What are the key geotechnical considerations for dam foundations?

Dam foundation considerations: (1) Bearing capacity - for concrete dams, strength of rock/soil at various loading conditions, (2) Sliding stability - along foundation contact and through weak planes (FOS > 1.5-2.0), (3) Seepage and uplift - grouting curtains, drainage galleries to reduce uplift pressure, (4) Settlement - differential settlement causing cracking, (5) Reservoir-induced seismicity potential, (6) Rock quality assessment - RQD, discontinuity surveys, grouting tests, (7) Earth dam - compaction, internal erosion (filter design), liquefaction of foundation. Monitoring includes piezometers, seepage measurement, and survey monuments.