THE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT ENG.

SRGIO
MOTTA (PORTO PRIMAVERA) IN THE PARAN RIVER

This paper was prepared by CESP Diretoria de Engenharia e Construo e Diviso Civil - ERC and Gerncia de Obras de Porto
Primavera - EEP with the collaboration of CESP: Diviso Eletromecanica - ERE, Departamento de Meio Ambiente - AO, Departamento
de Gesto da Produo - OP and the designer THEMAG Engenharia e Gerenciamento Ltda
Main Brazilian Dams III
THE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT ENG. SRGIO
MOTTA (PORTO PRIMAVERA) IN THE PARAN RIVER
1. INTRODUCTION
The Hydroelectric Development Eng. Srgio Motta
(Porto Primavera) is a large size power plant belonging
to the CESP - Companhia Energtica de So Paulo,
located at the Southwestern end of the State of So
Paulo, in the region called the Pontal do Paranapanema.
It is situated in the Paran River, 28 km upstream of its
confluence with the Paranapanema River and 267 km
downstream of the Hydroelectric Power Plant Eng. Souza
Dias (Jupi).
The area of implantation of the development comprises
the regions of the municipalities of Anaurilndia, in the
State of Mato Grosso do Sul, and Rosana, in the State
of So Paulo, 789 km from the capital So Paulo.
The greater part of the area presents a uniform relief,
configuring low and ample hills that advance in the
direction of the Paran River, which has its principal
riverbed running beside its left abutment, and an ample
floodplain extending to its right abutment, with widths of
the order of 10 km.
The location of the dam permitted the connection by
highway between the Northeastern region of the State of
So Paulo and the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, with a
Figure 1 - Location of Porto Primavera HPP
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planned future connection by railroad. The construction
of a navigation lock, located in the the left bank, permitted
maintaining and improving navigation of the Paran River
between Porto Primavera and Jupi.
The firm responsible for the project in all its phases
(feasibility, basic and executive) was THEMAG
Engenharia Ltda.; the main constructor of the civil works
was the firm Construoes e Comrcio Camargo Correa
S/A, and the supplier of the electromechanical equipment,
the consortium Consrcio Gipa - Grupamento Industrial
Paran - Paranapanema, whose principal associates were
the firms Alstom Hydro Energia Brasil S.A., Inepar S/A
Indstrias e Construes and ABB Ltda.
The job was notable for the presence of famous
international consultants and technical institutes who
made outstanding contributions to the development of
the project and its construction, among them: Arthur
Casagrande; James Sherard; James W. Libby;
M. G. Korshunov; A. Kraayeveld; the Instituto de
Pesquisas Tecnolgicas do Estado de So Paulo - IPT
and the Fundao Centro Tecnolgico de Hidralica -
FCTH. Figures 1 and 2 present the location of the
enterprise and the profile of the river.

Figure 2 - Profile of the Parana River
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The first studies addressing the development of the
hydroelectrical potential of the Paran River between the
HPP of Jupa and Guara were carried out by the Comisso
Interestadual da bacia do Paran-Uruguai - CIBPU who,
in 1963, proposed the Hydroelectrical Development of
Paranayra, about 100 km upstream of Guara, taking
advantage of the natural difference in levels between the
El.s 256.00 m and 229.00 m.
In 1965, under the direction of the technical
consultants from Canambra Engineering Consultants
Ltda., examinations were made of the sites of Ilha Grande
and Porto Castilho situated, respectively, at the end of
the stretch being surveyed and about 200 km downstream
of Jupi.
In 1966, Canambra recommended the scheme of a
single dam, the Ilha Grande Alta.
In 1973, the work group formed between CESP and
THEMAG proposed the subdivision of the difference in
levels of 38.0 m into two stages, the llha Grande Baixa
and Porto Primavera, thus avoiding the creation of a
reservoir of gigantic proportions, and complementing it
with the construction of the Rosana HPP in the lower
part of the Paranapanema River.
In 1976, CESP and THEMAG developed the technical-
economic feasibility studies of the power plant and
navigation lock of Porto Primavera and, from August 1977
onwards the basic project, aiming at outsourcing the
contracts for the civil works and the purchase of the
electrical and mechanical equipment.
In 1978, the necessary proceedings were set in motion
to implement the construction of the power plant, which
comprised obtaining the decrees of concession,
preparation of the invitations to tender bids, expropriations,
mobilization of technical personnel, etc
The construction of Porto Primavera commenced in
June 1980 and progressed normally until 1982, with its
conclusion forecast for 1985. However, since 1983 the
Main Brazilian Dams III
job faced a shortage of funds and continued at a slow
speed throughout two decades, with surges and pauses
along the way, leading to its conclusion with the
installation of 14 machines in October of 2003, out of the
18 originally planned. In view of the remuneration policy
suffered by the electrical sector, the CESP invested in
repowering the 14 machines, which went from 100.8 MW
to 110 MW and suspended the installation of the
remaining units.
For the enterprise to be feasible, it was also necessary
to undertake many and diverse jobs in the municipalities
affected by the creation of the reservoir (see Figure 3),
whether of mitigation (bridges, crossings, relocation of
houses, protection of slopes, relocation of river ports and
of electric power and telephone lines, etc.), as also of a
compensatory nature (pavement of roads, construction
of schools and slaughter houses, reforms to charity
Nursing Homes and Hospitals, etc.).
Table 1 presents a summary of the evolution of the
construction of the enterprise.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENTERPRISE
The general layout of the structures is characterized
by the compact arrangement of the concrete structures,
which follow the same alignment as that of the earth
dam.
The earth dam is located in the right bank with a length
of 10.4 km, while the riverbed concentrates the concrete
structures (water intake, powerhouse, central wall and
right lateral wall), the dam in the riverbed, the SF6
substation and the fish elevator.
The left bank is the location of the left lateral wall, the
left bank dam itself, navigation lock and fish ladder. It
can be observed that during the construction period, the
main industrial yard and installations associated to it
were set in this bank.
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Figure 3 - Porto Primavera Reservoir - Municipalities

Table 1 - Historical Summary

The principal objective of the enterprise is the
development of the hydraulic power of the Paran River
in the stretch extending from the Jupi HPP until the
Pontal do Parapanema, dedicated to the commercial
generation of electric energy, and as the most important
complementary objective, the navigation along the course
of the Paran River.
Figure 4 and the Photos 1 to 4 present the layout, in
a general and detailed panorama of the development.

