TKR-SHP Geological Investigation

Small Hydro Power (SHP)
Geological Investigations
A Lecture
By
Tarun Kumar Raghuvanshi
PhD
Associate Professor
School of Earth Sciences

Addis Ababa University,
Ethiopia
Short Term Training Course on DPR Preparation and Evaluation for SHP Projects
GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Identification of a Geologically suitable SHP site is a prerequisite

for the safe functioning and long lasting performance of any SHP
project.
General selection criteria for a suitable SHP site are;
Small Hydro Power
Geological
Investigations
topography,
geology,
hydrology,
power requirement,
accessibility,
socio-economic constraints,
environmental protection policies,
availability of funds,
climatic conditions etc.
Geology is the most important factor for the safety and safe performance of a project
It can significantly affect;
site selection,
design,
construction and
performance of the SHP project.
Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD
AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015
Ideally, no site is suitable from geological point of view,

There may always be some problems associated to geological setup
of the area.
Identification of possible adverse and unfavorable conditions in the project area,
during the investigation stage may helps in adopting proper remedial measures
This is to ensure that the project do not pose any problems during the construction or
performance stage.
Geological considerations
Safe performance is broadly dictated by Geological conditions
Geological setup must be thoroughly Assessed.
Geology
type of Rocks and soils
engineering characteristics of soil and rock mass.
Rock mass type,
strength and
slope stability characteristics.
Soil mass genetic origin,
engineering behavior and
instability potential.
Purpose of Geological investigations is to Assess
engineering behavior of Rocks and Soils.
Rock Mass
Type of Rocks
Various types of Rock mass may be encountered at different
SHP sites.
Genetically, rocks may be classified as;
igneous,
sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks
Igneous
Granite
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Metamorphic
Gneiss
Rock Mass
Type of Rocks Igneous rocks
These are formed by the solidification of magma either
underneath the surface or above it.
Igneous rocks have silicate mineral
compositions and interlocking
textures.
For the fresh igneous rock the
mineralogy and texture are
responsible to provide high
strength characteristics.
Basalt
Granite
However, strength of these rocks

mass may be influenced by the
specific rock type, degree of
weathering and intensity of joints.
Some common type of igneous rocks Gabbro
are; Basalt, Granite, Gabbro, Tuff
etc.
Tuff
Rock Mass
Type of Rocks Sedimentary rocks
Derived from pre-existing rocks,
erosion, transportation and deposition
by wind, water, glacier, etc.
The loose sediments undergo compaction and form sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary rocks present many challenges to the engineering geologist.
Primary sedimentary structures such as bedding planes creates discontinuities
in addition to secondary structures like joints and faults.
These primary and secondary
structures reduce rock strength.
Rock Mass
Type of Rocks Sedimentary rocks
Some common type of sedimentary rocks are;
sandstone, limestone, shale, dolomite etc.
Sandstone
Conglomerate
Limestone
Dolomite
Breccia
Shale
Rock Mass
Type of Rocks Metamorphic rocks
These rocks are formed by the alteration of pre-existing rocks
by the action of temperature or pressure or both.
Metamorphism causes textural, structural and mineralogical changes in the original
rock this result in the modification of its physical properties.
Some common type of metamorphic rocks are;
Quartzite, Marble, Gneiss, Schist, phylites etc.
Gneiss
Marble
Slate
Rock Mass
Weathering of Rock mass
Weathering plays a significant role in altering the engineering
properties of rock mass
Weathering may influence all types of rocks, however the degree of weathering may
depend upon;
rock type,
the type of weathering process,
the climate,
the environment to which the rock
is subjected and
the time.
Weathering may be divided into two;

Physical disintegration,
Chemical decomposition
Highly weathered Limestone Central Ethiopia

Rock Mass
Discontinuities in rock mass
The rock mass contains discontinuity planes in the form of
joints, fault planes, bedding plane and foliations.
These discontinuity planes are responsible to give different physical properties to
rock mass.
These discontinuity planes are responsible to control the engineering properties of
the rock mass
Three sets of overstressed

discontinuities in Quartzite
Discontinuities due to Cooling

of volcanic rocks
Discontinuities due to
Sedimentary beddings
Fresh Jointed Quartzite

