World Tunnel Congress 2008 - Underground Facilities for Better Environment and Safety - India

Quality assurance of pressure shafts of Tala hydroelectric project in Bhutan

Hari Dev, U.S. Vidyarthi & Rajbal Singh
Central Soil and Materials Research Station, New Delhi, India

R.K. Jogota
Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd., India

SYNOPSIS : Quality in construction, in its broadest sense implies fulfilment of technical, financial and
other social needs which constructed facility is intended to satisfy. The quality control/quality assurance implementation plans require the checking and testing of all input materials at manufacturing source transportation, processing, placement and maintenance thereafter. The present paper describes the various measures adopted for achieving the desired quality control standards in the construction of pressure shafts of Tala Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan. 1. INTRODUCTION executed by the Tala Hydroelectric Project Authority (THPA) which is a joint venture of the Govt. of India and the Royal Govt. of Bhutan. A 168 m deep and 12/15 m diameter restricted orifice type surge shaft has been provided to take care of the surges arising from sudden shut down of the turbines. Two inclined pressure shafts (PS) of 4.0 m diameter emerging from surge shaft bottom at EL 1252m and inclined at 550 and 520 feed the water to six generating units. Excavation of these shafts was done through four adits at EL 499 m, 765 m, 1010 m and 1252 m. Initially, a pilot hole of 1.5 m dia was made which was widened to about 5.5 m for accommodating 4 m dia steel pipes. Thickness of steel liner varied from 30 mm to 45 mm. Layout of pressure shafts is shown in Figure 2.

Tala Hydroelectric Project is a run of the river scheme in South West Bhutan in Eastern Himalayas, located 3 km downstream of the existing 336 MW Chukha Hydroelectric Project on river Wangchu. The project has constructed a 92m high concrete gravity dam, three desilting chambers for removal of silt; a modified horse shoe tunnel of 6.8m diameter and 23 km in length to carry the water to underground powerhouse (206m x 20.4m x 44.5m) for utilising a gross fall of 861.5m. A simple horse shoe type tail race tunnel of 3.2 km length and 7.75m diameter will discharge the water back into river Wangchu. The installed capacity of powerhouse is 1020MW (6 x 170MW). Layout plan of project is shown in Fig. 1. The project has been

POWER HOUSE
WANG CHU
CH U

DAM

TAIL RACE TUNNEL

DU GE

THIYOMA CHU

CH U

MI RC HIN G

U CH

PA DE

SURGE SHAFT

UNNEL ACE T EAD R H

Figure 1. Layout plan of Tala hydroelectric project

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Dome 12/15m dia Surge shaft

S.S. Top adit at EL 1425 Adit to Surge shaft drainage gallery

S.S. Bottom adit at EL 1252

Drainage gallery
Head Race Tunnel

Valve House
Pressure shaft No. II

Pressure shaft No. 1

2nd Intermediate adit at EL 1010

1st Intermediate adit at EL 765

Adit to Pressure shaft bottom

Transformer hall cavern

Draft tube gate grooves

Drainage gallery
Power house cavern

Main access tunnel (MAT)

Figure 2. Layout of surge shaft, pressure shafts and power house complex

This paper presents quality control/quality assurance of construction materials, mix designs of concrete, grouting in pressure shafts and tests on steel liners of Tala hydroelectric project in Bhutan. 2. QUALITY SYSTEM NECESSITY AND RELEVANCE

Quality in construction, in its broadest sense implies fulfilment of technical, financial and other social needs which constructed facility is intended to satisfy. In the process of setting and defining the level of quality desired as well as realising the same in actual construction, a number of parties get involved to perform a number of different work functions i.e. management organisation, technical, administrative and audit aspects. Quality Assurance is defined as all those planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that the product or service will satisfy the given requirements for quality. Quality Assurance is essentially a process of planning or forward thinking. The objective of Quality Assurance is Engineering for Quality rather than Inspection for Quality within an organisation. Quality Assurance serves as a management tool where as, Quality control are those actions related to the physical characteristics of the materials, processes and services which provide a means to measure and control the characteristics to predetermined quantitative criteria. Therefore, Quality Control is a production tool.

il Ta

958

Ra ce

Adit to T/H top (CATT) Adit to MHC top (CAMT)

el nn Tu

3.