1
It is necessary to observe that in the decade of the 90s, the rhythm of construction of the Eng. Srgio Motta HPP was severely
compromised by the difficulties in allocating financial resources for its conclusion. In view of this, major emphasis was laid upon the
prospect of initiating the power plant operation at a reduced elevation, thus permitting the postponement of diverse investments in
works and expropriations, in order to provide a smoother profile to the disbursement schedule of the enterprise. Studies were made of
all the alternatives that could condition the initial operation of the plant at three different elevations: 253.00 m; 254.00 m and 255.00 m,
with the one showing greatest promise regarding compatibility between deferrable costs and navigation problems was El. 253.00 m.
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Figure 4 - General Layout of the Development

Photo 2 - Powerhouse

Photo 1 - General View Photo 3 - Navigation Lock

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3. GEOLOGY, GEOTECHNOLOGY, AND

FOUNDATIONS

3.1. REGIONAL AND LOCAL GEOLOGY

The area of implantation of the dam is contained in
the Paran Sedimentary Basin which extends, in Brazil,
from the South of Gois to Rio Grande do Sul.
Alluvial and colluvial sediments are present in the
area, partially seated both upon the sandstone of the
Caiu Formation and upon the basalts of the Serra Geral
Formation.
The Cenozoic formations are characterized by a
sequence of alluvial terraces laid out at different
Photo 4 - Earth Dam of the Right Bank topographic levels. They are predominantly constituted
General Data of the Job by unconsolidated sandy sediments, of varied grain size
Dam distributions, with sandy-clayey, clayey-sandy and or
Total length 11,380.00 m gravel interspersed, at times with a brown limonitic
(1,004.00 m in concrete and 10,376.00 m in earth embankment) cement. The geological-geotechnichal characteristics of
Maximum height of the earth dam: 38.00 m these materials are summarised in Table 2.
associated with the wave deflector wall at the top at El. 263.00 m The Caiu Formation is constituted by fine to medium
Maximum height of the concrete dam 78.50 m (El. 263.00 m) sandstones, with a silty-clayey matrix, with limonitic
Reservoir cementation in the upper portion and carbonate
Hydrographical basin 575,000 km2 cementation in the base, close to the contact with the
Flooded area 2,250 km2 basalt. Three lithological types were identified, designated
Accumulated volume 20 x 109 m3 as: solid, laminated and rythmic sandstone, presented
Total length 250 km in variable thicknesses and constituting sequences of
Minimum operational W.L. 257.00 m stratifications that are crossed, tabular and tangentially
Maximum normal W.L. 259.00 m channelled in the base. They are present in various
Maximum exceptional W.L. 259.70 m degrees of coherence (very coherent to friable - C1 to C4
Spillway and weathered soil) and pinkish to reddish colouring.
Type surface The principal discontinuities detected in the sandstone
Radial gates 16 units of 15 x 22.8 m bedrock were: a) subhorizontal discontinuity with the top
Design flow (TR=10,000 years) 52,800 m3/s around the El.s 229.00 m to 230.00 m, associated with
Water Intake a surface changing from ferruginous sedimentation to
Emergency gate 54 units calciferous sedimentation; b) contacts between banks
Trash racks 18 units of 6 elements of sandstone of lithologically different types, and c)
Rated capacity 600 m3/s pockets of low cohesion (C4).
Turbines The basaltic flows of the Serra Geral formation were
Quantity 18 Kaplan-type units (14 installed by 2008) classified in two types: macroflows (thick and of high
Gross mean head 19.2 m lateral continuity) and microflows (small thickness and
Power of each turbine 110 MW reduced lateral continuity).
Turbine discharge 600 m3/s These flows are constituted by compact basalts of
Navigation lock chestnut-red and chestnut-green colouring, capped by
Total length of the chamber 210 m vesicular basalts and sandy basaltic breccias of a
Useful width 17 m chestnut-red colour.
Maximum height of the navigation lock 23,30 m The principal discontinuities identified in the basaltic
Principal volumes bedrock consisted of sub-horizontal fractures associated
Rock excavation 4,327,000 m3 with degraded materials, externally fractured and of high
Common excavation 11,242,670 m3 hydraulic conductivity. In the macroflows these
Excavation by dredge 2,032,000 m3 discontinuities appeared with a vertical spacing from each
Compacted embankment 17,995,832 m3 other of around 10 to 15 m and are found around the
Filters and drainage trenches 1,097,501 m3 elevations 180; 195; 208; 214; 220 and 225 m; in the
Rockfill and transitions 4,591,979 m3 microflows the spacing is approximately 5 m and around
Soil-cement 197,840 m3 the elevations 195; 200; 205; 215 and 220 m.
Protection of slopes 32,000 m3 Other discontinuities can be noted in the area of
Earth embankment + u/s right bank blanket 5,891,321 m3 implantation of the dam: at the sandstone-basalt contact

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and at the contact between the micro and the macroflows In view of the singular nature of the lithology
in the neighbourhood of Station 40. They appear with denominated "light basalt", its occurrence under the
high hydraulic conductivity and sometimes fairly navigation lock chamber, as well as its extreme
weathered. heterogeneous geomechanical nature, it was necessary
The existence of a peculiar lithology of the basaltic to verify the strength and deformability parameters of this
flows is notable, characterized by a rock of low density rock in order to support the projects involving the
and strength, being designated in the Project as "light excavation and the foundation of the navigation lock.
basalt" with a mineralogical composition essentially (Figure 5 and Photos 5, 6 and 7).
formed by expansive clayey-minerals (group of the Upstream of the navigation lock chamber, starting from
smectites and paligorskites). Various occurrences of El. 227.00 m, where its foundation structures would be
"light basalt" were detected along the axis of the power seated, a shaft was excavated in sandstone/basalt of
plant, although they only showed high continuity in the 4.0 m diameter and 33.0 m depth, with its bottom opening
region of the concrete structures. into two galleries in the upstream/downstream direction
The occurrence in the area of the concrete structures with width, height and length of 3.00 m, 2.50 m and
is situated in the riverbed, within the limits investigated 7.00 m, respectively, exposing this lithology for the
presenting an area of 17.000 m2 and semi-circular execution of tests in situ (direct shear, deformability, creep
development, and its thickness increases towards the and dilatometry), which provided the designer with data
centre of this occurrence, reaching approximately 18 m. regarding the dimensions of the excavations and
structures of the navigation lock.
3.2. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS
The study of the existing materials in the area of the
dam was developed on the basis of the following
elements: satellite images, aerial photography, mapping
in the field, prospection through 1,125 rotary drillings,
1,857 percussion soundings, 163 auger soundings and
42 exploratory pits; tests on-site and in the laboratory.
The field tests included: SPT; continuous static
penetration; vane shear tests; water loss tests; three-
dimensional pumping tests to evaluate the hydraulic
conductivity of the bedrocks (sandstone and basalt) and
of the alluvium; deformability in situ; strength and pulling.
The laboratory tests included characterization,
deformability; strength, adhesion, tension and shear.
The so-called "light basalt" was specifically subjected
to tests in situ of direct shear, deformability, creep and
dilatometry, for which a shaft was excavated in the region
of the permanent navigation lock.
An extensive programme was conducted to evaluate
the behaviour of the breaking of the basalt rock in the
area of the obligatory excavations for the concrete
structures with a view to employing these materials for
protection of the slopes of the dam and as concrete Figure 5 - Exploratory Shaft of the Permanent Navigation Lock
aggregate.
Three-dimensional pumping tests were conducted in
the alluvium, at the top of the Caiu sandstone and in
the fractured basalt which, together with the geological-
structural knowledge permitted defining the values of
hydraulic conductivities, their principal directions and their
specific storage coefficients.
A wide-ranging research programme was also
conducted on the vegetation cover (grasses) to choose
the most adequate species to protect the downstream
slope between the crest of the dam of the right bank and
the elevation of the roadway.

