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American Journal of  
Geospatial Technology (AJGT)

An Experimental Approaches of  Structural and Hydraulic Performance for the Kaptai 
Dam, Bangladesh

Md Hasib Khandakar1, Badal Hossain1, MD Foyez Khan2, Md Touobur Rahman3*

Volume 4 Issue 1, Year 2025
ISSN: 2833-8006 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajgt.v4i1.6071
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: September 13, 2025

Accepted: October 17, 2025

Published: October 31, 2025

Bangladesh has a major hydro power plant, Kaptai Dam (which provides 10% of  national 
power) and is more than sixty years old, which means it is at risk of  performance due to the 
obsolescence and sedimentation. There was prior research only on the displacement and 
power generation but left out the reservoir capacity loss rate, structures of  a dam under 
loads, and water management efficiency during climate change, which is not supportive of  
reconstruction. The research seeks to fill the gaps through elaborate civil engineering tests: 
historical evaluation of  design/engineering of  the dam, objective measurements of  its struc-
tural/hydraulic performance and sustainability in water management. Some of  the methods 
are ASTM-compliant NDT, concrete core tests, ANSYS FEM, bathymetric surveys, sedi-
ment sampling and power data regression deployed here. Findings indicate a 19% decrease 
in concrete compressive strength, focused tensile stress, a 26.2 MCM/year sedimentation 
(a drop in storage of  25.1 per cent and a drop in power efficiency of  18 per cent) and a 
vicious circle of  sedimentation and structural degradation. It points out flaws of  reactive 
maintenance, suggests the combined management approach, and offers a unified framework 
(monitoring, sediment / watershed management) to operate safely and efficiently in the 
future dam construction. 

Keywords
Experimental Evaluation, 
Hydraulic Performance, Kaptai 
Dam of  Bangladesh, Reservoir 
Sedimentation, Structural Integrity

1 School of  Civil Engineering and Architecture, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China 
2 Department of  Civil Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhongyuan District, Henan, China
3 School of  Civil Engineering, North China University of  Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, China
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: ri_hrm16@yahoo.com

INTRODUCTION 
Background and Contexts 
Bangladesh faces the dual challenges of  rising energy 
needs and growing water stress. Thus, the sustainable 
management of  the country for a large-scale hydraulic 
construction has been more crucial. Therefore, to meet-
up uprising energy demand and also utilizing water 
resources, the Kaptai Dam that stands as the sole major 
hydroelectric infrastructure throughout the country, 
represents an immense feat of  civil engineering (Nobi, 
2021; Mojid, 2020). This construction shaped the ecology, 
economy, and livelihood of  the southeastern part. Usually 
the dam situated on the Karnaphuli River of  Bangladesh 
which has been supplying around 10 percent power in 
the national greed (Ahmmed et al., 2025). The dam has 
also been regulating flood hazard at downstream, and 
supporting water supply for irrigation in agro-sector 
areas. The Kaptai dam’s operation which exposed it 
to cumulative pressures: upstream sediment erosion, 
fluctuating water levels in the reservoir, and extreme 
rainfall–all of  which challenge the dam’s structural 
integrity and hydraulic performance (Rayhan et al., 2021).
According to the report (Suman et al., 2021) such 
infrastructure decades old, forms part of  national 
power production and it is a significant controller of  the 
Karnafuli River basin. Nevertheless, the dam and the 
dam reservoir, the Kaptai Lake, after more than sixty 
years of  operation are under increasing sedimentation 
and infrastructure age pressures and changing hydrology 
threatening the sustainability of  this important national 
resource. The stable operation of  the dam is becoming 
increasingly important for energy security and disaster 

Figure 1: Kaptai Hydropower Plant Project at Rangamati 
District of  Bangladesh

vulnerability, and its state has become a national priority. 
Initial research and field observations (Puppala, 2021) 
revealed two fundamental difficulties in water resource 
management. Firstly, structural deterioration, such as 
cracks in the concrete spillway and reduced dam stability 
due to waterlogging. Secondly hydraulic inefficiency, i.e., 
reduced water drainage capacity due to silt entrapment 
in the hydraulic channels and uneven distribution of  
flow through the spillway gates (Iqbal & Riaz, 2024; 
Bashar et al., 2025; Amin & ElZahar, 2023). Although 
the historical context of  Kaptai Dam, including its 
overall socio-economic impact, has been documented 
in the literature, a significant gap has been observed in 
terms of  a thorough civil engineering analysis, through 



