Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation Ltd., Bhopal
Foundation geology is an important factor while construction of large civil structure like dam. The behavioural study of the foundation rock, its strength and load bearing capacity should be well studied before providing any treatment.
Presence of shear zones in the foundation of dam seems to be critical factor as far as suitability of foundation geology is concerned. It makes the foundation rock too weak to hold the load of gigantic concrete of dam, resulting the settlement of blocks and also impose sometimes threat to the dam as well as the habitat in the downstream. Therefore, to handle these geological problems encountered during the huge civil construction, detailed studies of the foundation geology and its treatment is imperative.
The present paper incorporates a case study of presence of shear zones in the foundation at Indira Sagar dam, it's behaviour and the treatment provided to negotiate these problems and also illustrate its engineering application in the field of hydroelectric project. In this case study, the foundation rock has been treated with concrete slab, resulting the load of the concrete dam to be transferred to sides the shear zone. Consolidation grouting has also been done in order to consolidate the sheared rock mass.