Rock along road cut
Arunachal Pradesh
Rock Mass
Discontinuities in rock mass
While making an selection of various components of SHP we need
to assess the general characteristics of these discontinuity
planes.
Discontinuities Characteristics
The important factors of discontinuity planes
which influence the properties of the rock mass are;
Orientation,
Spacing,
Continuity,
Surface Characteristics,
Separation of discontinuity Surface and
Thickness and nature of filling material
Rock Mass
Discontinuities in
rock mass
Discontinuities
Characteristics
Rock Mass
Orientation
Discontinuities in slates day light the slope at less

than the slope angle (Tons Valley 14 km Milestone
Kwanu- Minas Road, Uttrakhand, India)
Plunge of line of intersection of two

wedge forming planes day light the slope
at less than the slope angle
Rock Mass
Engineering behavior of rock mass
The engineering behavior of rock mass in terms of its bearing
capacity or for slope stability will mainly be controlled by;
the rock type,
degree of weathering and
the characteristic of discontinuities present in it.
While making a selection of site for SHP we need to look that what type of rocks
are present at different SHP component locations.
Some rocks are generally weak like;
shales, clay stone, mud stone, tuff
whereas there are rocks which are generally competent like;
granite, basalt, quartzite, sandstone, limestone etc.
The strength of rocks may highly be influenced by degree of weathering and the
characteristic of discontinuities.
Rock Mass
Engineering behavior of rock mass
During the initial site selection we may look for degree of
weathering of rock mass and the general characteristic of
discontinuities.
If the orientation of beddings is
towards the valley it is obvious that
such rock mass may pose problem of
instability if any engineering
component is placed over it.
Orientation of
Bedding towards
valley
Soil Mass
Different type of soil mass may be present at various SHP site
under investigation.
Soil mass may vary in its engineering behavioral
characteristic.
This may be due to its general composition in terms of;
particle size and shape present in it,

mineralogical composition,
geometry of slope formed by the soil mass,
erosional features present on slope,
vegetation cover etc.
Soil Mass
Residual soils
These soils generally are formed by erosional and weathering
processes and are well compacted.
Such soils perform well for engineering
purposes
However, a detailed analysis would be
required to know its engineering behavior
for intended use.
During initial identification of site such
soil mass may be preferred over the
other type of soils.
Soil Mass
Colluvial soils
These soils are debris comprising mostly rock pieces of varied
type, size, shape and dimensions and are generally occupied in a
matrix of clayey/ sandy soils.
most problematic soils
highly porous due to wide variation in the
particle size
suffusion takes places.
result into subsidence and structure
constructed over it will be damaged.
Another problem associated is the toe
erosion by the stream.
Soil Mass
Alluvial Soils
contain granular material with varied particle size.
particle size varying from silt to

boulders
Pose considerable problems if used
for engineering purpose
Soil Mass
Recent Landslide deposits
Such soils may be loose and can easily be eroded by water.
Thus, these are not suitable for any engineering use.
Engineering behavior of soil mass

While making a site selection we need to see which type of soil
mass is present at the proposed component of SHP project.
Well compacted residual soils may be preferred.
Compacted alluvial soils may also be considered, - may require
more detailed investigation at later stages.
Colluvial and recent landslide deposits must be avoided.
Diversion and intake site

The rocks exposed at diversion weir and intake site must be
competent and relatively fresh so that these rocks provide
stable foundation to engineering structures.
The rock mass on valley slopes must be
stable.
Any manifestation of instability such as;
orientation of beds or joints dipping
towards valley,
slope distress bulged rockmass,
presence of scarp face on the slope,
toe erosion of slope by stream,
rock fall or toppling etc.
must be observed.
All such conditions are not desirable for
the safety of structure.

manifestation of instability
Scarp Face
Beds Dipping
into valley
Toe erosion or
cutting
Toppling and
Sliding
Rock Fall
Rock Fall

Diversion weir and intake structure may also be founded on soil
mass.
It may require
thorough investigation for the
engineering behavior of such soils,
adequate design and
proper protection works.
All efforts must be made to select
diversion weir and intake structure at
locations where
competent and relatively fresh and
stable rock mass is exposed.
Desilting tank and Forebay tank