QUALITY CONTROL OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS Laboratory testing of concrete/ Steel Fibre Reinforced Shotcrete ingredients such as aggregates, cement, micro-silica, water reducing admixtures, accelerators, non shrinkage admixtures, water, etc was done regularly. Tests of reinforcement bars and production test coupons of steel liner works of pressure shafts were got conducted through reputed Government agencies in India. Aggregates were tested for mechanical, physical and chemical properties (IS 383:1970, IS 2386: 1976). Cement was tested for initial and final setting time apart from important characteristic of compressive strength (IS 455:1989, IS 1489 - Part I:1991, IS 3535:1986, IS 4031 Part I to Part VI:1988 and IS 8112:1982). Chemical properties of cement were also got assessed. The fast set resin capsules and cement capsules used in installation of rock bolts were tested for compressive strength and setting time criteria. Steel reinforcement bars were regularly tested for tensile and elongation properties as per IS 1786:1985. Every batch of concrete admixtures such as superplasticizers, accelerating agents, micro-silica, steel fibres etc. were checked for conformity with Indian Standards (IS 9103:1999 and ASTM C-1240). The most important ingredient in concrete i.e. water to be used in concrete should be clean and free from injurious amounts of oil, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, organic materials or any other substances that may be deleterious to concrete or steel (IS 456:2000). Water used for mixing and curing of concrete was found suitable.

4. CONCRETE AND GROUT 4.1 Concrete mix designs Mix designs were finalised after carrying out a number of trials in site laboratory as per Indian Standard guidelines (IS 10262:1982). Pumpable concrete of M20A20 grade was provided as backfill concrete between steel liner and excavated rock surface in inclined section and in horizontal section. M25A20 grade concrete was used in RCC jacketing around the liner in PS manifolds and bifurcations. M15A20 grade concrete was used for plugging of intermediate construction adits. Concrete mix designs for M25A20 grade concrete in horizontal section of pressure shafts and M15A20 grade concrete for adit plugs were also implemented with non-shrink compound. Concrete cubes were cast and tested as per IS codes. Concrete mixes implemented in concreting works of pressure shaft and PS manifolds are summarised in Table 1.

least and quality of concrete at placement site did not vary as dispatched from the batching plant. 4.2 M20A20 grade concrete Concrete of M20A20 grade pumpable mix with sufficient workability and strength was placed between steel liner and excavated rock surface. The mix design was revised with PSC due to its advantages over OPC. Concrete mix with self compacting properties was also used at certain congested locations and in cavity areas because of presence of reinforcement and stiffeners. Cube compressive strength of M20A20 grade concrete with cement content of 340 kg/m3 (PSC) at EL 1010 m is shown in Fig. 3. Average 28 days cube compressive strength at EL 1010 m varied from 17.93 MPa to 27.00 MPa with an overall average of 23.54 MPa and standard deviation of 2.44 MPa. Average 28 days cube compressive strength at EL 765m varied from 16.59 MPa to

Table 1. Concrete mix designs for pressure shafts Grade Cement Concrete/SFRS Ingredients, kg/m3 Micro- Sand 20 mm 10 Water silica mm 25 20 25 25 732 697 737 799 749 709 774 770 776 625 659 439 696 375 664 442 170 185 170 Water Reducing Admixture 5.10 6.57 5.44 5.625 5.92 6.30 5.20 4.80 4.80 6.375 NSC Steel/ Fibre 1.70 1.70 1.125 1.60 1.60 1.275 Slump mm Remarks

M20A20 340 PSC M20A20 340 OPC M20A20 340 OPC M20A20 375 PSC M20A20 350 OPC M20A20 325 OPC M20A20 325 PSC M15A20 320 PSC M15A20 320 OPC M25A20 400 OPC

