Estudo das condições gerais da barragem de Itans no município de Caicó/RN

Dams are structures used by civilizations over the years because of their many purposes. Among many functions can be considered the most important, human supply and agricultural production. Brazil has a considerable number of dams, due to its vast water resources. Although they generate many benefits, they can have a high risk potential in the event of a collapse, causing catastrophic consequences to both the environment and human life if they are not monitored and not undergo periodic maintenance. The state of Rio Grande do Norte cataloged 619 dams of the National Water Agency (ANA), of which 515 were surveyed in 2018 and 5 presented problems. The large dams of the state did not present problems, being of concern mainly small ones, which add up to more than ten thousand and most do not have any technical regulations. These large and small dams are important to counter the water shortages that suffer most of the state. In view of this, this work had as main objective to carry out a survey of the general conditions of the Itans Dam, located in the city of Caicó/RN. For this purpose, a study was carried out containing the constructive history of the dam along its useful life and carried out on-site visits to identify possible anomalies present in the dam. The main anomalies observed in the slopes of downstream, upstream and on the crest of the dam were: damaged asphalt mesh, damaged curb, cracks in water sluices, presence of vegetation and small to medium-sized trees on slopes, blocked and cracked drainage channels. It is suggested to repair these anomalies so that can face periods of full dam safely.