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SRGIO
MOTTA (PORTO PRIMAVERA) IN THE PARAN RIVER
This paper was prepared by CESP Diretoria de Engenharia e Construo e Diviso Civil - ERC and Gerncia de Obras de Porto
Primavera - EEP with the collaboration of CESP: Diviso Eletromecanica - ERE, Departamento de Meio Ambiente - AO, Departamento
de Gesto da Produo - OP and the designer THEMAG Engenharia e Gerenciamento Ltda
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The principal objective of the enterprise is the complementary objective, the navigation along the course
development of the hydraulic power of the Paran River of the Paran River.
in the stretch extending from the Jupi HPP until the Figure 4 and the Photos 1 to 4 present the layout, in
Pontal do Parapanema, dedicated to the commercial a general and detailed panorama of the development.
generation of electric energy, and as the most important
1
It is necessary to observe that in the decade of the 90s, the rhythm of construction of the Eng. Srgio Motta HPP was severely
compromised by the difficulties in allocating financial resources for its conclusion. In view of this, major emphasis was laid upon the
prospect of initiating the power plant operation at a reduced elevation, thus permitting the postponement of diverse investments in
works and expropriations, in order to provide a smoother profile to the disbursement schedule of the enterprise. Studies were made of
all the alternatives that could condition the initial operation of the plant at three different elevations: 253.00 m; 254.00 m and 255.00 m,
with the one showing greatest promise regarding compatibility between deferrable costs and navigation problems was El. 253.00 m.
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Photo 2 - Powerhouse
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and at the contact between the micro and the macroflows In view of the singular nature of the lithology
in the neighbourhood of Station 40. They appear with denominated "light basalt", its occurrence under the
high hydraulic conductivity and sometimes fairly navigation lock chamber, as well as its extreme
weathered. heterogeneous geomechanical nature, it was necessary
The existence of a peculiar lithology of the basaltic to verify the strength and deformability parameters of this
flows is notable, characterized by a rock of low density rock in order to support the projects involving the
and strength, being designated in the Project as "light excavation and the foundation of the navigation lock.
basalt" with a mineralogical composition essentially (Figure 5 and Photos 5, 6 and 7).
formed by expansive clayey-minerals (group of the Upstream of the navigation lock chamber, starting from
smectites and paligorskites). Various occurrences of El. 227.00 m, where its foundation structures would be
"light basalt" were detected along the axis of the power seated, a shaft was excavated in sandstone/basalt of
plant, although they only showed high continuity in the 4.0 m diameter and 33.0 m depth, with its bottom opening
region of the concrete structures. into two galleries in the upstream/downstream direction
The occurrence in the area of the concrete structures with width, height and length of 3.00 m, 2.50 m and
is situated in the riverbed, within the limits investigated 7.00 m, respectively, exposing this lithology for the
presenting an area of 17.000 m2 and semi-circular execution of tests in situ (direct shear, deformability, creep
development, and its thickness increases towards the and dilatometry), which provided the designer with data
centre of this occurrence, reaching approximately 18 m. regarding the dimensions of the excavations and
structures of the navigation lock.
3.2. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS
The study of the existing materials in the area of the
dam was developed on the basis of the following
elements: satellite images, aerial photography, mapping
in the field, prospection through 1,125 rotary drillings,
1,857 percussion soundings, 163 auger soundings and
42 exploratory pits; tests on-site and in the laboratory.
The field tests included: SPT; continuous static
penetration; vane shear tests; water loss tests; three-
dimensional pumping tests to evaluate the hydraulic
conductivity of the bedrocks (sandstone and basalt) and
of the alluvium; deformability in situ; strength and pulling.
The laboratory tests included characterization,
deformability; strength, adhesion, tension and shear.
The so-called "light basalt" was specifically subjected
to tests in situ of direct shear, deformability, creep and
dilatometry, for which a shaft was excavated in the region
of the permanent navigation lock.
An extensive programme was conducted to evaluate
the behaviour of the breaking of the basalt rock in the
area of the obligatory excavations for the concrete
structures with a view to employing these materials for
protection of the slopes of the dam and as concrete Figure 5 - Exploratory Shaft of the Permanent Navigation Lock
aggregate.
Three-dimensional pumping tests were conducted in
the alluvium, at the top of the Caiu sandstone and in
the fractured basalt which, together with the geological-
structural knowledge permitted defining the values of
hydraulic conductivities, their principal directions and their
specific storage coefficients.
A wide-ranging research programme was also
conducted on the vegetation cover (grasses) to choose
the most adequate species to protect the downstream
slope between the crest of the dam of the right bank and
the elevation of the roadway.