23010 11010

Backfill behind make up pieces of 11010 steel liner

488 488 187.5 621 414 185

23010 PS Cavity area Cavity locations

6.475 13010 -

835 388 178.5 641 427 172.25 638 426 643 428 176 176

13010 Backfill conc. In PS 11010 11010 11010 13010 RCC jacket at EL 499 Adit plugs

754 406 161.5

Considering the difficult placement conditions in inclined pressure shafts, mix designs were provided so that the concrete behind steel liners could get fully compacted and no void is left. The workability was kept such that concrete could be pumped up to a height of about 100 m without choking of delivery pipes and segregation. Batching plants were set up at different locations along the pressure shafts alignment such that transit time was

30.51 MPa with an overall average of 23.19 MPa and standard deviation of 3.41 MPa. In order to evaluate the long term potential strength of concrete, cubes were also tested for 90 days and 180 days of age. Average cube compressive strength at 90 days and 180 days at EL 1010 m were 29.01 MPa and 32.75 MPa, respectively. Values of average cube compressive strength at 90 days and 180 days at EL 765m were 30.09 MPa and 36.49 MPa, respectively.

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40.00 35.00 Com pressive Strength, M Pa 30.00 25.00 20.00 15.00 10.00 5.00 0.00

7 days Characteristic Strength 90 days 23.10.04 13.04.05 24.07.05 14.08.05 07.09.05 24.09.05 08.10.05 20.10.05 29.10.05 16.11.05 04.12.05 20.12.05 26.12.05 02.01.06

28 days 28 days Average Strength

11.01.06

23.01.06

08.02.06

17.02.06

05.03.06

13.03.06

22.03.06

10.04.06

Date of Sampling

Figure 3. Compressive strength of M20A20 grade backfill concrete

4.3 M25A20 grade concrete In pressure shaft manifolds and bifurcations, RCC jacketing was specified by the designers with M25A20 grade concrete. Steel reinforcement bars of 32 mm diameter and Fe 415 grade of steel was used in RCC jacketing. 4.4 Elastic modulus of concrete Cores extracted from backfill concrete in cavities and backfill concrete behind steel liners were tested for elastic modulus. Elastic modulus of M20A20 grade backfill concrete behind steel liners varied from 21.89 GPa to 22.90 GPa. Elastic modulus of M15A20 grade backfill concrete used in treatment of cavities varied from 19.71 GPa to 19.79 GPa. These values of elastic modulus were closely matching with theoretical values as per IS 456 2000 (Eck = 5000 fck). 4.5 Grouting Consolidation grouting of surrounding rock mass was completed in adit plug sections at EL 499m, 765m and 1010m upto a maximum pressure of 7 kg/cm2. Water cement grout mix of 1:1 consistency was used for consolidation grouting of rock mass. Grouting was continued till refusal. Following types of grouting was required to be carried out after fixing of steel liners and completion of backfill concrete in pressure shaft: Void (Skin) Grouting- Void (Skin) grouting was done to fill up any voids between steel

liner and concrete at maximum pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2. Contact grouting The contact between rock and concrete was filled with cement grout at a maximum pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2 through drill holes upto 300mm deep into rock through steel liner. Consolidation Grouting Contact grouting holes were redrilled upto 4m depth from steel liners and the rock mass around the shaft was to be grouted with cement grout at a maximum pressure 7 kg/cm2.

The above sequence of grouting was followed in pressure shafts. But in order to save time in reach between EL 1010 m and 765 m, following procedure was adopted to carry out trial for checking difference in grout intake after the skin grout in particular hole: With contact grouting by drilling 300 mm into rock and then carrying out consolidation grouting in the same hole after redrilling up to 4 m depth. By carrying out contact as well as consolidation grouting in the single hole of 4 m depth with initial pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2 and then increasing the pressure to 7 kg/cm2.

