Abstract: This paper presents an investigation on dam-valley deformation responses to reservoir impoundment by analyzing the field data of 11 high concrete dams, including Ertan, Longyangxia, Lijiaxia, Xiaowan, Jinping I, Dagangshan, Xiluodu, Three Gorges, Hoover (USA), Jiangya and Tongjiezi hydropower projects. We collect and analyze the fundamental design parameters, geological and hydrogeological conditions, and field measurements of dam-valley deformation caused by reservoir impoundment, and reveal several general rules of reservoir settlement and downstream valley vertical movements, valley deformation along horizontal direction, and dam structure displacements. The findings can provide valuable references for the design, analysis, and safety monitoring of high dams.

Key words: high concrete dam, reservoir basin settlement, downstream valley movement, valley deformation, dam displacement