Geological and Geotechnical Studies Aimed at the Project and Construction of Rockfill Recharge Dams: The Case Study of the Wadi Sulayf Dam, Wilayat Ibri Region, Oman

A novel approach to sustainable water management in Oman's semi-desert region has been successfully demonstrated through the construction of rockfill recharge dams, which utilize temporary floodwaters to augment the Aflaj irrigation system. The Wadi Sulayf Dam, a 3200-meter structure near Ibri Town, serves as a case study showcasing the integration of geological and geotechnical design principles with practical implementation. Despite encountering significant flooding during construction—an event that typically causes structural damage—the dam remained intact, highlighting its robust engineering. This project not only addresses growing water demand for drinking and agriculture but also provides a model for resilient infrastructure development in arid environments.

Canzoneri, V., Bonfardeci, A., Bongiovanni, S., Coletta, L., Curcuruto, E. P., Gasparo Morticelli, M., Sulli, A., & Canzoneri, A. (2025). Geological and Geotechnical Studies Aimed at the Project and Construction of Rockfill Recharge Dams: The Case Study of the Wadi Sulayf Dam, Wilayat Ibri Region, Oman. Geotechnics, 5(4), 74. https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics5040074