3.2.1. Execution of the Exploratory Shaft in the

Permanent Navigation lock Photo 5 - Investigation Shaft

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Photo - 6 Light Basalt
Photo 7 - In Situ Shear Test
3.3.GEOLOGICAL-GEOTECHNICAL
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FOUNDATION
MATERIALS
The area of the dam was divided into geomorphological
units, based on the interpretation of the aerial
photographs, the mapping in the field and correlation of
the existing investigations. These units served as the
basis for the study of the geological-geotechnical models.
The principal geomorphological units that were
recognised were the following: colluvial-alluvial terrace,
alluvial terrace, alluvial plateau (encompasses the plateau
of the Baa River, the paleo-island and the plateau of the
Paran River), riverbed and colluvial terrace of the left
bank, whose characteristics set the conditions for the
design of the structures. In this manner, the dam project
was divided into the following stretches: earth dam of the
right bank, subdivided into abutment (Stations 0 to 10),
alluvial terrace (Stations 10 to 180), plateau of the Baa
River (Stations 180 to 280), paleo-island (Stations 280
to 435) and plateau of the Paran River (Stations 435 to
453), earth dam in the riverbed (Stations 453 to 507),
concrete structures (Stations 507 to 559+9.40 m), earth
dam of the left bank and navigation lock.
The materials present in the area of the earth and
concrete structures, their characteristics and spatial
312
distributions are consubstantiated in the geological-
geotechnical model presented in Figures 6 to 11. The
principal geological-geotechnical characteristics of the
materials (alluvial and rocky) that remained in the
foundations of the earth structures (earth dam of the right
bank, riverbed and left bank) and concrete structures shall
be described as follows:
3.3.1. Alluvial Materials
Table 2 presents the principal geological-geotechnical
characteristics of the alluvial materials remaining in the
foundation of the earth dam and Figure 6 presents the caption
and description of the materials existing in the area.
It should be stressed that rocky materials also
constituted the foundation of the dam in some stretches
and will be described under item 3.3.2.
Three-dimensional intercommunication tests by
pumping were executed to verify how the hydraulic
conductivities of basal layer (unit VI), constituted by
sandy gravel, compared with those of washed sand (unit
IV) and the results demonstrated that they were smaller
or equal to those of washed sand.
3.3.2. Rocky Materials
Considering the geology of the area of the job, two
lithologies merit particular attention due to the part they
subsequently played in the structural behaviour
presented by the works built upon them: the light basalt
and the Caiu sandstone.
Two units of the water intake, central wall and three
blocks of the spillway are located above this "light basalt",
occupying 4,000 m 2 of its area and involving
approximately 30,000 m3 of its volume, and part of the
navigation lock also had its foundations seated upon this
lithology.
The Caiu sandstone constituted a great challenge
to be overcome in terms of knowledge of geo-mechanical
behaviour. At the time of the beginning of the project (at
the end of the 1970 decade), there were practically no
jobs of large size founded upon this type of rock, which
urgently demanded its characterization both as a
construction material and as a foundation.
The navigation lock, profoundly inserted in the left
abutment, as well as the earth dam (plateau of the Baa
River, plateau of the Paran) had their foundations upon
Caiu sandstone.
The average design values for the principal geomechanical
characteristics are presented in the Table 3.
Other lithologies are present in the area, such as
compact basalts, vesicular-amygdaloidal basalts, and
basaltic-sandy breccias. Discontinuities are associated
with the contacts between lithologies. The geomechanical
parameters were obtained from the experience on other
jobs and the technical literature, excepting the values
pertaining to hydraulic conductivity obtained by means
of water loss tests in sounding boreholes, pumping tests
 Main Brazilian Dams III

Figure 6 - Legend / Description of the Materials

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Figure 7 - Right Abutment and Alluvial Terrace

Figure 8 - Plain of the Baa River

Figure 9 - Paleo-Island

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Figure 10 - Plain of the Paran River

Figure 11 - Riverbed / Right Abutment

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Table 2 - Characteristics of the Remaining Alluvial Materials

Table 3 - Geomechanical Characteristics of the Sandstone and Light Basalt

utilizing the Hydraulic Multitest Probe and three- LL = 16 % to 40% (mean = 27%) IP = 3% to 19%
dimensional communication tests by pumping, whose Fraction below 5 = 6% to 46% (mean = 22%)
results were utilized in the models for analyses of Fraction of fine sand = 38% to 88% (mean = 65%)
percolation through the foundations.
in situ
= 15.8 kN/m3 to 18.5 kN/m3
(mean = 17.1 kN/m3)
3.3.4. CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
The construction materials for the earth dam of the drymx.= 18.2 kN/m3 to 20.8 kN/m3
right bank were: (mean = 19.5 kN/m3)

Borrow soil hopt = 8% to 16% (mean = 11.2%)

The material for the compacted embankment
corresponds to the sandy-clayey soil from the sandstone The design parameters adopted for this compacted
colluvium present in the right abutment, whose principal material were obtained from tests and are summarised
characteristics and the design parameters adopted for as follows:
the job were as follows: c' = 10 kPa = 31o
ru = 10%
kv=5 x 10-6 cm/s and kh = 5 x 10-5 cm/s

316

Granular Materials
The granular materials (sand for filters, sand with gravel
for transition, gravel for drains) were obtained from dredged
fluvial deposits (the Jazida do leo Cru and in the riverbed
close to Aurora Island).
3.4. PROJECT CONDITIONING FACTORS &
FOUNDATION TREATMENTS
Table 4 - Summary of the Geological - Geotechnical Conditioning Factors
Main Brazilian Dams III
The geological-geotechnical model that was prepared
made it possible to predict the principal conditioning
factors and to prepare the project for the excavation and
treatment of the foundations for the structures.
Table 4, below, presents a synthesis of this
description. Item 5.2.1, further ahead, describes the
principal aspects of the project per structure, their
conditioning factors and the solutions adopted.
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4. HYDROLOGY, HYDRAULICS AND The operation of the reservoir is run-of-the-river, i.e.,