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which the developmental history of  Kaptai Dam can 
be systematically related to its current operation and 
management issues (Rana et al., 2025). Previous studies 
have tended to look at individual aspects such as 
displacement problems or overall power generation, and 
have not conducted a holistic technical examination of  the 
underlying infrastructure issues. Some of  the important 
issues that have not been effectively addressed are the rate 
of  reservoir capacity loss due to silt accumulation, the 
strength of  the dam structure under different load levels, 
and the effectiveness of  the water management system 
under climate change (Miah et al., 2021). This does not 
ensure that engineers and policymakers can come up with 
evidence-based measures for the future reconstruction of  
dams.

Figure 2: Kaptai Dam with Spillway and Power Plant

Research Aims and Significance 
The current paper intends to address the existing 
deficit by a detailed civil engineering examination. Its 
fundamental goal is a historical analysis of  the design 
principles and engineering methodologies involved in 
the development of  the hydro dam. Secondly reveal 
a quantitative assessment of  the present structural and 
hydraulic results of  Kaptai Dam. Particular focus on 
sediment deposition and its influence reservoir capacity 
and turbine efficiency. Moreover, the current work aims 
to evaluate existing water resource management strategies 
in terms of  sustainability.  
This study has two types of  contributions. Overall, 
academically, it will present a groundbreaking case study of  
the long-term performance of  large hydropower projects 
in geo-sensitive and hydrologically sensitive geographical 
areas that will be beneficial for hydraulic engineering and 
sustainable management of  infrastructure. Practically, 
the results will be applicable to the Bangladesh Power 
Development Board and water resources management 
agencies to generate useful knowledge for conducting 
critical maintenance plans, sediment management 
practices, and potential reconstruction plans. This study 
will ultimately attempt to create a robust framework to 
keep Kaptai Dam as a stable energy source and water 
security pillar of  Bangladesh in the future.

LITERATURE REVIEW 
Integrated Assessment of  Dam Performance
Researchers (Erpicum et al., 2020; Wakjira, 2022) 
underscored that the hydraulic and structural behavior of  
large-scale dams is a very important research topic in civil 
engineering, which directly affects their safety, efficiency 
and lifespan. Research in this field is interdisciplinary and 
includes materials degradation, sediment transport and 
hydropower modeling. This literature review is a synthesis 
of  the literature related to the experimental evaluation of  
Kaptai Dam. 
The sustainable performance of  a large dam such as the 
Kaptai Dam requires a deep understanding of  its long-
term structural and hydraulic behavior (Salehin, 2024). 
While the available studies provide an informative idea, the 
literature review identified a gap that cannot be ignored: 
there is a lack of  collective, experimental research on how 
structural integrity is linked to hydraulic performance 
for a thorough assessment of  a dam. In this section, 
previous work is reviewed, gaps in the subject knowledge 
are defined, and the current research is presented as a 
necessary improvement. 

Thematic Synthesis for Structural Assessment Longs
In order to dam research on old concrete gravity dams 
has always pointed to material degradation as a major 
problem. In the world, non-destructive testing (NDT), 
namely ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and rebound 
hammer testing, have proven to be the basis for in-situ 
testing of  concrete properties (Chouinard et al. 2018; 
Malm 2016). These techniques have been praised as 
practical and are known to need to be calibrated with 
destructive core testing to accurately determine their 
strength. Furthermore, the Finite Element Method 
(FEM) has become an important analysis tool, as 
demonstrated by Wang et al. (2024), where it is possible 
to simulate situations under the influence of  complex 
loads and define problematic stress areas that cannot be 
observed in simplified forms of  analysis. 
However, there is a major disparity in the use of  this set 
of  methods in the context of  the Kaptai Dam. Although 
the authors of  studies such as Rana et al. (2025) have 
reported structural aging results on an anecdotal basis, 
there is a notable lack of  available, data-driven studies 
using a combined NDT-FEM method to measure the 
current mechanical condition of  its concrete. This 
research work directly fills this gap in that it is organized 
by systematically applying these global best practices to 
provide an empirical basis for the structural health of  the 
dam. 