After carrying out this exercise, it was observed that average grout intake in two stage contact and consolidation grouting was almost the

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23.04.06

same as grout intake for contact and consolidation grouting through a single hole of 4 m depth. Hence, it was proposed that grouting in inclined reach between EL 1010m and 765m can be carried out in the following sequence without compromising on any quality aspect: Void (Skin) grouting with maximum pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2 with leaner mix of 3:1 (water: cement) with 1% non shrink compound. Contact and consolidation grouting through single hole of 4 m depth with maximum pressure of 7 kg/cm2 with dosage of 1% non shrink compound and grout mix of 1:1 consistency.

various quality tests. Application of heat before, during and after welding was done because of the following reasons: to avoid cold cracking, minimize shrinkage and distortion, to increase toughness of weld joint, and to reduce residual stresses.

These fabricated pieces of 5.0 m length were then transported to corporative sites, erected, aligned, welded and tested in the field also. Fig. 4 shows a photograph of steel liners with stiffeners in position at EL 499 in PS-I.

The necessity of contact grouting, if any, was decided by actual contact grouting in jump holes after completion of consolidation grouting. IS: 5872 (Part VII): 1972 also suggest that where consolidation grouting is done; generally contact grouting is not resorted to. Actual contact grouting was tried in some jump holes after grouting and no grout intake was observed which proved the efficacy of grouting sequence adopted. 5. FABRICATION STEEL LINER AND ERECTION OF
Figure 4. Photograph of the steel liners in position at EL 499 in PS-I

For steel liner of pressure shafts, steel plates conforming to ASTM - A - 537 class - II and ASTM - A 517 grade F of varying thickness i.e. 30 mm, 34 mm, 38 mm and 45 were used for inclined and horizontal reach. Specification and properties of steel plates are given in Table 2. Fabrication of steel liners was done in the ferrule workshop set up at EL 1530. Steel plates were bent into required dia of 4.0 m, 3.25 m and 2.3 m. For 4 m and 3.25 m dia erection pipes, 2 bent plates were assembled to give 2.5 m long shell. However, 2.3 m dia plates were fabricated from a single plate. Two shells were then welded to make 5m long pipe. These pipes were then subjected to

5.1 Quality assurance/quality control tests for steel liners Weld tests are necessary to confirm the choice of filler material and welding process for defined base material (steel plate) and to make sure that final features of the welded joint have achieved the required standards. Production weld test plate of size 900 mm x 400 mm consisting of two strips, welded edge to edge in longitudinal direction was prepared. During production, test plates were

Table 2. Specification and properties of steel plates for ps steel liners Type of Steel Tensile Strength MPa 550-690 795-930 Properties of Steel Yield Strength Elongation in 50 mm, % MPa (Minimum) (Minimum) 415 22 690 16 Impact Value Joules at 200C (Minimum) 40 41

ASTM A-537 Class - II ASTM A 517 Grade F

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prepared at regular specified intervals and were treated in the similar manner. Various tests such as radiographic examination, tensile tests, bending test, impact test, hardness test, chemical analysis, microscopic/ macroscopic examination, Xgroove restraint cracking test, diffusible hydrogen test etc were conducted to monitor the soundness and properties of welds on routine basis. 5.1.1 Dye penetration test After completion of welding from one side of V groove, the weld at the root was grounded and dye penetration test (DPT) conducted to check for defects, if any. The same was rectified by grinding and re-welding. 5.1.2 Radiographic examination All the longitudinal as well as circumferential joints were subjected to 100% radiographic examination. The following defects were judged unacceptable: Any type of crack, or zone of complete fusion or penetration. Any elongated slag inclusion, which has length greater than 1/3t, where t is the thickness of the weld. Any group of slag inclusion in line that have an aggregate length greater than t in a length of 12t except when the distance between the successive imperfections exceeds 6L where L is the length of largest imperfection in the group.