ENERGY STUDIES with an unvarying water level, with no significant depletion
contemplated.
The development is located in the high Paran
hydrographical basin and is characterized by being the Table 5 presents the definition of the water levels,
last hydroelectric project of the Paran River in the State areas and volumes flooded by the reservoir.
of So Paulo. This river is formed by the confluence of The optimum dimensioning of the generation works
the Paranaba and Grande rivers. In the stretch in corresponds to an installed power (sum of the rated active
question, it is a tableland river and its most important electrical powers of the generator units) for a total of
tributaries are the Tiet, Sucuri, Verde, Peixe and 1,800 MW. The present installed power is of 1,540 MW
Paranapanema. corresponding to 14 generator units of 110 MW/each,
The hydrological regime of the watercourses in the and with an assured power of 1,033 MW.
region is conditioned by the summer rains, with the flood The maintenance of the navigability of the Paran River
period beginning in December and maximum floods demanded the construction of two navigation locks, one
occurring in March. permanent and the other temporary, the latter permitting
Due to the great extension of the high Paran basin navigation during the diversion phase and in place of which
and the appreciable variations in the elevations that occur the fish transposition system (fish ladder) was installed.
within it, the region presents great climatic variations from The projects of both the power plant and the navigation
humid tropical to temperate. Prior to the phase of the lock were tested in the FCTH on a hydraulic model reduced
project, the area of the reservoir, with a predominantly to the scale of 1:120.
sub-humid climate, presented the following data:
Mean annual temperature = 22 C 5. PRINCIPAL STRUCTURES
Extreme temperatures = 37.8 C absolute maximum
(March) and 1 C absolute minimum (May) 5.1. RIVER DIVERSION (project and construction per
Mean annual precipitation = 1,250 mm stage/structure)
Average number of rainy days per year = 82 The river diversion works were of great complexity
Predominant wind (permanence) = NE since they were subjected to large floods of the Paran
River, as well as to the unfavourable geological-
The following data were considered in the study of geotechnical conditions of the Paran riverbed where
the floods for the project: 6 to 12 meter thick, highly permeable, alluvium beds
Mean long term flood = 18,500 m3/s occurred. In the interior of the alluvium beds were found
Maximum mean daily flow = 30,670 m3/s slabs of continuous and highly resistant limonite
Minimum mean daily flow = 2,579 m3/s conglomerate.
Annual mean flow = 6,602 m3/s The first phase of the diversion comprised the
implantation of cofferdams in the riverbed beside the left
The 1st phase of the diversion occurred in December bank for the construction of the concrete structures, as
1981 through the riverbed and the 2nd phase in May 1983 well as cofferdams in the right bank for the construction
through the spillway. of the earth dam.
The design flows taken into consideration were the The first phase of the diversion strangled the Paran
following: river channel against its right bank.
Probable Maximum Flood PMF: 62,000 m3/s The second phase proceeded with the final damming
Ten thousand year flood: 45,000 m3/s of the remaining channel of the Paran River and its
nd
Diversion flow of the 2 phase with a time of recurrence diversion through the lowered spillway bays. (See Figure
of 100 years: 34,100 m3/s 12 and Photos 8 to 10).

Table 5 - Upstream and Downstream Water Levels and El. x Area x Volume of the Reservoir

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Figure 12 - River Diversion - Phases and Stages

Photo 8 - Auxiliary Cofferdams Photo 9 - River Diversion - Second Phase

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Photo 10 - River Diversion - Second Phase
1st phase of the diversion
- Cofferdams of the Concrete Structures
The first phase was subdivided into two stages: the
first stage involved the dewatering of the structures of
the powerhouse and the erection area, and the second,
the dewatering of the spillway structure.
The high water velocities of the Paran River obliged
the cofferdams of the concrete structures to be built with
a double cordon of rockfill in the upstream stretch and
sealing between the cordons constituted by earth
dumped into the water.
In the stretch parallel to the river, the cofferdams were
built with an internal cordon of rockfill and the external
seal constituted by earth dumped into the water. The
protection of the seal against the water velocities of the
Paran River was obtained with ridges of rockfill in the
upstream and downstream stretches running parallel to
the river.
In the stretch of the second stage cofferdam parallel
to the river, concrete deflectors were also built utilizing
steel tubes with diameters of 1.0 to 1.5 m filled with
concrete to protect against the velocities of the river.
The presence of slabs of limonitic conglomerate
prevented the sealing of the cofferdam foundations from
being made by conventional excavation of the alluvium
or by dredging and subsequent dumping of clayey soil.
The solution adopted for the sealing contemplated
the utilization of side-by-side columns of soil-cement CCP
(Chemical Churning Pile) and ROTOCRETE, a technology
that, at that time, was just commencing to be used in
the country.
- Cofferdams of the Right Bank Earth Dam
On the right bank, an auxiliary cofferdam was executed
in the alluvial plain, disconnected from the earth dam.
In the plain of the Baa River the cofferdam was
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executed upon soft organic clay requiring the adoption
of very gentle embankment slopes.
The interior of the dewatered space subsequently
received the compacted earth cofferdam incorporated to
embankment of the earth dam, except for the stretch of
the Baa.
2nd phase of the diversion
In order to make the second phase of the diversion,
the first procedure was to link the powerhouse cofferdam
to the central wall. For this, in the downstream stretch of
the wall a cellular cofferdam was constructed in the dry,
formed by four cells, the two principal ones of 24 m in
diameter and 2 secondaries used to connect them.
The initial enfolding connections of the earth dam were
built at the abutment of the right lateral wall in order to
receive the second phase cofferdams and guarantee the
adequate sealing of the enclosure. The closure of the
remaining channel of the Paran River, that diverted its
flow to the lowered spillway bays, was made with
cofferdams constituted by rockfill and soil seal dumped
into the water at the external area of the cofferdams.
These cofferdams were partially incorporated into the
embankment of the earth dam in the riverbed.
5.2. EARTH STRUCTURES
(earth dams of the right bank, of the riverbed and
of the left bank)
General Considerations
During the feasibility study phase, due to the
geological-geotechnical characteristics of the right bank,
attractive economic advantages could already be foreseen
in the choice of building a hydraulic-fill embankment dam.
The very long dam, with close to 10 km in length, situated
in the alluvial plain and terrace would have favoured the
utilization of this method of construction.
The technique consists in executing the extraction/
excavation, promoting the soil transportation using only
water as a vehicle, with the employment, for example, of
a dredge for the suction and discharge. The soil is
deposited in the embankment to be constructed and the
excess water is appropriately drained.
Various options were studied considering the borrow
areas to be utilized and, even with some advantages in
favour of the hydraulic-fill option, the costs between the
two alternatives considered, hydraulic fill versus
compacted soil, were practically a tie.
In view of some imponderable uncertainties, such as,
the technology not yet having been practiced on the scale
of a dam, together with the acquisition of equipment with
the exemption from importation duties, the CESP chose
the alternative of the compacted soil.
General premises for the development of the
project
Due to its great extension, the geomorphological
conditions and the geological/geotechnical peculiarities