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Figure 9 - Paleo-Island
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utilizing the Hydraulic Multitest Probe and three- LL = 16 % to 40% (mean = 27%) IP = 3% to 19%
dimensional communication tests by pumping, whose Fraction below 5 = 6% to 46% (mean = 22%)
results were utilized in the models for analyses of Fraction of fine sand = 38% to 88% (mean = 65%)
percolation through the foundations.
in situ
= 15.8 kN/m3 to 18.5 kN/m3
(mean = 17.1 kN/m3)
3.3.4. CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
The construction materials for the earth dam of the drymx.= 18.2 kN/m3 to 20.8 kN/m3
right bank were: (mean = 19.5 kN/m3)
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Table 5 - Upstream and Downstream Water Levels and El. x Area x Volume of the Reservoir
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of the foundations, the earth structure was divided into As a general concept, the dam project was based on
stretches: drainage as the principal foundation treatment and, from
Station -60 to 0 - Natural Dam (BTMD) this viewpoint specific projects were developed for each
Station 0 to ~15 - Right Abutment (BTMD) stretch taking into account the peculiarities and
Station ~15 to 180 - Alluvial Terrace (BTMD) geological-geotechnical aspects of each one.
Station 180 to 185 - Connection of Alluvial Terrace - A basic concern of the project was to maintain the
Plain of the Baa River (BTMD) drainage system submerged to minimize the risks of it
Station 185 to 280 - Plain of the Baa River (BTMD) clogging with the iron oxides that are very present in this
Station 280 to 410 - Paleo-Island (BTMD) area. This fact demanded the conception of more
Station 410 to 453 - Plain of the Paran River (BTMD) complicated drainage systems than are usual in dams,
Station 453 to 507 - Dam in the Riverbed (BLR) and demands that throughout the entire service life of
Station 555 to ~570 - Dam of the Left Bank (BTME) the dam this design premise be maintained. (Figure 13)
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Geometry of the dam The protection of the downstream slope below the
The entire earth dam of the left bank presents the roadway was obtained with rockfill provided by the
following geometry: obligatory excavations.
upstream slope of the incorporated cofferdam stretch: The protection of the slopes of the left bank earth
1V:2.5 H dam was composed of rockfill with D50 = 0.90 m, with a
final upstream slope: 1V:2H minimum thickness of 1.80 m.
downstream slope from the crest to the roadway:
1V:1.8H 5.2.1. GEOLOGICAL-GEOTECHNICAL
downstream slope from the roadway to the foundation: CONDITIONERS/PRINCIPAL ASPECTS OF THE
1V:2H PROJECT
The Dam in the Riverbed presents the following Table 4 summarises the principal geological-
geometry for the final upstream slope: 1V:2H. geotechnical conditioners that directed the development
The earth dam of the left bank was incised in the and the treatment implemented in each stretch of the dam.
abutment, i.e., excavated in the natural abutment.
Station -60 to 0 - Natural Dam (BTMD)
Protection of the dam slopes This stretch corresponds to a natural dam, remaining
The upstream slope of the right bank earth dam was from the exploitation of borrow areas upstream and
protected from El. 254.00 m until its top at El. 260.00 m, downstream of the reference line, being composed,
with a band 2.2 m in horizontal width in soil-cement with therefore, of porous and erodible materials.
6% cement content in the range subject to wave action, The upstream slopes were abated and conformed in
together with the construction of a 2.0 m high reinforced order to minimize the effect of erosion by waves
concrete wall. (Figure 14 and Photo 11). (inclination 1V:10H until El. 260 m) and flow
The protection of the downstream slope from the crest concentrations of surface waters (inclination 1V:6H above
of the right bank dam to the elevation of the roadway was El. 260 m). Superficial protections of the slopes were
effected with Batatais grass. not planned.
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Station ~15 to 180 - Alluvial Terrace (BTMD) every 200 m, which was connected to a longitudinal
The dam in the alluvial terrace is of the homogeneous channel, with a base 6.0 m in width and its bottom at
type in compacted soil fitted with a drainage blanket of El. 244.75 m, located 200 m from the reference line.
soil located upstream. Both channels, transversal and longitudinal, were not
The internal drainage system is of the homogeneous lined.
type composed by a vertical sand filter and a suspended With the passing of time, vegetation developed on
horizontal filter, also in sand, which discharges into a the plateau beside the dam, causing the silting of the
drainage trench which, in addition to receiving the water channels flowing downstream, and causing the increased
of this system, is the principal control element of the water levels to interfere with the operation of the existing
water seeping through the foundation. The compacted relief wells and drainage boxes.
embankment is seated upon an alluvial package with an In order not to compromise the existing drainage
average thickness of around 12 m, with only the materials system, the vegetation was pruned with the employment
of low shear strength and/or very deformable consistency, of an agricultural tractor for its cutting and removal.
having been removed from the foundation. With a view to minimizing the maintenance work and
Downstream of the trench, a line of relief wells was sanitizing the area, technical-economic studies of the
executed, spaced 15 m. area were undertaken, leading to the implantation of a
After the first phase of the reservoir filling, uplift system basically consisting of the execution of a
pressures were verified in the alluvium surpassing those longitudinal concrete channel at the toe of the dam,
initially expected, leading to the execution of a line of encompassing the outlets from the relief wells, that were
drainage holes in the most permeable stretch of the interconnected by transversal concrete channels leading
basalt, spaced from 6 to 12 m downstream of the dam, to an already existing soil channel that was enlarged.
from the Station 10+16 to the Station 30. Figure 15 presents this configuration and Photo 12
The adoption of the suspended horizontal filter an aerial view of the stretch.
permitted an increase in the seepage path and a
consequent reduction of the average gradient through the
foundation.
