Water Conveyance System Design Guidelines DoED

Tailrace

Surface examination done at the powerhouse site with supplementation of the sub-surface
investigation carried out through the drilling, 2D resistivity survey or seismic refraction survey will
provide the necessary information about the nature of overburden soils and rock occurred at the
tailrace location as well. The findings of the geological / geotechnical investigations performed
covering the powerhouse and tailrace locations should indicate the characteristics of the overburden
soil and bedrocks in a map of scale 1:1000 and in a section of scale 1:200 or 1:400 as appropriate.

In case the powerhouse location is placed in the underground, the corresponding tailrace will be in the
form of tunnel. Such tailrace tunnel should be driven through the sound and stable rock. In the context
of the hydropower development in Nepal, the length of tailrace tunnel differs greatly in reference to the
geological and topographical conditions of the project area. The longest tailrace tunnel in Nepal is one
kilometer long for the Andhi Khola Hydropower Project.

Cross Drainages

Geological / geotechnical investigation at the different cross-drainages is to be conducted to

determine the characteristics of the overburden soils and bedrocks, and their likely position at the
foundation of either the aqueduct or the siphon or the super-passage or the overflow spillways or the
flumes. Assessment of the foundation condition will be based on the surface examination of the
overburden materials and rock exposures present in the river bed and on the banks. Sub-surface
examination by pitting may be necessary in absence of any rock exposures. Geological section
representing the respective structural component location should be prepared in a scale 1:200 or
1:400 as appropriate.

2.1.3.4 Requirement of Seismicity Study

General

The geology of Nepal has resulted from the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The initial conveyance between the plates involved the closing of the ancient sea between the two
land masses and the subduction beneath the Eurasian plate of the denser oceanic plate underlying
the Indian Continental plate. Between 40 and 50 million years age, the gap between the continents
was completely closed and continent to continent collision commenced. From this point on, the
evolution of the present day Himalayan mountain chain began with sediments, igneous intrusions and
the progressive elevation of land mass. Therefore, the Himalayan arch in which whole Nepal is
included is one of the most seismically active areas in the world.

The location of the initial interaction and conveyance is thought to be the Indus-Tsangpo Suture (ITS).
With further conveyance, the ancient sea which separated the land masses was closed, and the
Continental Indian plate began to sub-duct beneath the Eurasian Plate. The active boundary between
these tectonic plate, progressively shifted southwards from ITS, first to the main central thrust (MCT),
and then to the main boundary thrust (MBT). All these structures are of continental dimensions and
have been the location of great earthquakes. The southern line of the Siwaliks is bordered by the
Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF), which although comparable in length to MCT and MBT, is thought to
be composed of a series of shorter segments.

Study Requirement

The study on seismicity will be aimed to derive the seismicity characteristic of the project areas and
surroundings for the design purpose. Its ultimate objective will be to establish the seismic coefficient
to be considered for designing the structural components of the water conveyance systems. The
study should be emphasized on the following aspects covering 200 km of the project area.

• Review and interpretation of the available historical and instrumental seismicity data for
defining significant earthquake in consideration of the factors such as the location, distance,
magnitude and intensity.
• Review and interpretation of the geological maps, aerial photographs and landsat images for
categorization fault for identification and categorization of the different faults and earthquake
sources.

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Water Conveyance System Design Guidelines DoED

• Determination of reoccurrence period and magnitude for the significant earthquakes.

• Derivation of the peak ground acceleration for Maximum Design Earthquake with
consideration of the seismic co-efficient values recommended in the region for the similar
project.
• Risk assessment in consideration of ground movement dislocation and rock shattering of
fault, ground creep, landslide and rock fault.

Seismic Design Parameters

The site accelerations due to an earthquake on the identified tectonic structures have to be assessed
based on acceleration attenuation distance relationships derived from recent worldwide records in
similar geological environments. It is considered that MBT is capable of generating a maximum
credible earthquake (MCE) of magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. The current practice of the design of
important water retaining structure is based on the 84th percentile peak horizontal acceleration
resulting from the MCE. The large reservoirs are to be designed with an acceleration value of 0.5 g
corresponding to a return period of 1000 years. Due to lesser sensitivity to catastrophic damage
leading to loss of lives and property conveyance system structures are recommended to be designed
with an acceleration value of 0.15 to 0.25 g risk and economic sensitivity has to be taken care off by
the designer while adopting actual design value of the acceleration.

2.1.3.5 Safety Consideration for Geological and Geotechnical Investigations

Conduct of all geological and geotechnical activities in a safe manner can prevent injuries to persons
and damage to properties and equipment. All injuries can be prevented. No tasks shall be undertaken
until adequate safeguards have been provided to protect every involved professional from injuries due
to recognized hazards. All professional involved in the above mentioned activities had the
responsibility for safety of themselves and others. Where it is not reasonable or practical to eliminate
the sources of danger, measures must be taken to use safe procedures, guards, safety devices and
protective clothing. It is also important that the professionals take an active and personal interest both
in own safety and in the safety of his work mates.

Safety Code of Conduct

• Observe all safety rules;

• Wear personal protective equipment where required;
• Be enthusiastic about safety;
• Give safety priority among the problems;
• Understand the job safety analysis or/ and equipment procedures of each job;
• Take time to evaluate possible hazards before beginning any job;
• Correct unsafe acts immediately even if it requires stopping the job; and
• Be alert for unsafe conditions.

General Safety Rules

A safety rule, for the most part, is a common sense applied to working habits. It is impossible to list a
rule covering every situation, but below are safety rules which apply to all professionals involved in
geological and geotechnical investigations at all times.

• Approved safety hammer, safety glasses and safety foot wear must be worn while
undertaking investigation on the ground surface, and a safety hat is mandatory in the
drilling job either on the surface or under ground;
• Additional safety hat, safety lamp and safety cloths must be used while performing the
investigation under ground;
• Dark glasses should not be worn in the under ground.

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