Hydropower and dams
Hydro projects bring almost every ground problem together: seepage under dams and barrages, water in headrace tunnels, adits and shafts, jointed rock in caverns and portals, and unstable slopes above the works.
We work for owners and for the contractors building and maintaining the scheme.
Water under head finds the weakest joint. The grout has to be chosen for the water, not in spite of it.
Where water is flowing, we use resins that react with it and set; where the rock is open and dry, microfine cement. Each stage is checked by water pressure test.
Industry challenges
Where hydro projects need us
Seepage and uplift
Water passing under dams, barrages and spillways through jointed or weathered foundation rock.
Water in tunnels, adits and shafts
Inflow during excavation, and leaks through the lining once the scheme is running.
Jointed rock
Blocks in caverns, portals and foundations that need bolting and consolidation.
Slopes and portals
Cuttings and hillsides above the works that move with the rains.
- 1Note 1: Reservoir: water under head on the upstream side.
- 2Note 2: Grout curtain: deep holes below the heel, grouted in stages, with the spacing closed until the take falls.
- 3Note 3: Consolidation grouting: shallow holes under the base bind the jointed rock.
- 4Note 4: Drainage gallery and drain holes relieve water pressure behind the curtain.
- 5Note 5: The seepage path under the dam is cut off, and uplift under the base falls.
- 6Note 6: Water pressure (Lugeon) tests in the holes before and after grouting.
Our solutions
What we do in hydropower and dams
Curtain and consolidation grouting
Seepage cut-offs and foundation consolidation for dams, barrages, shafts and structures.
Tunnel water ingress control
Leaks and inflow stopped in tunnels, shafts and underground structures.
Rock bolting and self-drilling anchors
Rock bolts, self-drilling and prestressed anchors for tunnels, portals, slopes and caverns.
Slope stabilisation
Soil nails, anchors, mesh, drainage and rockfall barriers for slopes above roads, railways and towns.
Pre- and post-excavation grouting
Water cut off and weak ground consolidated ahead of the face; voids closed behind it.
Cavity and void filling
Voids above tunnel crowns, behind linings and under slabs filled without loading the support.
Our clients and success stories
Hydropower and dams work on record
- Four dams, MeghalayaHydrophilic PU grout supplied and applied at four dam locations, 2024Client memo, January 2025: pleased with the overall performance. Client letters
- Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro Electric Project, TBM site at SelangTwo-component PU grout supply, 2012 Supply
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