The Hydraulic Challenge: Sedimentation as 
Foremost Controlling Factor 
The literature clearly states that reservoir sedimentation 
is the biggest threat to the overall hydraulic efficiency 
and economic viability of  dams, especially in sediment-
rich river systems like those in South Asia. Byson (2019) 
points out that the world is losing reservoir capacity at an 



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alarming rate, which is acutely experienced in this region. 
The remote sensing analysis by Chakma et al. (2021) is 
one of  the studies specific to Kaptai Dam and is able 
to illustrate the macroscopic problem of  storage capacity 
loss. However, their work is a very important initial step, 
but not the final one. It also cannot provide ground-truth, 
bathymetric measurements to determine the exact rate of  
sedimentation, and it does not explore the composition 
of  the sediment itself, which is essential for understanding 
its frictional force on turbines (Zhang & Se, 2021). 
This is the second major gap: a shift between the 
occurrence of  sedimentation and its mechanisms and 
direct engineering effects. The phenomenon of  capacity 
loss has been documented in previous studies, but not 
its magnitude with extreme precision, nor how sediment 
properties are simultaneously degrading mechanical 
components and changing hydraulic flow patterns. 

The Disconnect: Individual Analyses and the 
Requirement to Integrate
A critical review of  the literature on Kaptai Dam reveals 
a disjointed pattern of  disciplinary approaches. Studies 
are generally divided into socio-economic impacts 
(e.g., displacement), historical accounts, or general 
environmental reviews. The few technical studies that 
exist, such as Rahman et al. (2019), are generally limited 
to single parameters (e.g., power generation) or general 
sediment flow, but do not reveal the underlying structural-
hydraulic interactions. 
The main research gap that my study will address is: a 
deep structural deficit. A dam has structural and hydraulic 
systems, which are not independent. For example, the 
presence of  sediment (hydraulic problem) intensifies the 
force of  lateral forces on the dam system, while possible 
cracks or holes (structural problem) can change the path 
of  water and increase internal erosion. This synergistic 
relationship has been well proven theoretically in dam 
engineering worldwide (e.g., Guimarães & Da Silva Lima, 
2021) but has not yet been empirically investigated in 
the case of  the Kaptai Dam. The existing fragmented 
knowledge cannot be used to develop a holistic 
management strategy because it does not capture such 
important feedback loops.

Model for Assessing an Integrated Performance 
To overcome these shortcomings, this paper presents 
a conceptual model (Figure 1), which places the overall 
performance (OP) of  Kaptai Dam as a variable in two 
interdependent pillars, namely structural assessment (SA) 
and hydraulic assessment (HA). This model goes beyond 
descriptive analysis where empirical, measurable variables 
are described in each pillar: 
This framework explicitly includes the external context 
of  aging and the history of  management. Its main 
contribution is the integration step, where the interactions 
between SA and HA are thoroughly studied. This model 
provides analytical clarity that is lacking in previous 

literature: on the one hand, presenting a structured 
approach to diagnose existing problems, on the other 
hand, to understand the causal interrelationships of  these 
problems, which will allow predicting the maintenance 
process and sustainable management of  the Kaptai Dam 
and other infrastructures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This paper presents a combination of  experimental 
methods for measuring the structural and hydraulic 
performance of  Kaptai Dam. These two strands of  the 
methodology are complementary and are divided into 
two strands (Figures 3 & 4) as shown in the conceptual 
study framework in the workflow.  

Figure 3: Study Model for Assessing the Engineering 
Performance of  Kaptai Dam (Source: Adopted by the 
Content Analysis)

Figure 4: Schematic Workflow for Experimental 
Approach Study Model for Assessing the Engineering 
Performance of  Kaptai Dam



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Structural Performance Assessment
Rationality for Parameter Choosing and In-Situ 
Non-Destructive (NDT)
The parameters used in NDT were based on ASTM C597 
and ASTM C85 to make sure that in-situ concreate status 
of  the dam was thoroughly considered. Spatial variation 
was captured by using systematic grid survey (1.5m x 
1.5m) of  the accessible surface of  the non-overflow and 
the spillway sections. 

• Instrumentation: To measure surface hardness a 
Proceq Schmidt Rebound Hammer (Model N) was 
used and a PUNDIT PL-200 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity 
Tester to measure the transit time of  ultrasonic waves. 
Data validation and Reliability: The measurement of  
NDT at each grid point were performed three times to 
reduce the error of  an operator by recording the average 
value of  NDT at that point. Rebound Number (RN) 
and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) were also cross-
verified to be able to detect anomalies. All equipment 
was calibrated pre to the field campaign and after using 
standard reference blocks. 

