In-Situ Characterization of Creep Parameters by Instrumentations

Creep is a slow deformation of soil caused by constant effective stress. In many rockfill and earth embankments, creep is responsible for the majority of post-constructive displacements which in turn may produce cracking of the impervious element (v. Macedo-Gómez et al., 2000). Justo (1973) has found positive correlations between the maximum crest settlement and the start of cracking or piping in embankment dams (v. also Thomas, 1979). A careful study of dam characteristics collected by Justo (1973) and others has made the establishment of limits of Table 1 possible.