Hydropower tunnelling

Introduction
The application of unlined pressure tunnels and shafts in hydropower construction started as early as 1919. The main reason was shortage of steel during and after the First World War. Four Norwegian power plants of such kind were put into operation between 1919 - 21.

Unlined high pressure tunnels in areas of complex topography

Operating conditions. THE NORWEGIAN approach. Norway has 65- 70 unlined pressure shafts and tunnels.

Design criteria.
1. rule-of-thumb criterion introduced by BerghChristensen and Dannevig in 1971 is expressed:

2. Design chart Was first presented in english by selmer olsen in 1974. Computerized finite element models. Fundamental Concept

stages of the project

BENEFITS OF UNLINED PRESSURE TUNNELS/SHAFTS

Cost savings during construction caused by the fact that the lining with steel penstock with concrete embedment is omitted. A normally reduced construction time meaning an earlier start-up of the power plant and reduced capital costs. A normally simpler design of the waterways. In many cases it is possible to omit construction adits, which in areas with steep topography can be of substantial costs.

Application of rule-of-thumb criteria

Application Chart design

Conclusion