of the foundations, the earth structure was divided into
stretches:
Station -60 to 0 - Natural Dam (BTMD)
Station 0 to ~15 - Right Abutment (BTMD)
Station ~15 to 180 - Alluvial Terrace (BTMD)
Station 180 to 185 - Connection of Alluvial Terrace -
Plain of the Baa River (BTMD)
Station 185 to 280 - Plain of the Baa River (BTMD)
Station 280 to 410 - Paleo-Island (BTMD)
Station 410 to 453 - Plain of the Paran River (BTMD)
Station 453 to 507 - Dam in the Riverbed (BLR)
Station 555 to ~570 - Dam of the Left Bank (BTME)
Figure 13 - Typical Cross-Sections of the Dam on the Right Bank
Main Brazilian Dams III
As a general concept, the dam project was based on
drainage as the principal foundation treatment and, from
this viewpoint specific projects were developed for each
stretch taking into account the peculiarities and
geological-geotechnical aspects of each one.
A basic concern of the project was to maintain the
drainage system submerged to minimize the risks of it
clogging with the iron oxides that are very present in this
area. This fact demanded the conception of more
complicated drainage systems than are usual in dams,
and demands that throughout the entire service life of
the dam this design premise be maintained. (Figure 13)
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Main Brazilian Dams III
Geometry of the dam
The entire earth dam of the left bank presents the
following geometry:
upstream slope of the incorporated cofferdam stretch:
1V:2.5 H
final upstream slope: 1V:2H
downstream slope from the crest to the roadway:
1V:1.8H
downstream slope from the roadway to the foundation:
1V:2H
The Dam in the Riverbed presents the following
geometry for the final upstream slope: 1V:2H.
The earth dam of the left bank was incised in the
abutment, i.e., excavated in the natural abutment.
Protection of the dam slopes
The upstream slope of the right bank earth dam was
protected from El. 254.00 m until its top at El. 260.00 m,
with a band 2.2 m in horizontal width in soil-cement with
6% cement content in the range subject to wave action,
together with the construction of a 2.0 m high reinforced
concrete wall. (Figure 14 and Photo 11).
The protection of the downstream slope from the crest
of the right bank dam to the elevation of the roadway was
effected with Batatais grass.
Figure 14 - Wave Deflector Wall on the Dam Crest - Section
Photo 11 - Soil-cement Protection and Wave Deflector Concrete
Wall
322
The protection of the downstream slope below the
roadway was obtained with rockfill provided by the
obligatory excavations.
The protection of the slopes of the left bank earth
dam was composed of rockfill with D50 = 0.90 m, with a
minimum thickness of 1.80 m.
5.2.1. GEOLOGICAL-GEOTECHNICAL
CONDITIONERS/PRINCIPAL ASPECTS OF THE
PROJECT
Table 4 summarises the principal geological-
geotechnical conditioners that directed the development
and the treatment implemented in each stretch of the dam.
Station -60 to 0 - Natural Dam (BTMD)
This stretch corresponds to a natural dam, remaining
from the exploitation of borrow areas upstream and
downstream of the reference line, being composed,
therefore, of porous and erodible materials.
The upstream slopes were abated and conformed in
order to minimize the effect of erosion by waves
(inclination 1V:10H until El. 260 m) and flow
concentrations of surface waters (inclination 1V:6H above
El. 260 m). Superficial protections of the slopes were
not planned.
Station 0 to ~ 15 - Right Abutment (BTMD)
The dam project provided for differentiated excavation
of the colluvium in order to minimize settlements during
the construction and through collapse during the filling of
the reservoir.
Provision was made for a sandwich drain to control
the seepage water.
The drainage system of the dam provides a horizontal
sand blanket, in contact with the foundation, which
commences at Station 2+3,00 m and extends to
Station 3. From this Station until Station 8 the drain is of
the sandwich type with its section in sand and gravel.
In order to permit the discharge of the water in the
longitudinal direction without developing uplift pressures,
the project provided for the installation of a perforated
tubular drain tile, at the downstream end of the filter.
After Station 8 and until the Station 13, the collection
of the seepage was effected by a drain fitted with tubular
drainage tile in continuation of the previous stretch.
A lateral trench was opened, still in the stretch of the
abutment, whose bottom rests upon sandstone or its
residual soil, filled in with drainage materials and fitted
with a drainage tube to collect the infiltrated water. This
tube discharges into an accessible passage chamber,
from where the waters flow into a smooth tube of 70 cm
diameter which descends the abutment and discharges
in the alluvial terrace.
Seven relief wells were opened, which totally penetrate
the alluvium, spaced 15 metres, and 20 drainage holes
penetrating the fractured basalt with a variable spacing
(from 3.0 m to 12.0 m).

Station ~15 to 180 - Alluvial Terrace (BTMD)
The dam in the alluvial terrace is of the homogeneous
type in compacted soil fitted with a drainage blanket of
soil located upstream.
The internal drainage system is of the homogeneous
type composed by a vertical sand filter and a suspended
horizontal filter, also in sand, which discharges into a
drainage trench which, in addition to receiving the water
of this system, is the principal control element of the
water seeping through the foundation. The compacted
embankment is seated upon an alluvial package with an
average thickness of around 12 m, with only the materials
of low shear strength and/or very deformable consistency,
having been removed from the foundation.
Downstream of the trench, a line of relief wells was
executed, spaced 15 m.
After the first phase of the reservoir filling, uplift
pressures were verified in the alluvium surpassing those
initially expected, leading to the execution of a line of
drainage holes in the most permeable stretch of the
basalt, spaced from 6 to 12 m downstream of the dam,
from the Station 10+16 to the Station 30.
The adoption of the suspended horizontal filter
permitted an increase in the seepage path and a
consequent reduction of the average gradient through the
foundation.
Drainage Downstream of the Alluvial Terrace
The project of the dam of the right bank has its principal
control and safety feature based on a straightforward and
effective drain downstream. The downstream stretch of
the dam is extremely flat and tends to store rainwater
temporarily that, together with the high water table, has
the potential to transform stretches of the region into
pools.
The drainage of this area basically consists of the
execution of a belt of landfill downstream of the toe of the
dam at El. 245 m and 244 m, with a width of 50 m, and
the implantation of a transversal channel approximately
Figure 15 - Alluvial Terrace - Downstream drainage
Main Brazilian Dams III
every 200 m, which was connected to a longitudinal
channel, with a base 6.0 m in width and its bottom at
El. 244.75 m, located 200 m from the reference line.
Both channels, transversal and longitudinal, were not
lined.
With the passing of time, vegetation developed on
the plateau beside the dam, causing the silting of the
channels flowing downstream, and causing the increased
water levels to interfere with the operation of the existing
relief wells and drainage boxes.
In order not to compromise the existing drainage
system, the vegetation was pruned with the employment
of an agricultural tractor for its cutting and removal.
With a view to minimizing the maintenance work and
sanitizing the area, technical-economic studies of the
area were undertaken, leading to the implantation of a
system basically consisting of the execution of a
longitudinal concrete channel at the toe of the dam,
encompassing the outlets from the relief wells, that were
interconnected by transversal concrete channels leading
to an already existing soil channel that was enlarged.
Figure 15 presents this configuration and Photo 12
an aerial view of the stretch.
Photo 12 - Alluvial Terrace - Downstream drainage
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Main Brazilian Dams III
Station 180 to 185 - Alluvial Connecting Terrace -
Plain of the Baa River (BTMD)
In analogous manner to the method adopted in the
stretch of the abutment, the difference in levels of the
drainage system was overcome by adopting an average
inclination of 5.63% for the perforated tubing, maintaining
the system submerged by the installation of a series of
overflow boxes (8 units) with weirs.
Station 185 to 280 - Plain of the Baa River (BTMD)
The dam in the stretch of the Baa River is founded
upon sandstone and, in some stretches, upon basal
gravel, since all the soft clay in the foundation was
removed.
In the stretches where basal gravel remained, this
was removed in a band for the cut-off and the horizontal
sandwich type drain.
The embankment is of compacted soil and the
drainage system is constituted by a vertical sand drain
which links with a suspended horizontal drain which, in
turn, discharges into the sandwich drain, in contact with
the foundation. The outflow from the horizontal drain is
through a raised outlet to guarantee a higher elevation
and thus avoid silt deposits clogging the drain.
After the 1st phase of the filling of the reservoir, localized
uplift pressures were verified in the region of the
downstream toe of the dam, greater than had been
anticipated. Nine drainage boreholes, with variable
spacing, were drilled in these regions. The outlets from
the tubes leading from these drainage holes were below
the downstream water level and are provided with a
protection device that permits the egress of the water
and avoids entry of sediments.
Station 280 to 411 - Paleo-Island (BTMD)
The foundation of the dam in the Paleo-Island is
constituted by alluvium with thicknesses of 5 to 7 m,
characterised in the less permeable upper portion by
slightly clayey sands to very clayey sand, where the
little resistant clayey materials were removed, leaving a
lower portion of clean sand and sandy gravel. The
exception occurs in the stretch between Stations 280
and 296 where the upper portion of the alluvial package
is constituted by lateritic sandy clay which, because it
presents adequate bearing conditions, was left in the
foundation.
The dam embankment in the Paleo-Island possesses
an internal drainage system constituted by a vertical drain
and a horizontal suspended drain in relation to the
foundation, both of sand, that discharge into a drainage
trench in the downstream portion of the dam. This trench
was constructed to be totally penetrant up to the top of
the sandstone and partially penetrant in the alluvium,
due to the greater thickness of foundation materials with
high permeability characteristics.
The seepage water collected is directed along the
trench by perforated concrete drain tubes with a diameter
324
of 40 cm, conducting it to chambers, accessible for
inspection, situated in an intermediate position to the
septa of impermeable materials.
These chambers are spaced every 200 m, being
designed with two compartments; the first executed in
function of the submersion of the drainage system. Its
overflow into the second compartment is executed through
a weir that allows measuring the collected flow. This
second compartment also receives the contribution from
the rainfall drainage system of the dam.
Prior to the first phase of filling the reservoir, the
instrumentation installed at the downstream toe of the
dam identified high piezometric levels in the sandstone/
basalt contact, particularly at Station 385 where the
occurrence of elevated artesianism was verified. To correct
this, 35 drainage holes were drilled with spacings varying
from 6 to 12 m, reaching the sandstone/basalt contact
in the most permeable stretch of the basalt.
After the first filling, high uplift pressures were verified
in the alluvium situated downstream of the drainage
trench. With a view to reducing the uplift pressures
observed, 66 relief wells were opened in the alluvium with
spacings varying from 7 to 15 m.
Portion downstream of the toe of the dam: partial
and total lagoons
Due to the need for spoil areas for the disposal of the
material that had suffered excess compaction and of the
access roads to the crest of the dam utilized during the
construction phase of the job, a plan was prepared for
the embankment of the downstream portions of the Paleo-
Island and Paran River Plain, between the toe of the
dam and the downstream cofferdam. This measure
permitted an important reduction in the average distances
of the transportation, with the resulting economies. The
spoil embankments presented a thickness of around
1 to 2 m.
To permit the discharge of the water from seepages
and rainfall, natural openings were left between the
stretches of embankment. In this manner ten lagoons
were formed, confined by the spoil banks and, upstream
and downstream, by the toe of the berm of El. 241 m and
the downstream service road, respectively.
After filling the reservoir to El. 257.0 m, high
piezometric levels were detected by the instrumentation
in that downstream region. The solution adopted with
regard to the uplift pressures was the partial or total filling
of the lagoons with pervious material.
Station 411 to 450 - Plain of the Paran River
(BTMD)
The foundation of the dam in the plain of the Paran
River is also constituted by alluvial deposits, although
with more frequent occurrences of soft clayey materials,
which were largely removed.
The drainage system of the dam in the plain of the
Paran River consists of a vertical sand drain connected

