All India Seminar on “Slope Stability Issues in Opencast Mining and Civil Engineering(SSIOMCE-15)

National Institute of Technology-Rourkela : July 25-26, 2015

Stability of Spilway Cutslope at Dhauliganga H.E Project

Dr. Gopal Dhawan* B.D.Patni**

ABSTRACT
The understanding of hill slope stability in the construction of hydro project depends upon the realistic approach of
Geological investigation and cautious construction procedure. The careful appraisal and analysis of geotechnical data
helps to chalk out the strategies for coping with various slope failures. Excavation of 150 m high spillway cut slope of
Dhauliganga project experienced various geotechnical problems due to complex geological setup and adverse
topographical conditions. With successful application of state of the art technology, the problems were conquered with
success. The high angle spillway cut slope necessitated with progressive change in the design of spillway by reducing
its width and utilization of diversion tunnel as spillway tunnel. For the first time in Himalayan terrain, a reinforced
anchored drift was constructed to stabilize the vulnerable spillway cutslope. The present paper deals with the several
geological problems faced during the excavation of 150m high spillway cut slope of 280 MW Dhauliganga Project, St-I
(Uttarakhand) and its remedial measures.
Keywords: Cutslope, Hydroelectric project, geotechnical investigations
INTRODUCTION i. A massive rock slope above the dam axis, spillway,
intake structure and chute channel consisting of
The 280MW Dhauliganga HE Project Stage-1, a run of the jointed biotite gneiss rock mass.
river scheme on river Dhauliganga is located in Dharchula, ii. The overburden slope (less steep) above the spillway
Distt.- Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand (Fig-1). Despite many approach channel was composed of large
odds, the project was successfully completed with disintegrated rocky blocks mixed with soil resulting
scheduled time of 5 years. The project has been from sliding activities in the geological past.
characterized by difficult access condition, unfavorable
topography, very active monsoon and many technological
hurdles. Construction of spillway cutslope and handling
70m deep overburden in the river bed were two major
challenges. In the DPR, 111m high rockfill dam above
foundation with conventional clay core was proposed.
Keeping in view the difficulty in removing deep overburden
in river bed and non-availability of clay borrow areas in
proximity, project design was reviewed in association with
Electro watt Engineering, Switzerland. Subsequently, type
of dam was changed to Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam
(CFRD) of 51m height.
Fig-1. Location and General Layout of Dhauliganga H.E.
Provision of low level chute spillway on the right bank Project
necessitated the excavation of large rock slopes. The GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
natural slope of the existing right bank was grouped into Geological Description
two regions from downstream to upstream.
The project area is located in Chiplakot Formation belonging
*CMD, MECL to Precambrian age. All the structural components of the
**Chief (Geology), NHPC
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project are housed in single formation comprising mainly
of biotite gneiss with subordinate schist & patches of augen
gneiss. The project is bounded by North Chiplakot thrust
in upstream and South Chiplakot thrust in downstream
side which has given rise to intense jointing in the area.
The Chiplakot rock accordingly exhibits prominent jointing
rendering the rock blocky at most of the places. The joint
systems are continuous wherein one joint can be traced
for several hundred meters. An extensive survey had been
carried out during investigation stage (Dhauliganga, 2011).

During investigation stage, the right bank of the dam site

was explored by means of detailed geological mapping (in
1:1000 & 1:500 scale), two nos. (L-10A & L-11) exploratory
drifts at El. 1311.70M & 1327.90M respectively An analysis
of 3-D geological log indicate wide opening along valley
dipping joints with an average dip of 600. Significant
shearing was also noticed along S-4 (hill side dipping joint).
In addition, one drill hole (BH-19), 41.8m deep was drilled
at right abut at El. 1305.2M. The bedrock was encountered
at 16m depth. The initial 35m rock mass (measured
horizontally from ground surface) was affected by steep,
valley dipping stress relief joints having opening up to
300mm. A preliminary kinematic slope stability analysis
based on drift data indicated potential planer failure along
stress relief joints.
Fig 2. Geological Elevation Plan of Spillway Cutslope
Below EL 1351M, the low dipping S-2 joint plane were
daylighted in the slope face having high dip amount as
compared to angle of friction of the rock surface which
caused no. of planar failures before installation of support.
The area above spillway approach channel was occupied
by debris slump accumulated due to landslide. The
overburden consists of mainly large slided blocks and rock
fragments of biotite gneiss embedded in a silty clay matrix.
At few places, the overburden mass consists of silty clay
material.