circumferential welding joints of stiffeners with the pipe were checked by Magnetic Particle Inspection test and specified number of joints between two stiffeners by ultrasonic testing. 5.1.5 Testing of field welds All the field circumferential joints are subjected to ultrasonic tests. Any defect was taken due care. After completion of skin, contact and consolidation grouting, grout holes were plugged with steel plugs of the same material and the plug welds were subjected to dye penetration tests for detection of pinholes/cracks. Each plug was tested in the presence of quality control representatives. The defects noticed in the plugs were attended by the executing agency and DPT was conducted again till it was found defect free. The results of DPT conducted on grout plug wildings are given in Table 3. Out of 3830 number of total plugs, defects were noticed in 584 plugs which were subsequently rectified by the contracting agency.
Table 3 Results of DPT on grout plugs in PS-I and PS-II Pressure Shaft Location Total Plugs DPT Conducted 1688 Defects Noticed and Rectified 303

PS-I

PS-II

5.1.3 Hydrostatic pressure testing After radiographic examination, the pipes were subjected to hydrostatic pressure varying from 25 kg/cm2 to 139 kg/cm2 depending upon the thickness of steel plate. The test pressure was applied for a sufficient time for detection of leakage or other defects. 5.1.4 Magnetic particle and ultrasonic test for welding of stiffeners Stiffeners and backing plate for grout plugs were welded on pipes as specified in the drawings. Same grade of steel for respective pipe was used. The

Horizontal, bends and inclined reach Manifolds 1, 2 and 3 Horizontal, bends and inclined reach Manifolds 4, 5 and 6

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314 1604

314 1604

22 250

224

224

5.2 Hydrostatic pressure testing of bifurcations Each pressure shaft feeds three generating units. Therefore, each pressure shaft is bifurcated twice at the horizontal section for feeding each turbine unit. The erection of Ypieces or bifurcations is a very complex job. After completion of bifurcation 3 and 4 of PS - II, the hydrostatic testing was taken up. For deciding the maximum hydrostatic pressure, a criterion as per technical specification was adopted.

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Maximum pressure was applied equivalent to minimum of the following: 1.5 times the maximum head of water, 90% of the yield strength of steel plates, or 50% of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of steel plates.

welded joints of bifurcations 1 and 2 were carried out and no leakage was observed during the entire test. 6. PAINTING OF DAMAGED SURFACE, CIRCUMFERENTIAL FIELD JOINTS AND GROUT PLUG/CLEAT AREAS

Therefore, based upon this criteria, hydrostatic pressure of 89 kg/cm2 was applied which was guided by the 50% UTS of steel i.e. 7900 kg/cm2. 5.2.1 Bifurcation 3 and 4 After erection of 4.0m dia, 45mm thick hemispherical bulkhead at reducer end (EP 406), entire horizontal reach of steel liner between EP 406 and MIVs of units 4, 5 and 6, water was filled in the shell. These bifurcations were tested upto a maximum pressure of 89 kg/cm2. Pressure in steel liner assembly being tested was increased slowly and uniformly to 89 kg/cm2. The hydrostatic pressure was applied in stages of 25, 50, 75 and 89 kg/cm2. At each stage, load was maintained for 1015 minutes. All the bifurcation joints including exposed circumferential/ longitudinal joints of pipes were physically inspected for leakage or defects. The pressure was then reduced to 66 kg/cm2 and again increased to 89 kg/cm2. This process was repeated twice. Bifurcations 3 and 4 were found without any defect. 5.2.2 Bifurcation 1 and 2 After erection of 4.0 m diameter 45 mm thick hemispherical bulkhead at reducer end (EP 209), entire horizontal reach of steel liner between EP 209 and Main Inlet Valves (MIV) of units 1, 2 and bulkhead at MIV end for manifolds 3; hydrostatic pressure testing was taken up. Strain gauges were installed on the steel liner bifurcations at specified points in consultation with designers. After installation of strain gauges, the entire horizontal reach of steel liner was filled with water. Strain measurements of steel liner were monitored for assessment of actual stresses at different pressures. After attaining a hydrostatic pressure of 75 kg/cm2, leakage was observed through a small pinhole/crack in a weld joint of bifurcation 1. Test was stopped, penstock was depleted, repair was carried out and test was repeated. The test pressure was applied in three cycles as for bifurcations 3 and 4. During the test, inspection of steel liner plates and all exposed