Desilting and forebay tank site must be located over
flat,
gentle and
stable slope.
The rock exposed must be
relatively fresh and competent to provide stable foundation.
It may also be founded over
thick well consolidated residual or old alluvial deposits,
However, more detailed investigation for engineering behavior of such soils may be
required at later stages.
In no case the desilting or forebay tank must be placed on Colluvial or unstable soil
mass.
Headrace
The choice for channel or steel pipe for headrace must be
decided based on the steepness of slope and the foundation
material present along the alignment.
As far as possible the alignment
must be selected over the
gentler and stable slope.
Steep slope alignment may pose
problems of accessibility during
construction and maintenance.
Penstock Alignment
Penstock must be aligned along steepest slope section .
The saddle pillars must be founded over stable competent rock
or soil mass
The stability of slope is the
prime concern for the penstock
alignment.
The beddings or other joints
present in the rock mass must
not favor the possibilities for the
instability, particularly for the
locations where saddle pillars are
planned along the alignment.
The penstock imposes high static
and dynamic loads through the
saddle pillars therefore the soil
or rock mass must provide a safe
bearing strength to the pillars.
Powerhouse Site
From the geological point of view Powerhouse must be located
over competent rock or stable soil mass.
The rock or soil mass must
possess good bearing capacity to
accommodate high static and
dynamic stresses imposed by
the operational turbines placed
within the power-house.
The slope adjacent to stream
bank must be stable and the
powerhouse must be placed
well above the maximum flood
line.
Geological Investigation
The core of geological Investigation of SHP site is;
to understand various geologic principles and processes and
its possible impact over various components of SHP project.
Attempts are made
to assess the engineering behavioral characteristics of the rocks and soils for the
intended engineering uses.
The rock or soil mass present at various SHP
component sites is assessed for;
Its bearing strength,

stability,
settlement potential,
alterations during performance stage and
its possible impact on various components.
As a part of engineering geological investigation attempts are made;
to study the possible impact of rock and soil properties over the civil engineering
structure and of the civil engineering structure over the foundation material.
The design of various components of SHP project will mainly be governed by the
general findings of the engineering geological Investigation.
Stages of Site Investigation
There are three distinct stages of site investigation:
Preliminary investigation that supports a feasibility stage of the project,
Detailed investigation which provides information necessary for project design
and construction planning and
Implementation studies which permit changes in expected conditions that are
incorporated in design modifications and evaluation of completed work, thus
supporting the actual construction
of the project.
Preliminary Investigation
Preliminary investigation supports
the project feasibility
Address geologic factors for:
the relative suitability of alternative sites or project designs,
the extent of detailed investigation required for construction and
geologic information required for basic cost estimates.
Most of the preliminary information required for a site investigation
can be obtained from:
published maps and
previous investigation reports.
additional data must be obtained through a reconnaissance
field visit.
During reconnaissance most of the information obtained from
secondary sources is verified and additional information of geological aspects is
collected.
Detailed Site Investigation
Detailed site investigation is the intensive exploration of the proposed site.
The results obtained from the site explorations are incorporated into the final
design of the project.
Site exploration basically involves two important objectives.
To know surface and subsurface conditions.
Behavior characteristic of earth materials.
Geological Mapping
a detailed topographical survey, generally on 1:500 or 1:1000 scale, depending upon
the size of the project, is carried out.
The topographical survey is carried out for the general alignment, covering all the
SHP components.
geological mapping is carried out on 1:1000 or 1:500 scale .
all lithological units, joint patterns, faults shear zones etc. are marked.
The various soil types present are also mapped.
Further, samples of rocks and soils are collected for further reference and
laboratory tests.
Geological Mapping
Inventory mapping for slope instability
Most of the run-off-the river (ROR) SHP projects are identified and developed in
mountainous regions.
SHP projects are selected where the stream gradient is high.
The water conductor has to be planned through moderate to steep slopes.
Slope instability problems will be high in moderate to steep slopes.
This does not mean that all moderate to steep slopes will show instability problems
as, the instability of slope will be a collective effect of other causative and
triggering factors.
Inventory mapping for slope instability
Under inventory mapping various past landslides are identified and marked over the
map.
Potential slopes which show manifestation for instabilities are marked over the
map.
Manifestation for instabilities;
presence of scarp face on the steep slopes,

