Selecting the Most Suitable Dam Construction Site Using TOPSIS Method (Case Study: Guivi Dam, Ardebil Province - IRAN)

One of the main steps in dam construction projects is determination of the optimum dam site in the given river basin. Dam site primarily depends on availability of a deep valley and suitable geomorphology therein. In the selection of the dam site, sustainability of the dam structure and sealing of the area affected by the reservoir behind dam are also very important. Other important factors consist of geological and lithological structures and socio- economic aspects of the area. In this study, we assessed the current location of the Guivi dam and compared the strengths and weaknesses of this dam with two proposed locations in the vicinity. In doing so, we also sought to understand the ways to counter the weaknesses of the current dam. The study area located between the Khalkhal and Guivi Towns in Ardebil Province. We used information already provided for the Guivi dam and suggested two other appropriate sites in the area. Then, we compared the current location of the dam with the two sites using TOPSIS method. A sensitivity analysis showed that the proposed site (A) was the best among the three. Finally, we considered weaknesses of the current location of the Guivi dam and proposed ways to circumvent these weaknesses.