Painting of inner surface with anti-abrasion paint was carried out for all the pipes in the Ferrule workshop at EL 1530 m. Methodology for painting of ferrules had been specified in technical specifications. In workshop, ferrules were sand blasted and 2 coats of zinc rich primer was being applied with 50 micron dry film thickness (DFT) each. Thereafter, 3 coats of coal tar epoxy were applied with 150 micron DFT each, thus giving a total paint thickness of 550 micron. The circumferential field weld joints approximately 30 cm wide and grout plug weld joints approximately 30 cm 30 cm, were cleaned by grinding/buffing. After ensuring proper cleaning, primer and paint are applied (in 5 coats) as per procedure adopted in the workshop. While applying primer and painting on the joints and grout plug joints of the shafts, it was noticed that due to natural air draft, confined site conditions and elevation difference of the order of 750m; high fumes were getting formed. These fumes were causing eye irritation, vomiting and severe headaches to the workers engaged in painting and even to the workers engaged for the other works at far distances. Apart from causing serious environmental conditions and health hazard quality and speed of work was also affected. It was considered important to review the painting scheme for the joints. It was decided that primer for ferrule joints and grout plug joints inside the pressure shafts has to be such that it is durable for surface cleaned by grinding/buffing only as surface preparation for joints inside the shaft was not possible by sand blasting. Further, it should have the required consistency to achieve higher thickness in one coat, produce less fumes and have life long durability against water passing in the inclined shafts with velocity as high as 6m/sec with silt content less than 0.2 mm. Keeping in view the above, paint system most suitable for ferrule joints and grout plug joints in inclined shafts was recommended. Total thickness achieved was 550 micron (in 3 coats).

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7.

INSPECTIONS

After completion of grouting, the grout plugs were fixed and welded to the steel liner. DPT were conducted on each plug for detection of any defect. The rollers and all other rods meant for movement of trolley were removed and grinded to match with the inner surface of steel liner. The areas around grout plugs and the cleats were painted with anti abrasion paint. Damaged areas were also repainted with primer and epoxy paint to get the desired thickness. After completion of all the above works, the shafts were finally inspected by a team comprising of quality control unit, representatives of EIC and the executing agency. The general observations included the following points: Thick layers of leaching which needed to be removed, Grinding of surfaces from where cleats were removed, Repainting of the circumferential field joints and other areas of paint thickness less than specified, Painting of grout plugs area, and

Various tests conducted on each and every fabricated pipe in shop and subsequent joining of these pipes in the field ensured the desired quality of steel lining. The grout plugs in the steel liners being the weakest zone required special care in welding and testing. Hence, 100% quality control checks of all plug welds by subjecting to dye penetration test (DPT) helped in maintaining the standards. Penstocks and bifurcations are another area which needed utmost attention due to its complexity being subjected to highest pressure in and complex welding joints. No leakage was observed through any joint during testing at a hydrostatic pressure of 89 kg/cm2 in bifurcations 3 and 4 of PS-II. Hydrostatic testing of bifurcation 1 and 2 was also conducted upto a maximum water pressure of 89 kg/cm2 and Actual stresses obtained from the measured strains from weldable type strain gauges were found within the permissible limits at all the points. No leakage was observed through any point. Changes in the painting methodology for field joints and other damaged areas not only helped in time and cost savings but health hazards were also reduced considerably. Inspections of the pressure shaft attributed in improving the quality of inner surface of steel liners.
ASTM C-1240 (2001), "Standard Specification for use of Silica Fume as a Mineral Admixture in Hydraulic Cement Concrete, Mortar and Grout", American Society for Testing and Materials. IS 383- 1970: Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. IS 455-1989: Portland Slag Cement Specifications, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. IS 456-2000: Plain and Reinforced Concrete Code of Practice, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. IS 516- 1959 (Reaffirmed in 1999): Methods of Test for Strength of Concrete, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. IS 1489 (Part I) - 1991: Portland Pozzolana Cement Specifications (Flyash based), Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.