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Station 180 to 185 - Alluvial Connecting Terrace - of 40 cm, conducting it to chambers, accessible for
Plain of the Baa River (BTMD) inspection, situated in an intermediate position to the
In analogous manner to the method adopted in the septa of impermeable materials.
stretch of the abutment, the difference in levels of the These chambers are spaced every 200 m, being
drainage system was overcome by adopting an average designed with two compartments; the first executed in
inclination of 5.63% for the perforated tubing, maintaining function of the submersion of the drainage system. Its
the system submerged by the installation of a series of overflow into the second compartment is executed through
overflow boxes (8 units) with weirs. a weir that allows measuring the collected flow. This
second compartment also receives the contribution from
Station 185 to 280 - Plain of the Baa River (BTMD) the rainfall drainage system of the dam.
The dam in the stretch of the Baa River is founded Prior to the first phase of filling the reservoir, the
upon sandstone and, in some stretches, upon basal instrumentation installed at the downstream toe of the
gravel, since all the soft clay in the foundation was dam identified high piezometric levels in the sandstone/
removed. basalt contact, particularly at Station 385 where the
In the stretches where basal gravel remained, this occurrence of elevated artesianism was verified. To correct
was removed in a band for the cut-off and the horizontal this, 35 drainage holes were drilled with spacings varying
sandwich type drain. from 6 to 12 m, reaching the sandstone/basalt contact
The embankment is of compacted soil and the in the most permeable stretch of the basalt.
drainage system is constituted by a vertical sand drain After the first filling, high uplift pressures were verified
which links with a suspended horizontal drain which, in in the alluvium situated downstream of the drainage
turn, discharges into the sandwich drain, in contact with trench. With a view to reducing the uplift pressures
the foundation. The outflow from the horizontal drain is observed, 66 relief wells were opened in the alluvium with
through a raised outlet to guarantee a higher elevation spacings varying from 7 to 15 m.
and thus avoid silt deposits clogging the drain.
After the 1st phase of the filling of the reservoir, localized Portion downstream of the toe of the dam: partial
uplift pressures were verified in the region of the and total lagoons
downstream toe of the dam, greater than had been Due to the need for spoil areas for the disposal of the
anticipated. Nine drainage boreholes, with variable material that had suffered excess compaction and of the
spacing, were drilled in these regions. The outlets from access roads to the crest of the dam utilized during the
the tubes leading from these drainage holes were below construction phase of the job, a plan was prepared for
the downstream water level and are provided with a the embankment of the downstream portions of the Paleo-
protection device that permits the egress of the water Island and Paran River Plain, between the toe of the
and avoids entry of sediments. dam and the downstream cofferdam. This measure
permitted an important reduction in the average distances
Station 280 to 411 - Paleo-Island (BTMD) of the transportation, with the resulting economies. The
The foundation of the dam in the Paleo-Island is spoil embankments presented a thickness of around
constituted by alluvium with thicknesses of 5 to 7 m, 1 to 2 m.
characterised in the less permeable upper portion by To permit the discharge of the water from seepages
slightly clayey sands to very clayey sand, where the and rainfall, natural openings were left between the
little resistant clayey materials were removed, leaving a stretches of embankment. In this manner ten lagoons
lower portion of clean sand and sandy gravel. The were formed, confined by the spoil banks and, upstream
exception occurs in the stretch between Stations 280 and downstream, by the toe of the berm of El. 241 m and
and 296 where the upper portion of the alluvial package the downstream service road, respectively.
is constituted by lateritic sandy clay which, because it After filling the reservoir to El. 257.0 m, high
presents adequate bearing conditions, was left in the piezometric levels were detected by the instrumentation
foundation. in that downstream region. The solution adopted with
The dam embankment in the Paleo-Island possesses regard to the uplift pressures was the partial or total filling
an internal drainage system constituted by a vertical drain of the lagoons with pervious material.
and a horizontal suspended drain in relation to the
foundation, both of sand, that discharge into a drainage Station 411 to 450 - Plain of the Paran River
trench in the downstream portion of the dam. This trench (BTMD)
was constructed to be totally penetrant up to the top of The foundation of the dam in the plain of the Paran
the sandstone and partially penetrant in the alluvium, River is also constituted by alluvial deposits, although
due to the greater thickness of foundation materials with with more frequent occurrences of soft clayey materials,
high permeability characteristics. which were largely removed.