to a suspended horizontal drain discharging into a
sandwich drain in contact with the basal sandstone and/
or gravel of the foundation. This drain is linked to a
drainage trench that penetrates totally to the top of the
sandstone.
After the end of the first reservoir filling, 16 drainage
holes were executed with a spacing of 24 m, applying
the same methodology as at the Paleo-Island, and with
the aim of reducing the piezometric pressures in the
sandstone/basalt contact and in the more permeable
features of the sandstone.
Station 450 to 507 - Dam in the Riverbed (BLR)
The area in which the dam in the riverbed is located
presents different characteristics in relation to the alluvial
sediments, since part of the dam was implanted in the
alluvial plateau of the Paran River and part in the riverbed.
The River Paran plain is characterised by plastic
and organic clayey sediments, fine sands and sand with
gravel at the base between Stations 410 and 475. The
riverbed between Stations 475 and 550 presents
essentially sandy material associated with gravels and
conglomeratic layers.
All the alluvial material was excavated for the
construction of the dam which was totally seated on
sandstone. Different typical sections of the dam were
adopted along the stretch in function of the incorporation,
or not, of the existing cofferdam.
The stretches of the Stations 450 to 457 and 477 to
500 were executed in a homogeneous section, only
incorporating the upstream rockfill pre-cofferdam, with a
vertical/inclined drain and a horizontal sandwich type
drain seated upon rock.
In the stretch between the Stations 457 and 477, the
upstream and downstream cofferdams were incorporated,
adopting an internal drainage analogous to the previous
stretch.
After the first phase of the filling and due to the high
uplift pressures verified, 52 drainage holes were executed
and 2 pumping wells.
Station 555 to ~ 570 - Dam of the Left Bank (BTME)
Despite its small extension, various interferences
conditioned the project, among which were: the roadway
and access system, the fish ladder, the provisional
navigation lock and the left abutment.
The peculiar aspects existing in this stretch are the
following:
Horizontal drainage blanket under the downstream
slope.
The temporary navigation lock was banked with sand
from the spoil area and at the base of this embankment
a sandwich drain was executed, in the interior of which
were installed two perforated cast iron tubes.
The left abutment, which corresponds to the left slope
of the provisional navigation lock, was protected with
Main Brazilian Dams III
rockfill on a band of about 120 m long upstream of the
connection with the dam.
The protection of the slopes was composed by rockfill
with D50 = 0,90 m with a minimum thickness of 1.80 m.
The rockfill protection commenced at El. 254.00 m and
extended to the crest elevation of this stretch of the dam
(263.00 m). The studies carried out indicated no need for
the implantation of a wave deflector on condition that the
protection of the slope was executed with rockfill.
5.3. CONCRETE STRUCTURES
(Spillway, Water Intake, Powerhouse, Erection Area,
Command Building, Navigation Lock)
General
The principal conditioning factors guiding the design
of the structures were: the "light basalt"; contacts
between horizontal and inclined microflows forming
unstable wedges of high hydraulic conductivity, sub-
horizontal discontinuities and contacts between flows of
high hydraulic conductivity.
The project provided for the partial removal of the "light
basalt" in the area of the water intake and its total removal
in the area of the spillway, anchor bolts and a grout
injection and drainage curtain bypassing the upstream
stretch and the sides of the water intake/spillway
assembly and the sidewalls.
The grout curtain constituted by 3 lines of injection
inclined towards upstream (12, 8 and 4 of inclination)
with holes separated 3.0 m from each other in
intermediate positions between the rows, reached the
final elevation of 185.00 m.
The drainage curtain executed to El. 200.00 m is
inclined 13 downstream with holes of 3" spaced at
1.5 m intervals.
Spillway
The spillway, of the surface type, presents a total
length of 315.00 m, contains 16 bays (15 m in width by
23 m in height) being sized for a flow of 52,800 m3/s, with
a ten-thousand year period of recurrence, of which
10 bays (VS 01 to VS 10) were executed with the
complete sill in concrete up to its crest at El. 237.00 m.
The six remaining bays (VS 11 to VS 16) had their sills
executed in concrete up to El. 230.00, remaining lowered
during the second phase of the diversion.
Figure 16 presents a cross section of this structure.
All the "light basalt" was removed from the stretch
subjected to the highest overload, since its
geomechanical characteristics were inadequate (Photos
13 and 14).
Water Intake and Powerhouse
The water intake, of the gravity type, has a total length
of 558.00 m and a maximum height of 44.00 m with
18 individual intakes 21.00 m in width.
Each one of the 18 blocks of the water intake has
3 water passages separated by two intermediate walls;
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Main Brazilian Dams III
each of them equipped with an emergency gate, trash
racks and stoplog, that provide a rated intake flow of
600 m3/s.
The powerhouse, of the indoor type, has a total length
of 558.00 m and a maximum height of 70.50 m with 18
generator units planned and 14 installed,
of 110 MW each.
Photo 13 - Excavation of Light Basalt in the Concrete Structures
Photo 14 - Excavation of Light Basalt in the Concrete Structures
326
This complex houses a step-up substation, gas
insulated with SF6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) of 460 kV.
Figures 17 and 18 show a cross section of the water
intake and powerhouse.
The project provided for the partial removal of the "light
basalt" in parts of the structure.
Erection Area and Command Building
This structure, composed of 4 blocks, has a total
length of 137.50 m, a width of 72.00 m and a maximum
height of 36.50 m. It was the place where the work of
assembly and erection of the 14 generator units was
carried out and which is now used for maintenance
services.
The command building was installed immediately
downstream of the erection area.
Permanent Navigation lock
Located in the left bank, it is composed by a single
Figure 16 - Spillway - Cross Section

