Lessons from the failure of the LS Hydroelectric Power Project dam

The case of the LS Hydroelectric Power Project (LSHPP) is presented to show how lack of understanding and poor design of filter along with insufficient control of construction quality caused the failure of the dam. This paper summarizes the forensic investigations and attempts to explain the conditions that lead to the failure. The necessary steps required to restart the power project including the final remedial design is then detailed. This paper also discusses how the functions of various geotechnical engineering design components are integrated in the context of failure of the embankment.