An Empirical Study on Dam Failure in Karst Areas on the Worldwide

Many dams throughout the world are located on soluble rock in karst terrains (limestone, dolomite, gypsum and anhydrite) and have been affected by the process of karstification. Of these dams, some are damaged and others are in good condition. This study is based on the empirical data found in investigative reports and papers on the worldwide distribution of dams (70 damaged dams and 20 good dams) on soluble rock. Some factors were found in the investigations that are very important in understanding the process of karstification at the various dams.