Concrete Core Sampling with Lab testing
The data of  the NDT needed to be gained through 
calibration using the vales of  direct mechanical properties, 
and as a result, concreate cores were extracted. 

• Justification of  Parameter Selection: The selection of  
parameters was justified as the number of  cores (n=10) 
and their positions has based on the results of  NDT to 
highlight on the ground of  usual and unusual scores to 
have a representative sample of  the state of  the dam. core 
dimensions (100mm diameter, L/D=2.0) were in align 
with ASTM C42/C42M.

• Reproducibility and Accuracy: Cores were sampled 
in a uniaxial compressive testing machine with 2,000 kN 
compression testing machine in complete adherence to 
ASTM C39. To determine the modules of  elasticity, the 
stress-strain behavior was measured. In order to evaluate 
the degradation processes, petrographic analysis was 
performed on thin sections per the ASTM C856 standard 
to evaluate Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) as well as other 
types of  deterioration. Such lab verification presents an 
ultimate standard of  the NDT data. 

Finite Element Modeling (FEM)
Model Set-up and Justification of  Input: ANSYS software 
has been used to develop a 3D finite element model. 
The geometry of  the model made on the initial design 
of  the dam. Naciri et al. (2025) stressed that the material 
properties (desnity, Poisson ratio, comprehensive strength 
and modulus elasticity obtained through core test) were 
attributed to reflect the prevailing condition of  concrete. 

• Analytical Reliability Check: The load cases of  
hydrostatic pressure at Full Reservoir Level (FRL) and 
seismic loads accordance with the Bangladesh National 
Building Code (BNBC). to make sure that results were also 
independent of  element size, a mesh sensitivity analysis 
was carried out. The model verified by the comparison of  

calculated displacements with the historical monitoring 
data, where available, such that the FEM reliability serves 
the way of  the dam to react in response to its structure.   

Assessment of  Hydraulic Results  
Bathymetric Study and Capacity Loss Calculation 

• Reproducibility Method: The bathymetric survey 
method was performed using a Norbit iWBMS multibeam 
echosounder with a differential GPS (DGPS) positioning 
accuracy of  centimeter level. It was decided to use 100% 
overlapping survey lines to cover the entire area and avoid 
data gaps.

• Data and Validation Processing: The current study 
included QPS Qimera applications for sound velocity 
profile correction, tidal adjustment. Data obtained from 
the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was compared with 
the initial topographical map at the time of  commissioning 
of  the dam. The prismoidal formula was used to verify 
the storage capacity calculation and the error margin 
was estimated to be less than 2, which is very accurate in 
assessing sedimentation.

Sediment Selection and Examination
• Systematic Sampling Technique: At least 15 locations 

where sediment samples were collected. These were 
previously determined, using a Van Veen grab sampler. 
The sampling method was stratified by random sampling 
as the upper, middle and lower parts of  the reservoir and 
the area around the main flowing river and dam were to 
be covered.

• Analytical Reliability: The grain size determination 
analyzed with a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction 
analyzer. Standard reference materials were used to 
calibrate the instrument in each analysis batch. Triplicate 
analyses (per sample) were performed to determine the 
reproducibility of  the particle size distribution curve, 
which is essential for determining the friction potential 
of  the turbine.

Check Hydropower Efficiency 
• Data Collection and Validation: Bangladesh Power 

Development Board accessed historical data on power 
generation and water source and discharge during the 
period 2000-2024. The data was brought under quality 
control process where discrepancies or absence of  data 
were identified and corrected by cross referencing the 
data with the operating logbook.

• Performance Degradation Model: Calculation of  
performance was performed using the basic power 
equation as P = ρ * g * Q * H * η. The efficiency values 
obtained over time were plotted against the original 
efficiency curve of  the turbine. To measure the rate 
of  performance degradation, a statistical regression 
analysis was conducted to provide a valid measure of  the 
decreasing hydraulic efficiency of  the dam. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
Here, the integrated experimental campaign analyses of  



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Kaptai Dam are presented in the following manner; that 
is, based on two main pillars of  experimental studies: 
structural integrity and hydraulic performance. Therefore, 
most important findings of  the integrated of  Kaptai 
Hydro dam are presented in this section.  

