Disorders and drainage treatment of the Rhône embankments built by the CNR

Abstract

The embankments up along the Rhone are undergoing permanent hydraulic effects. Their design, original by the fact that they are permeable, has been constantly adapted to the development of the Rhône river schemes from 1939 to 1987. Their regular monitoring allows to detect any operating disorders related to an increase of the hydraulic discharge or gradient, or due to the uplifts. Each disorder detected is the object of a report, a diagnosis, and if necessary, a reinforcement. Three different cases are detailed up to the experience feed back of reinforcement. A synthesis based on the whole monitoring and maintenance over the last ten years allows to appreciate the whole techniques in order to perform the works operation.