08/11/2022
ON THE PLUNGE POOL RESHAPING WORKS.
PROJECT FACTS:
Commencement: 2017, Completion: 2025
WHY RESHAPE THE PLUNGE POOL?
Excavating the downstream end of the plunge pool will increase its size and reduce the pressure that the water spilling into the plunge pool exerts on its base thereby slowing the erosion of the natural rock floor.
Reshaping of the plunge pool through excavation of the rock from the downstream face, north and south bank sides of the pool will create a new stepped profile that will decrease the amount of swirling, improve energy dissipation and guide the spilling water in the downstream direction, away from the dam foundations.
Reshaping of the plunge pool through the excavation of the rock from the downstream face, north and south bank sides of the pool will create a new stepped profile that will decrease the amount of swirling, improve energy dissipation and guide the spilling water in the downstream direction, away from the dam foundations.
PLUNGE POOL WORKS FINANCIER.
The plunge pool reshaping is wholly funded by the European Union through a €72 million grant to the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
WHAT DO THE PLUNGE POOL RESHAPING WORKS ENTAIL?
The measures required to reshape the plunge pool include construction of a downstream cofferdam to enable the controlled blasting and excavation of an estimated volume of 300,000 m3 of rock from the downstream face and north and south bank sides of the pool under dry conditions.
The measures required to reshape the plunge pool include the construction of a downstream cofferdam to enable the controlled blasting and excavation of an estimated volume of 300,000 m3 of rock from the downstream face and north and south bank sides of the pool under dry conditions.
The replacement of the weak rock in fault zone with high-performance abrasive resistant reinforced concrete will prevent scouring in the direction of the dam foundation.