Structural Integrity Assessment   
Material Strength Degradation  
The NDT (non-destructive testing) explicit a positive, 
significant correlation (R² = 0.89) between Rebound 
Hammer (RH) numbers and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity 
(UPV), which justifies the use of  NDT as a preliminary 
test (see figure 5). Nevertheless, catastrophic testing 
of  concrete cores pffered the ultimate of  the strength 
deterioration. The mean in-situ comprehensive strength 
was discovered to be 28.5 MPa and that is 19% less than 
the initial design strength of  35 MPa. Also the mean 
modules of  Elasticity € using stress-strain curves was 24.8 
Gps which is lower than the usual 30-35 Gpa of  a dam 
quality concrete. It implies degradation of  the material 
with age of  dam.   

Figure 5: Link Between NDT Values and Core 
Comprehensive Strength

Figure 6: FEM Outcomes for Viewing Highest Principal 
Tensile Stress (Pa)

The scatter plot indicates a high degree of  positive 
correlation (R2 = 0.89), which proves the applicability 
of  NDT in the initial assessment. However, the core 
compression test showed that the in-situ compressive 
strength of  28.5 MPa is about 19 percent lower than 
the design strength of  35 MPa. This strength reduction 
is important in determining the safety factor of  the 
dam, which is used to determine whether it will actually 
overturn and slip. 

Stress Analysis and Stability
The 3D FEM (finite element model) at full reservoir load 
revealed severe tensile stress focus of  more than 1.5 MPa 
at the heel and spillway terminals of  the dam (figure 6). 
With the obtained measured and reduced material strength 
the factor os safety against overturning was re-calculated 
at level 2.0. This is a serious drop in the initial design 
factor of  2.5 that is a tightening of  the safety margin. The 
estimated hydrostatic thrust at full supply level (45m) was 

8.4 MN/m, and the subsequent base pressure was 441 
kN/m2 which concordant with the FEM results. 

Seepage and Foundation Integrity  
The hydraulic conductivity of  the dam foundation core 
was determined to be 10 -710^{-7}10−7 to 10−810^{-
8}10−8 m/s. Although still within safe limits, local areas 
near the spillway were found to have slightly higher water 
levels, indicating that there may be a path for water flow. 
According to the Darcy’s law to estimate the water flow 
(Q):
Q = k⋅i⋅A
Where,
Q = seepage discharge (m³/s), k = permeability coefficient 
(m/s), i = hydraulic gradient, A = cross-sectional seepage 
area.
For a spillway foundation segment (A = 500 m², k 
= 2.1×10−72.1 \times 10^{-7}2.1×10−7, i = 0.05), 
calculated seepage = 5.25 × 10⁻⁶ m³/s, indicating 
minimal leakage but highlighting the importance of  
continuous monitoring. Although this is a very low value 
with regard to present leakage. It verified the presence of  
active seepage paths that need to be monitored.  

Hydraulic Outcomes and Sedimentation 
Reservior Capacity and Sedimentation  
The bathymetric survey was able to provide an accurate 
estimate of  the existing reservoir capacity. The results 
were clear. As shown in Figure 7, the living reservoir 
capacity has been decreasing since 1962, when it was 
6,477 million cubic meters (MCM) and today stands at 
about 4,850 MCM. 
A simplified trap efficiency method was used to calculate 
the average annual sedimentation rate. While the loss of  
live storage of  25.1 percent. 
S = (C_initial – C_current)/T
Where, S is the rate of  sedimentation, C is capacity and 
T is the time period (62 years). Such measurement will 
give a mean score of  26.2 MCM/year that is considerably 
greater than the global average for a reservoir. 



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Figure 7 : A Historical Damage of  Storage Capacity of  
the Reservoir

Figure 8 : Structural Relationship Between Average 
Operational Head and Power Output

Hydro Effect on Power Generation Efficiency 
Historical data was regressed to determine a close 
relationship (R2=0.89) between a decrease in operational 
head (H) and a decrease in the annual output of  energy 
(figure 8). The analysis of  sediments has shown that 40 
percent of  the sediment particles fell within the abrasive 
size range of  50-200 µm.  The net sum of  less head and 
turbine abrasion has been decrease in the overall efficiency 
of  the plant estimated to be 18% of  the original value in 
its design. 

Discussion 
The integrated study unveils key information about 
the present situation in the Kaptai Hydro Dam, which 
connects experimental findings to the general field of  
engineering and managerial needs.  The findings of  
the experiment make it clear that there is a strong and 
interrelated structural and hydraulic degradation of  
the Kaptai dam, which has direct consequences on the 
management of  the operational and long term policy of  
the dam.  

