Application of the pressure grouting in the hydraulic tunnels

• The original criterion of prestressing used in hydraulic concrete tunnel linings.
• A new method of measuring water losses in the tunnel is presented.
• The original mathematical model is used to control the impermeability.

Present paper presents the application of pressure grouting in hydraulic tunnels subjected to high internal pressure of water. Structural analysis of the pressure grouting used for pre-stressing of concrete lining is shown along with the methods used to control the pressure grouting effects. The paper also presents a new experimental method for measuring the loss of water along the complete tunnel under operating conditions and a mathematical model for the evaluation of tunnel impermeability and functionality. All presented test methods have been developed and all measurements were performed by the “Jaroslav Cerni” Institute for Development of Water Resources in Belgrade (Serbia). These methods are presented on the example of a hydraulic tunnel of the “Bajina Basta” pumped storage plant in Serbia, during the stages of its construction and operation.