unfavorable orientation of bedding or joints,
removal of toe support,
presence of evidences of slope distress, such as, development of cracks, bulging
of slope face and other such features and
presence of zones of excessive seepage.
Inventory mapping for
slope instability
TYPE OF FAILURES
Investigations at Powerhouse site
Investigations carried out at powerhouse site are basically focused to know the
engineering geological behavior of the foundation material.
Powerhouse must be founded over competent rock or soil mass as the electromechanical equipment placed in the powerhouse will impose high static and dynamic
loads on the foundation material.
What type of rock or soil mass is present
For this test pits must be dug upto the required foundation depth and
physical examination of rock or soil mass must be made.
Besides, required samples of soil mass must be collected to know the engineering
behavior of soils.
Rock mass must be examined for;
rock type,
weathering grade and
characteristics of the
discontinuities.
The bank slope stability around the powerhouse location must be resistant to toe
erosion by the stream water.
For this it is important that the
powerhouse location must be above
the maximum flood level and
The rock or soil mass must be
resistant to toe erosion.
Stream Bank instability triggered due to Toe erosion
Investigations at Penstock Alignment
The main factor which is important for penstock alignment is the stability condition
of the slope.
Data pertaining to slope stability condition must be collected.
Firstly, the potentially unstable zones are identified, based
on their field manifestations of instability, such as;
Presence of scarp faces on the steep slope section.
Removal of toe support by natural or manmade activities.
Presence of evidences of slope distress, such as,
development of cracks, bulging of slope face and
other such features.
Presence of zones of excessive seepage.
Slope instability
problems along penstock
alignment may damage
the powerhouse building
also.
Other important engineering geological
aspect which has to be considered along the
penstock alignment is to assess the
foundation conditions at the pillar locations.
The rock or the soil mass present at the
pillar locations must be competent enough to
bear the high static and dynamic loads.
Thus, test pits must be dug to the required
foundation levels to examine the rock or soil
mass.
Investigations at Forebay and Desilting Tank Location
The rock or the soil mass present at the forebay and desilting tank location must be
competent enough to bear the load of the structure.
The adjoining slopes must be stable and
The rock or the soil mass present at the forebay and desilting tank should be
examined for its engineering behavioral characteristic for the intended use.
In case of rock mass;
the rock type,
degree of weathering and
discontinuity characteristics must be assesses.
Investigations at Headrace Channel
The headrace channel alignment in most of the cases will pass through the slopes
which may be of varied soil or rock type.
The slope stability condition along the headrace alignment is of prime concern from
engineering geological point of view.
Investigations at Headrace Channel
The collection of field data is generally done following the principle of `whole to
part.
Through this principle where the entire alignment is surveyed initially and the
potentially unstable zones are identified.
based on their field manifestations of instability,
Once the critical slope sections are identified based on above mentioned instability
manifestations further detailed slope stability studies are carried out.
Later, based on the stability studies proper remedial measures are worked out.
Investigations at Intake and diversion weir site
Efforts must be made to locate these structures on competent rock mass.
Though, with proper design and adequate safety measures these structures can also
be founded in soil mass.
As a part of engineering geological investigation rock mass must be investigated for
its quality and stability along the stream bank slopes and within the stream section.
Depth to fresh rock should be assessed at diversion weir and intake structure.
The exposed rock mass at diversion weir and intake structure site must be
thoroughly mapped for;
its type,
weathering grade and
discontinuity characteristics.
Test pits can also be made to know the physical condition of rock mass particularly in
case of weak rock mass.
The depth to overburden material should be assessed in the stream section.
Ideally the foundation for diversion weir must be laid down on fresh rock,
but where the thickness of overburden material is more the foundation must be laid
down at depth and proper protection for undercutting by stream water must be
made.
Diversion weir and intake structures can also be founded over soil mass,
however thorough investigation of soil mass must be carried out to know the
engineering behavioral characteristic.
In case of soils the primary concern is to protect the foundation from undercutting
and internal erosion of the foundation by the stream water.
Thus, detailed preventive and curative measures have to be employed to protect the
soil foundation.
THANK YOU!!
?
?
Questions
Questions
Tarun K. Raghuvanshi
Ph.D
School of Earthsciences,
Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Small Hydro Power (SHP)

School of Earth Sciences

Identification of a Geologically suitable SHP site is a prerequisite

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Ideally, no site is suitable from geological point of view,

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

However, strength of these rocks

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Weathering may be divided into two;

Highly weathered Limestone Central Ethiopia

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Three sets of overstressed

Discontinuities due to Cooling

Fresh Jointed Quartzite

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Discontinuities in slates day light the slope at less

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

Plunge of line of intersection of two

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

particle size and shape present in it,

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

particle size varying from silt to

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Engineering behavior of soil mass

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Diversion and intake site

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Diversion and intake site

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Diversion and intake site

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Desilting tank and Forebay tank

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD

AHEC, IIT Roorkee, August 24 2015

Tarun K.Raghuvanshi PhD