tectonic movements. Shortly after completion, there were small landslides and earthquakes.
There was also evidence of creep which continued to increase until the final failure in October of 1963.
Since the catastrophic failure, a wide range of analysis has been completed on the cause of the failure. The triggering mechanisms of the slide have been the subject of numerous engineering research and reporting. Varying on which of the main causes is considered to be primary, a wide variety of conclusions have been made as to the cause of the slide. Some of the primary causes considered include:
There was also evidence of creep which continued to increase until the final failure in October of 1963.
Since the catastrophic failure, a wide range of analysis has been completed on the cause of the failure. The triggering mechanisms of the slide have been the subject of numerous engineering research and reporting. Varying on which of the main causes is considered to be primary, a wide variety of conclusions have been made as to the cause of the slide. Some of the primary causes considered include:
- presence of clay along the failure surface.
- presence of the ancient landslide.
- poor subsurface conditions
- tectonic activity in the area.
- presence of a limestone caverns below the failure surface