The area above dam axis and spillway chute channel was
occupied by moderately jointed biotite-gneiss rock mass
with occasional bands of talc mica schist. The rock slopes
on the right bank were clearly influenced by four families
of joints, viz S-1(040-75/40-55), S-2(315-355/50-75), S-
3(120-170/40-70) and S-4(180-220/40-70) (Fig.-2). Among
these, S-2 joint was most vulnerable due to its parallelism
with the cut slope direction i.e. towards valley side. Many
wedge failures have also been experienced at different
levels. The deep seated rock mass in the area exhibited
tightening of joints with lesser frequency. Two major Shear
Zones (20cm-150cm) having attitude 180-210/70-75 & 220/
65 respectively have been recorded in the right bank. During
progressive excavation of cut slope both wedge failure and
planar failure occurred with the combination of foliation &
valley dipping joints (Fig-3). Kinematic analysis of slope
revealed the plunge of the line of intersection of S1 & S2
joint plane was more than the angle of friction of the surface.
The plunge of the line of intersection of the S-1 & S-2
plane was less than that of dip of slope face. The direction
of line of intersection of two planes was also parallel to cut
surface (Fig.4 &5).

Fig 3. Wedge Failure above Road Level in Spillway

Cutslope
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 to be governing failure mechanism above El.1351M. The
analysis confirmed that the wedges formed require
untensioned passive rock anchors of 15, 12, 8 length &
36mm diameter alongwith Fe415 fully grouted steel bars
at approximately 2m c/c forstabilization

Overburden Slope

The overburden (debris slump) was comprising of large

boulders & rock fragments of biotite gneiss embedded in
clayey matrix. The overall angle of stability of the overburden
in the approach channel area was assessed about 35
degree. It was reasonable to assume that steeper
excavation could mobilise mass movement during rains,
although sudden failure of entire slope was ruled out. It
was estimated that permanent stabilization of entire
excavation in overburden area would be very extensive &
costly. Therefore excavated slope in the overburden was
Fig 4. Geological Section of Spillway Cutslope at Ch.0 specified as 1H:1.25V with 3m wide benches at 15m
(Dam Axis) vertical intervals. The average excavated inclination of the
slope was 45° (Fig.-8).

Fig-6. Tender Stage Layout of Dam Complex

Fig 5. Geological Section of Spillway Cutslope at Ch.63

CUTSLOPE GEOMETRY AND SUPPORT
Rock slope

As per the tender drawing, a 10 m wide road was proposed

at El. 1351M. Two number berms each 5m wide were
specified at El. 1324M and at El. 1376M respectively (Fig.-
6). The slope between the berms was specified as 1H: 8V
and 1H: 10V above El. 1351M and below El.1351M
respectively. The overall slope was 1H: 3V and extended
upto El.1400M and at some locations upto EL.1420 M
(Fig.-7). Thus the total height of the slope in the area
between dam axis and power intake was 120m and in area
downstream, less than 100m. Based on the analysis of
discontinuity data, planar & wedge failure was considered Fig 7. Tender Stage Cut Slope Design
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INCIDENCE OF SLOPE FAILURE

The inherent geological and topographical environment of

the area was the causative factors for instability of the
slope. The main problem experienced was due to adverse
orientation of rock discontinuities and mobilization of
unconsolidated overburden (debris slump) mass during
rainy season. Initially, the slope excavation started from
El. 1460M in overburden in the approach channel. The
excavated slope was provided at 1H: 1.25V with 3m wide
benches at 15m intervals (Fig.-9). Excavation was then
extended towards the downstream between chainage 30
and chainage 90. At the toe below El 1400M the rock was
Fig 9. The Development of benches at EL 1459.0 m and
exposed in spillway channel area.
disposition of the natural slopes in upstream side

