Barrage de Malpasset, Historic dam ruins in Fréjus, France.
Barrage de Malpasset is an arch dam ruin in Fréjus with concrete structures and a massive central breach. The site clearly shows the immense force of water that destroyed the original structure.
The dam catastrophically failed on December 2, 1959, releasing 48 million cubic meters of water. This disaster killed 423 people in the Reyran Valley and became one of the 20th century's worst dam failures.
A memorial near the Roman amphitheater displays victim names and carries Charles de Gaulle's message about Fréjus' renewal. Visitors can understand how this place remains important to the city and its people today.
The ruins can be visited year-round, though some areas vary in accessibility depending on weather conditions. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and there are steep slopes in certain sections.
Engineers discovered that undetected geological faults in the foundation rocks caused the collapse and led to new safety standards for dam construction worldwide. These findings permanently changed how engineers approach foundation studies and dam safety.
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