The seepage water collected is directed along the The drainage system of the dam in the plain of the
trench by perforated concrete drain tubes with a diameter Paran River consists of a vertical sand drain connected
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to a suspended horizontal drain discharging into a rockfill on a band of about 120 m long upstream of the
sandwich drain in contact with the basal sandstone and/ connection with the dam.
or gravel of the foundation. This drain is linked to a The protection of the slopes was composed by rockfill
drainage trench that penetrates totally to the top of the with D50 = 0,90 m with a minimum thickness of 1.80 m.
sandstone. The rockfill protection commenced at El. 254.00 m and
After the end of the first reservoir filling, 16 drainage extended to the crest elevation of this stretch of the dam
holes were executed with a spacing of 24 m, applying (263.00 m). The studies carried out indicated no need for
the same methodology as at the Paleo-Island, and with the implantation of a wave deflector on condition that the
the aim of reducing the piezometric pressures in the protection of the slope was executed with rockfill.
sandstone/basalt contact and in the more permeable
features of the sandstone. 5.3. CONCRETE STRUCTURES
(Spillway, Water Intake, Powerhouse, Erection Area,
Station 450 to 507 - Dam in the Riverbed (BLR) Command Building, Navigation Lock)
The area in which the dam in the riverbed is located General
presents different characteristics in relation to the alluvial The principal conditioning factors guiding the design
sediments, since part of the dam was implanted in the of the structures were: the "light basalt"; contacts
alluvial plateau of the Paran River and part in the riverbed. between horizontal and inclined microflows forming
The River Paran plain is characterised by plastic unstable wedges of high hydraulic conductivity, sub-
and organic clayey sediments, fine sands and sand with horizontal discontinuities and contacts between flows of
gravel at the base between Stations 410 and 475. The high hydraulic conductivity.
riverbed between Stations 475 and 550 presents The project provided for the partial removal of the "light
essentially sandy material associated with gravels and basalt" in the area of the water intake and its total removal
conglomeratic layers. in the area of the spillway, anchor bolts and a grout
All the alluvial material was excavated for the injection and drainage curtain bypassing the upstream
construction of the dam which was totally seated on stretch and the sides of the water intake/spillway
sandstone. Different typical sections of the dam were assembly and the sidewalls.
adopted along the stretch in function of the incorporation, The grout curtain constituted by 3 lines of injection
or not, of the existing cofferdam. inclined towards upstream (12, 8 and 4 of inclination)
The stretches of the Stations 450 to 457 and 477 to with holes separated 3.0 m from each other in
500 were executed in a homogeneous section, only intermediate positions between the rows, reached the
incorporating the upstream rockfill pre-cofferdam, with a final elevation of 185.00 m.
vertical/inclined drain and a horizontal sandwich type The drainage curtain executed to El. 200.00 m is
drain seated upon rock. inclined 13 downstream with holes of 3" spaced at
In the stretch between the Stations 457 and 477, the 1.5 m intervals.
upstream and downstream cofferdams were incorporated,
adopting an internal drainage analogous to the previous Spillway
stretch. The spillway, of the surface type, presents a total
After the first phase of the filling and due to the high length of 315.00 m, contains 16 bays (15 m in width by
uplift pressures verified, 52 drainage holes were executed 23 m in height) being sized for a flow of 52,800 m3/s, with
and 2 pumping wells. a ten-thousand year period of recurrence, of which
10 bays (VS 01 to VS 10) were executed with the
Station 555 to ~ 570 - Dam of the Left Bank (BTME) complete sill in concrete up to its crest at El. 237.00 m.
Despite its small extension, various interferences The six remaining bays (VS 11 to VS 16) had their sills
conditioned the project, among which were: the roadway executed in concrete up to El. 230.00, remaining lowered
and access system, the fish ladder, the provisional during the second phase of the diversion.
navigation lock and the left abutment. Figure 16 presents a cross section of this structure.
The peculiar aspects existing in this stretch are the All the "light basalt" was removed from the stretch
following: subjected to the highest overload, since its
Horizontal drainage blanket under the downstream geomechanical characteristics were inadequate (Photos
slope. 13 and 14).
The temporary navigation lock was banked with sand
from the spoil area and at the base of this embankment Water Intake and Powerhouse
a sandwich drain was executed, in the interior of which The water intake, of the gravity type, has a total length
were installed two perforated cast iron tubes. of 558.00 m and a maximum height of 44.00 m with
The left abutment, which corresponds to the left slope 18 individual intakes 21.00 m in width.
of the provisional navigation lock, was protected with Each one of the 18 blocks of the water intake has
3 water passages separated by two intermediate walls;
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each of them equipped with an emergency gate, trash This complex houses a step-up substation, gas
racks and stoplog, that provide a rated intake flow of insulated with SF6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) of 460 kV.
600 m3/s. Figures 17 and 18 show a cross section of the water
The powerhouse, of the indoor type, has a total length intake and powerhouse.
of 558.00 m and a maximum height of 70.50 m with 18 The project provided for the partial removal of the "light
generator units planned and 14 installed, basalt" in parts of the structure.
of 110 MW each.