Structural Implications: Global to Localized Stability 
Hazzard  
The calculated 19% reduction in compressive strength 
of  concrete is a very important finding that is consistent 
with older infrastructure in other parts of  the world. 
Similar strength reductions (15-20%) due to long-term 
creep and cyclic hydraulic loading have been recorded 
in other decades-old dams, including the Hirakud Dam 
in India (Mishra et al., 2021). While a recalculated safety 
factor of  2.0 assures the stability of  the earth, tensile 
stress concentrations exceeding 1.5 MPa indicate areas of  
weakness.
This observation demands a paradigm shift from regular 
check-ups to a proactive maintenance schedule. We 
recommend the immediate installation of  an efficient 
permanent structural health monitoring system, and 
piezometers and strain gauges should be directed to areas 
of  high stress as per FEM. This will provide real-time 
information to address safety in advance, such as during 
extreme events such as floods or earthquakes, and justify 
budget allocation for specific repairs, such as grouting.
 
Hydraulic Performance: Measuring the Sediment 
Crisis
The rate of  sedimentation (26.2 MCM/year) is much 
higher than the higher than the average of  the rest of  the 
world and reflects the intensive siltation that has paralyzed 
the original performance of  the Sanmenxia Dam in China 
(Wang et al., 2024). This is not just a hydraulic problem 
but it is an outright menace to the national energy and 
water security. The 18% reduction in the efficiency of  
the plants can be objectively manifested in the form of  
economic losses, and the loss of  25.1% in the live storage 
devastates the main functions of  the dam, which can be 
flood mitigation and supplying water during dry seasons. 
To deal with this, it is necessary to go beyond reactive 
dredging. The creation of  a full Sediment Management 
Plan should be promoted by policy, which should 
consider sustainable methods such as controlled sluicing. 
Moreover, this crisis highlights the role of  integrated 
watershed management policies that should mitigate 
upstream sediment yield, which is a long-term plan that 
is beyond the conventional dam management but is 
essential to its existence.

The Interdependency of  Structural and Hydraulic 
Systems  
The best lesson from this study is the vicious cycle 
of  interdependence between structural integrity and 
sedimentation. The pressure of  large sediment deposits 
on the dam increases lateral geostresses, which change 
the load regime on the already damaged structure due 
to material degradation. On the other hand, internal 
erosion can be accelerated due to stress concentration 
and possible cracking, which will worsen hydraulic 
inefficiency. Synergistic failure modes are also observed 
in other dams prone to sedimentation, such as the Tarbela 
Dam in Pakistan, where sedimentation management 



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has become a part of  the structural safety review. This 
interdependence makes isolated solutions ineffective. 
Our results require a combined management system. 
A task force with knowledge of  structural engineering, 
hydrology and watershed management should be formed, 
to be known as the Kaptai Dam Sustainability Task Force. 
This body will monitor structural health monitoring, 
sediment management and integrated implementation 
of  watershed policies where decisions in one area are 
considered in relation to their impact on other areas. 
This comprehensive strategy is crucial in creating a 
cost-effective strategy to protect this important national 
resource for future generations. 

CONCLUSION
The current study adopted a combined experimental 
method to test the structural standing and hydraulic 
adequacy of  the Kaptai Dam which found out that 
despite the dam being stable on the world map, it is 
associated with a high risk of  degradation on a long 
term basis. Three key conclusions were made: Firstly, 
structural tests have revealed that concrete compressive 
strength and local tensile stress (above 1.5 MPa) had 
reduced by 19 percent, placing the dam on the edge of  
its safety threshold. Secondly, the hydraulic experiments 
indicated that sedimentation significantly affected live 
storage, decreased by 25.1 percent, and annual inflow 
of  sediment was 26.2 MCM, which reduced the power 
generation efficiency by 18 percent. Eventually, feedback 
cycle was determined in which the sedimentation 
increases the structural loads, and structural weakening 
increases hydraulic inefficiency. These findings demand 
a structural change of  reactive maintenance to combined 
management control strategy, such as structural health 
observation, sustainable sediment control, and watershed 
management policies. In general, the Kaptai Dam 
continues playing a crucial role in the energy and water 
industry in Bangladesh, but there is an urgent need of  
evidence-based interventions to maintain its safety and 
sustainability towards sustainable development.

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