Area beneath the movement of wheels of the trolley needed to be repainted. The observations were complied by the agency before fixing of final make up pieces of steel liners at EL 765 m and 1010 m and the same was verified again. 8. CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES 1.

Based on quality control measures taken during construction of surge shaft and pressure shafts lowing conclusions are drawn: Compressive strength of all grades of concrete at 28 days age was found as per codal and specification requirements. The values of elastic modulus were matching with theoretical values as per IS 456 2000. Change in methodology of grouting did not influence the quality which was ascertained by way of attempting contact grouting in some jump holes and no grout intake was observed. This modified methodology of grouting in pressure shafts helped in saving of time and cost of construction without any compromise on quality.
2.

3. 4. 5.

6.

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7.

IS 1786-1985: Specifications for High Strength Deformed Bars and Wires for Concrete Reinforcement, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. IS 2386 (Part IV)-1963: Methods of Test for Aggregate for Concrete Mechanical Properties, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. IS 3535-1986: Methods of Sampling of Hydraulic Cement, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.

8.

2002 he served in various capacities in Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (Formerly known as NJPC Ltd.) in 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri H.E. Project. He then joined as Assistant Executive Engineer in Quality Control Unit of Tala Hydroelectric Project. At present, he is serving as Manager (Civil) in 252 MW, Devsari Hydro Electric Project in Uttrakhand. U.S. Vidyarthi passed B.E. (Civil) from BIT Mesra, Ranchi, in 1987. M. Tech. in Water Resources from IIT Roorkee in 2001. He joined CSMRS in 1990 and presently he is working as Senior Research Officer. He was associated with quality assurance programme of 260.5 m high Earth and Rockfill Tehri Dam. He served Tala Hydroelectric Project Authority, Bhutan for four years where he looked after quality control and instrumentation of various appurtenant works. Dr. Rajbal Singh, graduated from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh in Civil Engineering in 1977, and completed his M.Tech. and Ph. D. in Rock Mechanics from I.I.T., Delhi. He joined CSMRS as Research Officer in 1985 and presently working as Joint Director and head of Rock Mechanics Disciplines in CSMRS. He has been mainly responsible for laboratory testing, in-situ testing, numerical modelling, Rockfill technology and instrumentation in Rock Mechanics. He has been founder member, Honorary Secretary and Vice President of ISRMTT. He is the fellow of IGS and life member of ISRM, ISSMGE and IWRS. He has published more than 130 research papers with 5 best paper award. He has received IGS Delhi Chapter Leadership Award in 2007. He has worked for investigation of more than 80 hydroelectric projects and prepared about 150 technical reports. He has visited Norway and USA on UNDP fellowships and has been to Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Norway on a prestigious Research Fellowship during 1999. He has visited 11 times to Nepal and Bhutan as consultant in the field of Rock Mechanics and Rockfill Technology. He worked as incharge of Quality Control and Instrumentation for the construction of 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan from April 2002 to December 2006.

9.

10. IS 4031-1988 (Part I to VI): Standard Test Methods for Hydraulic cement, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. 11. IS 8112-1982: Specifications for 43 Grade Cement, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. 12. IS 9103-1999: Concrete Admixtures Specification, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. 13. IS 10262-1982: Recommended Guidelines for Concrete Mix Design, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF THE AUTHORS Hari Dev did B.E. (Civil) from Punjab University, Chandigarh in 1988. M.E. in Water Resources from University of Roorkee, joined CSMRS in 1990. Presently he is working as Senior Research Officer. In CSMRS he was associated in Rock Mechanics Investigations of various river valley and other civil engineering structures. He served Tala Hydroelectric Project Authority, Bhutan for four years. At 1020 MW Tala Project in Bhutan he looked after quality control and instrumentation of all the appurtenant works. R.K. Jagota did A.M.I.E. (Civil) from Institution of Engineers (India) Post graduation diploma in Structural Engineering from Punjab University Chandigarh. He served C.P.W.D. and later in the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department and was involved in design of various civil engineering and hydraulic structures. From 1993 to

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