Erection Area and Command Building
This structure, composed of 4 blocks, has a total
length of 137.50 m, a width of 72.00 m and a maximum
height of 36.50 m. It was the place where the work of
assembly and erection of the 14 generator units was
carried out and which is now used for maintenance
services.
The command building was installed immediately
downstream of the erection area.
Photo 13 - Excavation of Light Basalt in the Concrete Structures Figure 16 - Spillway - Cross Section
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The ladder was designed to operate within the range of 0.40 m between the steps of the successive tanks
of variation of the water levels in the reservoir created by the septa.
(257.00 and 259.00 m) possessing, for this purpose, a Since the downstream entrance to the ladder is
control structure of levels composed by six transversal situated at El. 235.50 m, it is possible to operate it during
septa with slots, in which can be installed panels of the 90% of the average hydrological year, without any
stop-log type. The panels possess variable heights and restriction on its operation with higher water levels, up to
are installed in each slot to permit the passage of the the maximum floods predicted.
fishes and result in a maximum difference in water levels
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In the development of the executive project of the The flow for attracting the fishes does not come from
ladder, various tests and trials were conducted on the the reservoir. This water is taken in downstream of the
hydraulic small scale model of the dam, with a view to dam beside the central wall, and raised by four motor
ascertaining the best position for the attraction point. pumps. At the downstream end of the channel (the
It can be observed that the ladder was fitted with an attraction point), a Mitre-type gate was provided, whose
upper protection in wire mesh along its route, with the angle of aperture promotes the control of the intensity
purpose of preventing that some fishes, in overcoming and direction of the discharge velocities, allowing variation
the steps might leap over the sidewalls, as well as to in the conditions of attraction for the fishes.
prevent the action of predators. In order to concentrate the schools in the elevator
The ladder entered operation in the spawning migration shaft, a fish-pushing cart, fitted with steps, slides on rails
of 2001/2002, since the reservoir only attained its along the length of the attraction channel.
minimum elevation for the operation of the ladder The fish elevator operated in the period of the spawning
(257.00 m) in April of 2001. migration, from November 5th 1999 to March 9th 2000 and
between April 1st 2000 and April 14th 2000, due to the
Fish elevator presence of migratory fishes downstream of the power
Concentrations of fishes are normally verified plant. In these periods, 688 cycles were effected and
downstream of dams in the area close to the spillway 19,688 kg of fishes transported.
and the powerhouse. The fish elevator located at the
interface of these two structures, beside the central wall,
was designed to attract these fishes. It is situated in the
recess existing between unit 18 and the central wall,
separating the powerhouse from the spillway, in order to
be sheltered from the discharge flowing from the draft
tube of unit 18.
The elevator is composed by a concrete attraction
channel, 40 m in length, a pumping system encased in
the channel, the elevator shaft itself, an operation and
control building and the "chute", along which the fishes
slide to the reservoir. The general layout can be
appreciated in the plan view shown in Figure 21, the
illustration of Photo 16 and the general characteristics of
Table 7. Photo 16 - Fish Elevator
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2
The transition by the method of the single segregated layer was carried out in the following way:
The material from the stockpile bottom, formed by rock blocks with a large amount of fines, was used. This material piled at the dam
crest was pushed by a bulldozer with the blade raised about 20 to 30 cm from the ground, by this operation the finer part remained
close to the slope and the coarser one on the upper portion of the layer.
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The placement was executed in continuous layers of mass concrete, and presented a mean cement
0.40 m, with the width of the layer varying from consumption of 129 kg/m3.
3.0 to 7.0 m, along the downstream ridge. The materials
applied were 91,000 m3 of compacted rockfill, 17,300 m3 Utilization of a cellular cofferdam in the 2nd Phase
of roller compacted concrete (RCC) and 3,100 m3 of of Diversion in the connection between the Central
conventional concrete. Wall and the cofferdam of the downstream
enclosure of the Powerhouse
6.3.2. CONCRETE STRUCTURES The original project for the execution of the 2nd Phase
The concrete employed in these structures was of Diversion of the Paran River contemplated the
composed of pozzolanic Portland cement, water, fine connection of the Powerhouse cofferdam with the central
aggregates and additives, and various types of concrete wall in a conventional manner. The central wall was
were used according to the places of application, its designed with a length of 113.70 m downstream of the
structural strength, abrasion, etc., listed as follows: powerhouse, in order to approach, at a perpendicular
Mass concrete; angle, the cofferdam constituted by a rockfill
Mass structural concrete; embankment with a clay core. (Photos 19 and 20).