Fig 10. Slope Failure in Spillway occurred in March and

Fig -8. Excavation of Slope in Overburden
Initially in March, 2001, a small rock slide occurred at El ±
1420M. Thereafter, on April 24, 2001 in the bedrock area,
a massive rock slide took place which extended upto
El.1480M (Fig.-10). The rock mass measuring about 45 x
50 x 25m slided down by about 25m. It was resting partly
on the 1411M bench. The quantity of the failed rock mass
was about 25000 m3. The phenomenon was so deep that
the existing provision of support could not save the failure.
The mechanism of the slide involved two wedges formed
by the joint combination of 335/60 and 015/60 & 335/60
and 100/70 (Fig.-11). In the month of June 2001, due to
incessant rains, the excavated slope in overburden mass
got saturated and resulted in failure of 15m high benches
(Fig.-12). Before commencing further work, it was
considered necessary to reanalyze the existence &
behavior of the valley dipping joints and probable unstable
wedges in the higher elevations (Gupta, R.K. and Kumar
Rajeeva., 2006). The detailed geological mapping was
carried out and updated sections were prepared for further
analysis.
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April, 2001
Additional Safeguards
The cutting of high angle hill slope required an understanding
of nature of major change in the behaviour of shear strength
parameters of discontinuities that took place during
progressive excavation. By considering the high angle of
slope cut, opening along discontinuities and existence of
unstable large wedges the design was reviewed as follows:
1. The global slope was modified from 1H: 3V to 1H: 2V
to reduce the quantum of rock support needed (Fig.-
13a &b). In addition to that, number of bays was also
reduced from 3 to 2 bays and the existing diversion
tunnel was converted into spillway tunnel by providing
inclined connecting tunnel.
2. The numbers of intermediate branches were kept
minimum to avoid the need for additional support for
berm stability.
3. As primary support provision was kept to install rock
anchors and to depend minimum on installation of
tendons as it was time consuming.
4. To treat the open joints and to enhance the reliability
of passive rock anchors, extensive grouting was
carried out.
5. To ensure the stability of the slope between El.1480
M and El.1411M in approach round area anchor drift
were suggested at El.1450 M and El.1411M.
Fig -11. Kinematic Analysis of Joints in Spillway Cutslope
Fig-12. Failure of Overburden in Spillway
Fig 13 (a). Originally Proposed Spillway Cutslope Section
Fig-13 (b).Modified Spillway Cutslope Section
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EXCAVATION & SUPPORT OF SPILLWAY CUTSLOPE
AS PER MODIFIED DESIGN
To accommodate low level chute spillway structure,
excavation of right bank area commenced in Nov’2000.
The right bank cut slope was divided into 3 zones:
— Spillway cut slope from Ch. 173 to Ch. 48.3m.
— Approach round cut slope from Ch.0 to Ch. 68m at
El. 1411M.
— Approach channel cut slope from Ch. (AR 60 to 200)m.
The surface area of excavation slope was 30,000 m2 in
rock and 30,000 m2 in overburden. Maximum height of slope
in rock and overburden was 120m and 150m respectively.
The spillway cut slope between EL 1410M to EL 1295M
was excavated by providing berms at EL 1410M (5m wide),
EL 1375M (5m wide), EL 1351M (8m wide) and EL 1310M
(5m wide) respectively. Excavation of 5m has been carried
out at one cycle and supported properly before lowering
down to next level. Spillway cut slope was supported by
untensioned rock anchors of 36mm dia and fully grouted
steel bars at approx. 2m c/c. The length of the rock anchors
(level wise) ranges from 15m, 12m, 8m & 6m respectively.
Excavation slope between the El. 1351 M and El. 1310 M
was kept as 1H:3V. A berm of width 8-10 meters was
provided at El.1310 M. The slope between El. 1310 M up
to the foundation level was provided as vertical. For the
bucket and the deflector wall in the downstream end of
spillway, rock anchors 15 m long and three rows of tendon
were also specified. All these anchors were to be extended
into concrete cladding, while 50% of tendons were to be
extended into the concrete to give a positive force to
concrete cladding. For the power intake area vertical
excavation was required to be carried out between El.1335
M and El.1310 M. The slope between El.1335 M and
El.1324 M was provided with two rows of tendons and
spacing of 15m/12m long rock anchors were also reduced
to 1.4X1.4m. The excavation for tunnel spillway intake was
carried out very carefully due to presence of opening along
S-2 joints (5mm-15mm) and reduced side cover. Extensive
consolidation grouting was carried out once some
movement was noticed during excavation of tunnel spillway
intake. During excavation large cavities were also noticed
in the approach channel area at EL 1410M. Approx. 400
m3 concrete was poured to till the cavities.
EXECUTION OF DRIFT ANCHORS
Two numbers of longitudinal exploratory drifts were made
for the purpose of exploration which were later reinforced
and concreted to serve as high capacity passive drift
anchors for providing additional support for the rock mass
at EL.1450M and at EL. 1411M (Fig.-14). The 3-D geological
log of the drifts were influenced by 4 sets of discontinuities
having large opening up to 500mm along S-1 & S-2, 0570-
075 0/50 0-700 , 3000-340 0/51 0-75 0 joint at places. The
intersection of these two joint plan were forming large
unstable wedges. Three cross drifts along with a longitudinal
drift (45 m long) at El.1450M was constructed. One cross
drift (Limb A) was 40m long and the other two (Limb B &
Limb C) were each of 30 m length. The force requirement
against possible wedge failure and the resisting force
provided by drifts were compared.
CONSOLIDATION GROUTING ON THE RIGHT BANK
OF SPILLWAY
i. After evaluation of the geological discontinuities of the
spillway slope and analyzing the design aspect of the
various geological problems, extensive consolidation
grouting with cement and sand was undertaken from
the open joints and drill holes, which covers the spillway
slope over a length of ± 100 mts. and extended down
to the level of El. 1318M.
ii. The basic concept of doing consolidation grouting in
the spillway slope was to seal the open joints and
strengthen the rock mass to the large extent before
further excavation.
iii. The grouting was carried out by drilling 89mm dia hole,
15m deep in to the rock at 6m spacing c/c in staggered
pattern. The holes were drilled normal to the surface.
iv. In the beginning, the grouting was carried out in single
stage at higher elevation. Lateron it was conducted in
three stages by using mechanical packers.
v. About 6000 tonnes of cement and 200 tones of sand
were consumed in the spillway slope grouting.
vi. Maximum grout intake of 114.05 tones in terms of
cement was consumed in hole no. 27 at El. 1403M
vii. An analysis of drilling data indicated presence of wide-
open joints beyond 8 to 10 mts from the surface,
encountered during the drilling of holes above El.
1435m. Sudden loss of pressure and fast penetration
of drill rod also exhibits the presence of cavities
between Ch.+30 to +65 above El. 1403M.
Fig-14. Layout of Anchor Drift
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Concrete and reinforcement work of the drift at El.1450M
was completed in about three month’s time (Fig.15a&b).
Another set of drifts had also been constructed at EL 1411M
in a similar fashion (Gautam. P.C. and Tripathi. L.K., 2006).
Reasons for heavy grout intake are as follows:
i. Geologically the spillway slope is segmented by open
discontinuities of varying depth.
ii. Presence of wide open joints/cavities is big consumer
of grout mix.
iii. As indicated by geological section high persistence
of open joints are causative and contributing factor for
free transmissivity of grout mix.
RESTORATION OF OVERBURDEN SLOPE (DEBRIS
SLIDE)
The slided overburden mass (boulder) above spillway
channel was restored by providing catch water drain at EL
1425M to arrest the storm water and channelized it towards
the rock slope. The slope between EL 1380 & EL 1351M
was excavated at 1H/1V and supported with reinforced
concrete gabion grid. Extensive plantation was also carried
out in the debris slide area (Fig. 16).
STABILIZATION OF SPILLWAY SLOPE
By adopting innovative design modifications and state of
the art construction management techniques, the spillway
slope was stabilized and the project was commissioned
in Mach, 2005 without delay (Fig.-17).
Fig 15 (a). Open joint shown in the side wall at RD 17M in
the exploratory drift at EL 1450M, Spillway Cutslope area
Fig 15 (b). A frontal view of Exploratory Drift at EL 1450M
on the Spillway Cutslope showing reinforcement before
concreting
 for cutting of such a large slope. It needs a thorough
recording of geotechnical data, careful construction
management and innovative ideas to deal with slope
hazards. Moreover, in the present scenario, hydro power
projects with difficult, inaccessible terrain & complex
geological conditions only are left for construction. In this
context, excavation of 150m high spillway cut slope of
Dhauliganga project has given the technical confidence to
deal with more & more complex geological situations. In
spite of concurrent failures in the spillway cut slope the
problems were overcome & the slope was excavated within
scheduled time and is intact & stable thereafter.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors express their sincere gratitude to NHPC