Figure 17 - Intake/Powerhouse - Stretch without Light Basalt
Figure 18 - Intake/Powerhouse - Partial Excavation of Light
Basalt with a Cut-off
chamber of 210.0 length by 17.0 m width, with its bottom
elevation at 234.00 m and its crest at 263.00 m. This
structure is totally encased in rock (sandstone bedrock)
and is connected upstream and downstream to navigation
channels. Figure 19 presents a schematic section of the
chamber with the drainage tunnel in its left wall.
The downstream navigation channel has a length of
5.200 m and a minimum width of 70.0 m. The left and
right walls had their surfaces systematically treated with
wire mesh and shotcrete between the operational
elevations of this structure. In the rest of the surfaces,
the treatment, comprising anchor bolts, wire mesh,
shotcrete and drainage holes, followed the potentially
unstable areas identified by the geological-geotechnical
interpretation and the structural analyses of the mapping
surveys that had been carried out.
5.4. OTHER STRUCTURES (Fish Ladder and Elevator)
The environmental impact studies (1994) included the
ichthyological surveys whose results determined that
close to 20% of the species are migratory. In order not to
interrupt the migration route of the fishes for reproduction
Main Brazilian Dams III
Figure 19 - Permanent Navigation Lock - Typical Cross Section
and Aerial View
and/or feeding due to the construction of the dam, it was
concluded that it would be important, in addition to other
measures, to have devices for the transposition of the
fishes.
These devices were: the fish ladder that results in a
measure of selectivity of the species ascending to the
reservoir, and the fish elevator which does not exercise
any selectivity.
Fish Ladder
The fish ladder is located in the left bank, taking into
consideration the criteria for the attraction and restitution
of fishes, the interferences with the earth dam
downstream, the roadway system and the substation.
Advantage was taken of the excavations resulting from
the implantation of the provisional navigational lock
constructed at the time of the diversion and subsequently
de-activated after the conclusion of the permanent
navigation lock.
The ladder is basically composed by the point of
attraction, the channel of ascent, the resting tanks and
the structure of control and outlet. See the general layout
in Figure 20, Photo 15 and the principal characteristics
of Table 6.
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Main Brazilian Dams III
Figure 20 - Fish Ladder - Plan
Photo 15 - Fish Ladder
The ladder was designed to operate within the range
of variation of the water levels in the reservoir
(257.00 and 259.00 m) possessing, for this purpose, a
control structure of levels composed by six transversal
septa with slots, in which can be installed panels of the
stop-log type. The panels possess variable heights and
are installed in each slot to permit the passage of the
fishes and result in a maximum difference in water levels
328
Table 6 - Characteristics of the fish ladder
of 0.40 m between the steps of the successive tanks
created by the septa.
Since the downstream entrance to the ladder is
situated at El. 235.50 m, it is possible to operate it during
90% of the average hydrological year, without any
restriction on its operation with higher water levels, up to
the maximum floods predicted.
 Main Brazilian Dams III

In the development of the executive project of the The flow for attracting the fishes does not come from
ladder, various tests and trials were conducted on the the reservoir. This water is taken in downstream of the
hydraulic small scale model of the dam, with a view to dam beside the central wall, and raised by four motor
ascertaining the best position for the attraction point. pumps. At the downstream end of the channel (the
It can be observed that the ladder was fitted with an attraction point), a Mitre-type gate was provided, whose
upper protection in wire mesh along its route, with the angle of aperture promotes the control of the intensity
purpose of preventing that some fishes, in overcoming and direction of the discharge velocities, allowing variation
the steps might leap over the sidewalls, as well as to in the conditions of attraction for the fishes.
prevent the action of predators. In order to concentrate the schools in the elevator
The ladder entered operation in the spawning migration shaft, a fish-pushing cart, fitted with steps, slides on rails
of 2001/2002, since the reservoir only attained its along the length of the attraction channel.
minimum elevation for the operation of the ladder The fish elevator operated in the period of the spawning
(257.00 m) in April of 2001. migration, from November 5th 1999 to March 9th 2000 and
between April 1st 2000 and April 14th 2000, due to the
Fish elevator presence of migratory fishes downstream of the power
Concentrations of fishes are normally verified plant. In these periods, 688 cycles were effected and
downstream of dams in the area close to the spillway 19,688 kg of fishes transported.
and the powerhouse. The fish elevator located at the
interface of these two structures, beside the central wall,
was designed to attract these fishes. It is situated in the
recess existing between unit 18 and the central wall,
separating the powerhouse from the spillway, in order to
be sheltered from the discharge flowing from the draft
tube of unit 18.
The elevator is composed by a concrete attraction
channel, 40 m in length, a pumping system encased in
the channel, the elevator shaft itself, an operation and
control building and the "chute", along which the fishes
slide to the reservoir. The general layout can be
appreciated in the plan view shown in Figure 21, the
illustration of Photo 16 and the general characteristics of
Table 7. Photo 16 - Fish Elevator