Reinforced concrete; With the objective of decreasing volumes, both in the
Strongly reinforced or prestressed concrete; cofferdam and in the central wall, the project was reviewed
Abrasion resistant, and by the adoption of a cellular cofferdam, connected at a
Roller compacted (Rollcrete). slant to the wall. In this manner the central wall was
Due to the great quantity of natural aggregates
available at the jobsite, the concrete employed gravels
and sands extracted from the quarries of Santa Ildia and
leo Cru, downstream from the development and
processed at the jobsite. Since the studies revealed that
the utilization of the gravel as an aggregate implied a
high potential for an alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), it
was decided to employ cement with the addition of
pozzolan to combat the harmful effect of AAR. After
extensive research on dosages of cements with
pozzolans, carried out with the suppliers, the CESP
adopted the utilization of pozzolanic Portland cement
designated as cement type "CP IV CESP". This cement
possesses 35% (by weight) of pozzolan, 4,500 cm2/g of
the Blaine fineness modulus, and characteristics of the
Photo 19 - Cellular cofferdam in 2nd Phase of the River Diversion
cement CP 40 (40 MPa after 28 days).
The concrete employed was refrigerated in the
concrete plant, using cold water and crushed ice, with a
pouring temperature that could not surpass a range of
temperatures varying from 11 C to 15 C, according to
its class.
Table 8 presents the general average of all the concrete
mixes employed at Porto Primavera, totalling a volume
of 2.21 x 106 m3:
Discounting the portion relating to pozzolan, the mean
cement consumption results as 149 kg/m3, a fairly
satisfactory result in view of the character of the Porto
Primavera structures. In comparison, the gua Vermelha
hydropower plant (Antnio Ermrio de Morais HPP), also
built by the CESP, has a large part of its structures in Photo 20 - Cellular cofferdam in 2nd Phase of the River Diversion
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shortened to a total length of 74.20 m downstream from monitored by measuring the vibrations induced by the
the powerhouse (39.50 m less than the original design). blasting. The analyses of these vibrations showed a high
Part of this cofferdam corresponds to a cellular dispersion of the results, which, without doubt, can be
cofferdam 24.0 m in height, provided with 2 principal cells attributed to the phenomenon of the superposition of the
with a diameter of 24.0 m and two connecting secondaries. effects of one blasting delay upon another, demonstrating
At the time, taking into account the costs and the a more transmissive medium than the one considered in
time limits, it was decided to reuse the sheet piles the design.
employed in the cellular cofferdams of the Tucuru This confirmation demonstrated the need for
Hydroelectric Power Plant. redoubling the precautions in future excavations, not so
This cofferdam fulfilled its objectives of dewatering the much in the sense of reducing the values of the loading
area downstream of the powerhouse, however, with the rates or the maximum charges per delay, but moreover
installation of a lane for the crossing to the right bank, to use sufficiently spaced delays to avoid the
and which was subjected to the traffic of off-road trucks, superimposition of unexpected effects.
the sheet piles commenced to shift. This was verified in
the course of monitoring the instrumentation installed. Sealing the Foundation of the 1st Phase - 2nd Stage
After five years the connecting cell and one of the principal Cofferdam of the Left Bank
cells broke towards the side of the powerhouse The cofferdam of the 1st Phase - 2nd Stage of the left
Immediately after the occurrence, the area was bank was seated upon a fairly permeable alluvial layer,
isolated and measures were taken to repair the stability with thickness varying form 6.0 to 12.0 m, essentially
of the affected cells. There was a lowering of the elevation characterised by sandy horizons intercalated with
of the cofferdam by 2.80 m and the movement of traffic to conglomeratic slabs (sandy gravel cemented by
the right bank was effected by barge. There were no ferruginous compounds) of a thickness varying from
casualties. 20 cm to 80 cm in up to 5 distinct levels, and with
intercalations of soft clay levels.
Execution of the drainage tunnel and anchorage of The alternatives analysed for sealing the alluvial layer
the lock were: concrete piles by the CCP process (Chemical
With the objective of lowering the water table and Churning Pile) or the execution of a plastic diaphragm
reducing the hydrostatic pressures, as well as anchoring wall. The CCP technique consists, fundamentally, in
the right side wall of the navigation lock, a tunnel was the execution of soil improvement with cement "in situ",
executed in the sandstone bedrock at El. 246.00, along through the introduction of cement grout into the terrain
the entire extension of the chamber, whose executive at great speed by special devices. This injection is
sequence of excavation was developed on two fronts. executed by pumping the grout at extremely high
The apertures, protected by a row of anchor bolts in the pressures, forcing it to traverse very small openings. The
perimeter at the level of the excavation, have their portals jet obtained in this manner destroys the structure of the
protected by wire mesh and shotcrete. soil, promoting the mixing and homogenization of this
The average overall production was about 1.00 m/day material with the grout injected. The solution chosen was
in the downstream face and 1.16 m/day in the upstream that of the CCP piles, since the alternative of the plastic
face; figures that were considered normal and satisfactory diaphragm faced its principal disadvantage in the difficulty
in jobs of these dimensions and rock of this nature. Mean of piercing the slabs of conglomerate and guaranteeing
values of around 3.35 m/day were attained under ideal the stability of the walls of the panels.
