Scientific publications
Sylvestre Martial Ntomba
Other affiliations: Institut de Recherches Géologiques et Minières
Rufine christelle Magnekou Takamte
Sylvie Durande Djikam Patipe
Joseph Mvondo Ondoa
Lise Okomo Atouba
Research Square
Abstract This paper presents the results of engineering investigations used to select a best design for the Memve’ele dam. The selection of Memve’ele dam type has been based on consideration of physical factors such as topography, climate, availability of construction material, geology, geotechnical and foundation conditions and the selection of optima alternative between three dam types. According to these factors, Memve’ele valley is very wide and situated in the warm climate zone with dry and rainy seasons favorable to embankment type dam; the geology reveals very good conditions with Ntem formations and residual deposits as foundation materials and the dam site is not influenced by earthquake; this behavior is confirmed by geotechnical data and further indicates that this site is favorable to a composite dam type (embankment and concrete dams or connecting concrete structures) and the construction materials found within or near the dam site are suitable for usage. These characteristics have contributed retaining three dam types. The alternative of these three dams is a composite dam type option including homogeneous earth dam and rock fill dam with central core link by concrete structures. Engineering geological map and general layout of Memve’ele’s dam highlight the important role plays by engineers. The main dam that is observed actually in the Memve’ele dam site is composed from left to right of left connecting dam section, flushing sluice, main spillway section, riverbed dam section, auxiliary spillway section and right bank dam section.