Fig 16. Concrete Cladding & Overburden support above
approach channel area
management for granting permission to prepare the present
paper. Support and help rendered by Shri Arindom
Chakraborty, AM (Geology), NHPC, Shri V.K.Aggarwal,
Executive Draftsman and Shri Pardeep Kumar Jain, Sr.
Sup (IT), NHPC is highly appreciated and acknowledged.

REFERENCES

1. Dhauliganga, 2011. H.E.Project (Geology Chapter),

Fig 17. Overall view of Dhauliganga CFRD showing stabi-
lized Spillway slope
CONCLUSION
In the geologically complex & tectonically active Himalayan
region, it is difficult to get favourable geological condition
Patni B.D.et.al. , NHPC Limited (Unpublished Project
Completion Report)
2. Gautam. P.C. and Tripathi. L.K., 2006; Construction
Aspects of Dhauliganga Cutoff wall; Indian Journal of
Power and River Valley Development, Special Issue
on Dhauliganga Hydroelectric Project, Stage-I,
January-February, 2006.
3. Gupta, R.K. and Kumar Rajeeva., 2006; Dhauliganga
dam complex layout optimization – influence of Geo-
Technical conditions.; Indian Journal of Power and
River Valley Development, Special Issue on
Dhauliganga Hydroelectric Project, Stage-I, January-
February, 2006.

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