Water Conveyance System Design Guidelines DoED

The time of concentration (tc) is calculated by the relation:

tc = 0.000324*(L0.77/S0.385) ----------------------------- (2.3)

Where, L = Length of drainage basin in meter measured along the river

channel up to the farthest point on the periphery of the basin
from the point under consideration, and

S = Average slope of the basin from the farthest point to the point
under consideration

As far as sediment is concerned, size distribution of the sediment data and their hardness rather than
the total yield are more important for design of the desanding basin, because the harder particle and
larger size passing through the turbine can wear and erode various machine parts. Hence,
petrographic analysis as well as the determination of hardness of sediment particles is essential.

2.1.3 Geological and Geotechnical Investigations

2.1.3.1 Investigation Procedure

The geological and geotechnical investigation adopted at different stage of study – site identification,
pre-feasibility study and feasibility study for hydropower development delivers certain amount of
information useful for the design purpose. The information obtained in the initial stage of investigation
provides usually the information of general nature. Information of the subsequent phase will be more
specific and qualitative. Review of the findings obtained in each stage should be considered as a
basis for planning the geological / geotechnical investigation works for each subsequent stage. At
design stage geological / geotechnical investigation should be carried out to fill up the gap that is not
covered at the feasibility stage or in other proceeding stages. The geological / geotechnical
investigation pertaining to the study of the structural components of the water conveyance system
involves examination at the following locations:

• Desanding basin;
• Canal;
• Pipe;
• Tunnel;
• Cross drainage (Aqueduct, Siphon and Super-passage)
• Forebay / Surge tank / Surge shaft;
• Penstock; and
• Tailrace

The study should be undertaken to achieve the followings:

• Preparation of engineering geological map covering the desanding basin, canal alignment,
forebay, penstock, powerhouse and tailrace.
• Preparation of engineering geological map and section covering the tunnel alignment and its
portals, and surge tank / surge shaft locations including derivation of rock quality and
overburden cover in the tunnel route.
• Preparation of engineering geological map of the cross drainages covering the locations of
the aqueduct, siphon, super-passage, flume and overflow spillway.
• Sampling and testing for physical and mechanical properties of soil and rocks representing
the desanding basin, canal alignment, tunnel route, tunnel portals, surge tank / surge shaft,
forebay penstock and tailrace sites;
• Drilling and geological field testing at the desanding basin, tunnel portals, forebay surge tank /
surge shaft, and penstock locations; and

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Water Conveyance System Design Guidelines DoED

• Sub-surface examination of the ground condition through conduct of 2D resistivity survey and
seismic refraction survey.

Geological / Geotechnical investigation in the different stages pertinent to the examination of

favourability of the water conveyance route for the hydropower development is to be carried out
following the sequential steps given below.

Identification / Reconnaissance Study

• Review the available information relating to regional geology, photo geology and tectonics,
and topographic base map covering the surroundings of the hydropower development project
area for identification of the alternative water conveyance alignments.
• Define tentative water conveyance routes in the topographic base map.
• Conduct walk over survey around the locations of the alternative water conveyance routes in
consideration of the ground condition and categorization of the options for the further study.
• Identify new potential water conveyance alignments in case those tentative water conveyance
locations do not justify suitability in conjunction to the actual ground condition.
• Recommend the better conveyance locations in case that emerged after the field observation.

Pre-feasibility Study

• Perform review of the alternative water conveyance routes identified during the
reconnaissance study and reconfirm the best option through examination of those locations in
consideration of the favourable and sound ground condition.
• Carry out the traverse survey along the alternative conveyance routes for determination of the
general geological, geo-morphological and stability characteristics of the alignments for
subsequent comparison to establish the best option.
• Recommend (i) modification on the previously identified conveyance alignment if necessary
and (ii) the better conveyance option in case that emerged after the reconfirmation field visit.

Feasibility Study

• Conduct inception / initial field visit so as to confirm that there is not better alternative water
conveyance alignment than those identified in the pre-feasibility stage, and recommend if any
new conveyance alignment is appeared.
• Undertake detailed geological / geotechnical investigation covering the best water
conveyance option as supported by favourable terrain and geological conditions.

Detailed Design

• Perform additional field examination / investigation to gather gap on geological and

geotechnical information required for detailed design purpose, and supplement findings by the
laboratory testing.

Construction

• Undertake observation and recordings at the foundation excavation sites done during the
construction period so as to obtain actual sub-surface geological information at the water
conveyance route and sub-structure location.
• Suggest modification in the design works in reciprocation to the sub-surface geological
changes (anticipated and unanticipated ones).

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Water Conveyance System Design Guidelines DoED

2.1.3.2 Geological / Geotechnical Investigation Standard

Accomplishments of the following activities are recommended while undertaking the geological /
geotechnical investigations at different stages.

S. No. Stages of Study Activities to be undertaken

1. Site Identification or Preliminary Study
1.1 Presentation of regional geology and tectonics of the
surrounding of the project area based on review of
available literature, topographical maps (1:25,000 or
1:50,000 scale), geological map (1:50,000 or 1:63,000
scale), aerial photographs (1:50,000 or 1:63,000 scale).
1.2 Identification of the potential locations of the water
conveyance route and respective structure sites in the
field by conducting walk over survey.
1.3 Comparison of the identified potential options on the
basis of favourability in reference to terrain and
geological conditions.
2. Pre-feasibility Study
2.1 Deliverance of the review report based on the site
identification report and other available maps, geological
maps and sections and aerial photographs and landsat
images.
2.2 Generation of overview perception on regional geology
and geomorphology of the identified sites with
supplementation of the respective map and sections.
2.3 Conduct of field survey at those potential sites and at
new better locations covering the respective water
conveyance route and structure locations for confirmation
of the best options in terms of (i) favourability of the
geological and stability characteristics, and (ii) suitability
of conveyance route either as canal option or as tunnel
option or as combination of both options.
2.4 Derivation of the findings covering the tentative layout
plan indicated on a base map in scale 1:5000 or 1:10,000
prepared by enlargement of the existing topographic map
and aerial photographs.
3. Feasibility Study
3.1 Presentation of the review report based on the pre-
feasibility report and other relevant literature,
topographical maps, geological maps and section, and
aerial photographs depicting (i) regional geology and
tectonics of the region around the project area, and (ii)
geological, geo-morphological and stability
characteristics of the proposed water conveyance system
and structure locations.
3.2 Accomplishment of an initial field survey for
reconfirmation of the best option indicated in the pre-
feasibility stage and recommendation if there is any
additional better option.
3.3 Conduct of detailed geological and geotechnical studies
covering (i) sufficient ground of the desanding basin,
forebay and powerhouse locations as essential for the
construction purpose, (ii) 100 m wide corridor along the
canal alignment including dissecting cross-drainages and
penstock line and (iii) the area bounded by the contours
of same level as the tunnel route observed on the ground
surface and the corresponding alignment.

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