conditions. A similar process to that of the CCP, called the
Special precautions were taken during the excavation ROTOCRETE, was executed on the upstream stretch of
by blasting, principally as a result of the following factors: the cofferdam. This method consists in executing columns
The existence of an external slope already excavated to its through a drill that goes simultaneously perforating and
final geometry, between the El. 252.50 m and 263.00 m. mechanically executing in situ a mixture of cement grout
The occurrence in the rock mass of significant amounts and soil.
of tie-rods, of 22.00 m, already installed previously, for The analysis of the instrumentation, installed to verify
temporary stabilization of the above-mentioned slope. the behaviour of this sealing curtain, showed that its
The possibility of the occurrence, along the route for performance was lower than expected, not fulfilling the
the tunnel, of pockets of material with worse objective of decreasing the gradients of seepage.
geomechanical characteristics that might totally or Nevertheless, some sealing effect did occur, homogenizing
partially destabilize the work front. and reducing the permeability of the materials of that layer,
The existence of subvertical discontinuities of great since the dewatering of the enclosure permitted observing
extension that might destabilize or provoke large a reduction in the seepage rate.
deformations in the rock mass. After the diversion, the location was excavated and in
For these reasons, the excavation works were the samples from the columns that had been executed
great openings could be observed, resulting from the lack
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of verticality between them, columns that didn't preserve management of the flora, the fauna, fishery administration
their initial diameter, lack of penetration into the rock mass, and implementation of units for conservation and protected
etc., which can be explained by the great difference areas.
between the strengths of the materials existing in the area Programme for Managing the Flora: its objective is the
(soft sands, conglomeratic slabs and lenses of soft clay). rescue and preservation of the regional flora, providing
recuperation and maintenance of the environmental
7. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND quality in the areas of influence of reservoirs. At present,
ECONOMIC ASPECTS the CESP is in the process of certifying these projects
under the clean development mechanism (CDM)
In order to mitigate the impacts resulting from the promoted in the Kyoto Protocol of Emission Control.
implantation of the development, and also taking into Programme of Management and Conservation of the
consideration that the impacts traditionally surpass the Fauna: its objective is to document the fauna, subsidize
legal obligations of mitigation and compensation, the its management, develop reproduction projects and
CESP implanted various environmental programmes of analyse translocations of species. For example: the
a mitigating and compensatory nature in accordance with marsh deer, puma, jaguar, howler monkey and black
EIA-RIMA (Environmental Impact Studies), developed in monkey.
the period of 1992 to 1994 by the consortium constituted Programme of Fishery Management: is equipped with
by THEMAG-ENGEA-UMAH. systems for the transposition of fishes (elevator and fish
These programmes, subdivided into social-economic ladder) which address the monitoring of the ichthyofauna
and physical-biotic, were complemented by specific and its population dynamics.
activities of environmental management, whose
introduction was granted priority in the last two years. 7.2.2. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
This programme comprises five principal activities, i.e.:
7.1. SOCIAL-ECONOMICS PROGRAMMES Programme of control of erosion - silt deposition: its
These Programmes followed the results of the scope is the control over erosive processes and
EIA/RIMA, with the intention of minimizing the impacts consequently, the silt deposition in the basins that
caused by the implantation of power plants on the contribute to the reservoir.
populations, the economic activities, the existing Programme for protecting the slopes of the banks: its
infrastructure and the historical, cultural and objective is to promote actions directed to the
archaeological heritage of the region of influence. conservation and recuperation of unstable marginal
Programmes for Resettling the Affected Population: slopes or those subject to instability within the reservoir
involve rural and urban resettlements by means of the systematic monitoring of the margins.
Programmes for Maintaining the Economic Activities: Programme for mitigating the impacts of the elevation
involve the continuity of the activities relating to: brick of the water table: its purpose is to identify the impacts
kilns - ceramics, quarrying sand and gravel, fishery. resulting from the elevation of the water table caused by
Programmes of Recomposition and Improvement of the the filling of the reservoir, including the water quality, by
Highway Infrastructure, Sanitation and Transport: monitoring the water levels and the water quality.
implantation of roads, crossings, port structure, sanitation Programme for recuperating degraded areas: its purpose
infrastructure (public water supply and distribution, is to restore to the dominating landscape of the
sewage collection and treatment), electric power and surrounding region the areas that were degraded by the
telephone infrastructure (removal and reallocation of execution of the structures of the power plant and
electricity networks), reallocation of community centres, complementary works.
schools and public health centres, where, in some cases Programme of scientific research on the physical
of schools and health centres the compensation was environment: its purpose is to characterise the alluvial
used to equip and enlarge the existing buildings. deposits, their origin, constitution, lithogenetic processes,
Recreation activities were also implemented by the paleoclimatic influences, contemplating the areas of
creation of specific areas and parks. geology, geomorphology and lithology.
