Extracted from Seminar on Roller Compacted Concrete Dams, 10–12 May 2006, Pune, Maharashtra, India, Authored by N.B. Ghuge, V.B. Pandhare and C.L. Narkhede, Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
Roller compacted concrete has proven to be an economical concrete. Its construction methodology is simple and hence, it becomes popular all over the world. About 266 dams have been built in this concrete. Construction period is short providing the structure for early utilization and thus, saving in cost and time.
For first time in India, decision of construction of two storage dams with a Saddle dam under Ghatghar Pumped Storage Scheme was taken in 1991 by Water Resources Deppt., Govt. of Maharashtra at the instance of Fly Ash Utilisation Programme (formerly Fly Ash Mission) TIFAC, DST, New Delhi. Many agencies are associated with guidance, planning, design, research, construction etc. MERI, Nashik was enlrusted mix design of roller compacted concrete. Since this concrete was new to Indian scenario, help of experts (Mr. Ernest K Schrader of USA, EPDCIL of Japan) in this field was taken to understand and guide the mix design and concrete technology. Mixes were carried out and a final mix was finalized. It was tried on Test Section no. 1 and with modification on Test Section no. 2. At this juncture RCC consultant Malcolm Dunstan & Associate of UK was invited for guidance. Field specific mix designs were conducted in the field laboratory at project site. Saddle dam and Upper dam was completed and Lower dam is under completion.