Programme of Archaeological Rescue and Valorisation
of the Regional Memory: the rescue activities As a complement to the set of physical-biotic
commenced in 1993, with records of an assembly of programmes, the CESP is implanting three state parks
253 archaeological occurrence sites and the collection and one Private Reserve of the Natural Patrimony (PRNP),
of a heritage surpassing 50,000 artefacts. as follows:
Parque Estadual das Vrzeas do Rio
7.2. PHYSICAL-BIOTIC PROGRAMMES Ivinhema 73,345.15 ha
7.2.1. BIOTIC Parque Estadual do Rio Aguape 9,043.97 ha
This programme covers four principal activities: Parque Estadual do Rio do Peixe 7,720.00 ha
PRNP Cisalpina 6,261.75 ha
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precautions to be observed in the earth dam of the right The risk of this occurrence however, still exists and raises
bank and its foundations throughout the period of fears concerning the performance and the safety of the
operation of the plant, with its principal focus on the dam.
questions relating to the drainage system installed. While there is still no certainty regarding the questions
Taking into account the extent of the enterprise, with raised above, strict monitoring has also to be continued
960 m relating to concrete structures and 10,400 m to in the regions of the alluvial terrace, paleo-island and
the earth dams of the right bank, in the riverbed and the Paran plateau, which, although presenting only a small
left bank, the considerations concerning dam safety were risk of contamination without the occurrence of floods,
divided into: Concrete Structures and Earth Structures. are very fragile in the case of an infestation. In these
It can be observed that with the filling of the reservoir stretches, the drainage outlets occur through discrete
in two stages - the first to El. 253.00 m and finally to points that collect the water from the perforated tubing.
El. 257.00 m, in the analyses of the instrumentation An infestation of these tubes represents a serious risk
installed in the first stage, despite the load imposed to the safety of the dam.
representing a portion of the total to be effectively
supported by the structures, it was possible to 8.2. CONCRETE STRUCTURES
characterise a standard of behaviour and even check It can be stated, in a general manner, that the
some of the project parameters, implement additional auscultation system is functioning perfectly, being fully
treatments and revaluate criteria adopted in order to satisfactory to record any alterations of the stresses
conduct all the structures within the standards of safety imposed on the structures and that the values observed
forecast in the project of El. 257.00 m and 259.00 m. are within the limits established in the design criteria,
presenting adequate safety conditions.
8.1. EARTH STRUCTURES With the piezometric data in hand, the real uplift
As a general concept, the dam safety, whose design pressure diagrams were compared with the project
was based on drainage as the principal foundation hypotheses, permitting the assessment of the real
treatment, particularly depends on the good functioning conditions of seepage through the foundations, as well
of this drainage system. as the stability conditions of the structures, thus proving
All the instrumentation existing in the earth dam their conformity with the design criteria.
(standpipe and pneumatic piezometers) served the The readings from the strain meters compared the
purpose of monitoring the behaviour of this system under observed displacements with those predicted in the
the effect of the uplift pressures. Corrective measures, project, thus checking the deformability of the structures
such as, relief wells, drainage holes and blankets were and their foundations, which were in line with the design
carried out in order to lower these uplift pressures. It can projections.
now be concluded that the values observed are within The instrumentation also checked the efficiency of
the levels established by the design criteria and present the treatment system applied to the bedrock (Grout and
adequate conditions of safety. drainage curtain), with the effective control of the uplift
As a complement to the safety measures and pressures acting in the foundations, with readings within
monitoring, the planning included inspections and the the predictions of the project.
eventual unblocking of the drainage tubing capable of The seepage flowing into the foundation drains, after
being accessed using filming equipment fitted to small the 2nd phase of the diversion (1993) was considerably
diameter probes, called CCTV (closed circuit television). greater than estimated by the project, particularly in the
This measure was tested and proved efficient. region of the microflows and in the vertical wall to the
A noteworthy programme is that of the "golden erection area. Measures were adopted, such as blocking
mussel" in the stretch of the earth dam, whose detection some drains with control of uplift pressures and which
was reported in the concrete structures and in some proved effective and, together with the phenomenon of
mechanical equipment of the power plant. the silting of the reservoir, have resulted in a gradual
The measures taken by the CESP for the downstream decrease, as shown in Table 10.
portion went beyond the visual inspections, on the surface Analysis of the results of the takes by the grout
and underwater, involving the implantation of rosettes and curtains eliminated the need for additional perforations,
acrylic plaques to control the occurrence while yet in its either complementary or quaternary, forecast by the
larval stage in stretches of the dam where the internal technical specification. This situation can be explained
drainage outlets occurred under submerged conditions by the characteristics of the rock masses injected, where
in direct contact with the water of the Paran or Baa the groutable domains characterised by the horizontal
rivers. (Stretches of the dam on the plain of the Baa discontinuities of high persistency (lateral extension) and
River and in the riverbed). high hydraulic conductivity present in the macroflows were
The inspections carried out up to the present have amply grouted, against the non-groutable domain in the
failed to record the presence of this mollusc in the earth microflows, characterised by localized portions of highly
structures and their downstream drainage systems. fractured rocky mass, low persistence and high hydraulic
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