Figure 21 - Fish Elevator - Plan

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Main Brazilian Dams III
Table 7 - Characteristics of the fish elevator
6. CONSTRUCTION
6.1. GENERAL
The jobsite was installed in the left and right banks
requiring the expropriation of 2,666 ha in the right bank,
925 ha in the left bank and 933 ha for the implantation of
the Cidade de Primavera and the Airport, situated on the
So Paulo side. The infrastructure and support
installations, such as concrete plants, offices,
laboratories; industrial installations for pre-cast concrete
parts; re-bar bending shops and aggregate storage;
temporary navigation lock and aggregate unloading,
warehouses, explosives bunkers, workshops;
communication centre and housing were implanted on
the left bank.
Due to the monumental structural dimensions of the
enterprise, it was necessary to mobilise an impressive
array of technical equipment, both from the quantitative
and the dimensional aspects, such as, two concrete
plants; five 25 and 50-ton Stothert & Pitt tower cranes;
Loader-excavators drawn by two Cat D9 tractors; 70 m3
clay transportation wagons; dredges; tug-boats and
barges of great dimensions. During the peak of
construction, 9,275 operators were directly involved on
the job, with an average of between 4,000 and
5,000 workers during the remaining periods.
6.2. CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
Commencement of excavations for the Temporary and
Permanent Navigation Locks
Construction of the Auxiliary Cofferdam in the Right
Bank
1st phase - 1st stage of Construction of the Left Bank
Cofferdam
Construction of the Cofferdam Incorporated into the Earth
Dam of the Right Bank
Diversion of the River
Excavation of the Concrete Structures
Concrete placement of the Power Plant structures
330
Construction of the embankment of the Earth Dam of
the Right Bank
Conclusion of excavation of the Permanent Lock,
Drainage Tunnel and Anchorage, protection of Navigation
Lock and Channel slopes
Concrete placement in the structures of the Permanent
Navigation Lock
Earth Dam of the Left Bank
Earth Dam in the Riverbed
6.3. SOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION
6.3.1. EARTH STRUCTURES
The earth dam in the right bank was initially conceived
as a hydraulic-fill, having been executed as an
experimental hydraulic-fill and, after a technical-economic
evaluation, it was decided to take the option of executing
it as a conventional compacted embankment.
The relevant aspects of its construction, considering
the volumes involved, were the incorporated and auxiliary
cofferdams; the earth embankment itself, the drainage
and reclamation devices in the area; the protection of
the upstream and downstream slopes, and the wave
protection in reinforced concrete on the crest of the dam.
Drainage devices
The drainage devices installed in the body of the dam
embankment essentially consist of drain trenches and
sand filters. (Photo 17).
Protection of the upstream slope between
El. 254.00 m and 260.00 m
For the protection of the upstream slope, soil-cement
was used, machine-mixed, compacted in layers 0.15 m
thick and 2.20 m wide, interconnected by a film of cement
grout. A volume of around 190,000.00 m of soil-cement
was executed, whose technological control consisted of
tests during the placement (degree of pulverization,
cement content, unconfined compressive strength of the
mix, compaction and quantity of grout), as well as the

Photo 17 - Drainage trench of the Right Bank Earth Dam
quality controls (grain size distribution, consistency,
durability to wetting and drying, unconfined compressive
strength, tension of the joints and durability to freezing
and melting).
Protection of the downstream slope above the berm
of the Roadway, at El. 246.70 m - experiment and
technical definition of the grass for slope protection
The protection of the downstream slope, between the
crest of the dam of the left bank and the elevation of the
roadway, was made with grass of the Batatais type
(Paspalum Notatum). However, for that definition, an
extensive research project was undertaken to choose
the vegetal cover for these slopes.
The parameters evaluated were: speed of propagation,
efficiency of the cover, rusticity (the capacity to support
adverse conditions), competitiveness (against the growth
of invasive species), speed of growth and aesthetic
characteristics (landscape effect).
In this manner, the solution adopted was vegetal
protection of the Batatais species, planted by the system
of turf squares, which presented advantages such as lower
cost of implantation, guaranteed germination, non-
introduction of undesirable weeds, rapidity of application,
less quantity of mowing and rapid efficiency against
erosion.
Protection of the downstream slope below
El. 246,70 m - programme evaluating the
susceptibility to weathering of rocky materials
The protection of the downstream slope below the
roadway berm was effected by the method of the
segregated layer 2, with rockfill provided by the obligatory
excavations. It should be pointed out that part of the
material provided by these excavations was partially
susceptible to weathering and an extensive programme
was developed to evaluate quantitatively the disintegration
of these rocks.
2
The transition by the method of the single segregated layer was carried out in the following way:
The material from the stockpile bottom, formed by rock blocks with a large amount of fines, was used. This material piled at the dam
crest was pushed by a bulldozer with the blade raised about 20 to 30 cm from the ground, by this operation the finer part remained
close to the slope and the coarser one on the upper portion of the layer.
Main Brazilian Dams III
Tests were executed of the natural cycling of rock
core samples subjected to weathering, cycles of water/
oven, accompaniment of the natural weathering of blocks
of rock in the stockpiles and the observation of the natural
disintegration of the excavated slopes.
The analyses of the results led to the conclusion that
the microflows become totally weathered after 8 months
of exposure, and the macroflows present a different
evolution in comparison with the result from stockpiles
(30% to 40% disintegration) and the tests on core
samples (25% disintegration).
Upon consideration that this rocky material with an
index of weathering varying from 30% to 40% would form
part of the protection to be built, a different thickness
was adopted for the rockfill protection equal to 3d50.
Exploitation of the borrow area of the right bank
with the utilization of a Loader and wagons
In view of the extraordinary dimensions of the earth
dam of the right bank, as well as the long distance from
the borrow areas to the points of utilization, unusual
equipment and procedures were used, such as, the
exploitation by means of a "Loader" (equipment hauled
by two Cat D9 tractors), the transportation of clay in
wagons with a capacity of 70 m and large volume tanker
trucks, demanding the treatment of the material at the
site itself, through correction of the moisture content,
dumping and grading before compaction. (Photo 18).
Construction of the downstream ridge with RCC
(roller compacted concrete)
Since its function was to protect the earth dam of the
right bank, the downstream ridge, composed of rockfill,
required protection from constant beating of waves with
significant heights created by the operation of the
spillway. After the technical-economic analysis of the
proposed alternatives, it was decided to execute the
protection of the downstream ridge using roller compacted
concrete (RCC) in the core and conventional concrete
on the hydraulic face.
Photo 18 - Borrow area / Loader equipment
331
Main Brazilian Dams III

The placement was executed in continuous layers of mass concrete, and presented a mean cement
0.40 m, with the width of the layer varying from consumption of 129 kg/m3.
3.0 to 7.0 m, along the downstream ridge. The materials
applied were 91,000 m3 of compacted rockfill, 17,300 m3 Utilization of a cellular cofferdam in the 2nd Phase
of roller compacted concrete (RCC) and 3,100 m3 of of Diversion in the connection between the Central
conventional concrete. Wall and the cofferdam of the downstream
enclosure of the Powerhouse
6.3.2. CONCRETE STRUCTURES The original project for the execution of the 2nd Phase
The concrete employed in these structures was of Diversion of the Paran River contemplated the
composed of pozzolanic Portland cement, water, fine connection of the Powerhouse cofferdam with the central
aggregates and additives, and various types of concrete wall in a conventional manner. The central wall was
were used according to the places of application, its designed with a length of 113.70 m downstream of the
structural strength, abrasion, etc., listed as follows: powerhouse, in order to approach, at a perpendicular
Mass concrete; angle, the cofferdam constituted by a rockfill
Mass structural concrete; embankment with a clay core. (Photos 19 and 20).
Reinforced concrete; With the objective of decreasing volumes, both in the
Strongly reinforced or prestressed concrete; cofferdam and in the central wall, the project was reviewed
Abrasion resistant, and by the adoption of a cellular cofferdam, connected at a
Roller compacted (Rollcrete). slant to the wall. In this manner the central wall was
Due to the great quantity of natural aggregates
available at the jobsite, the concrete employed gravels
and sands extracted from the quarries of Santa Ildia and
leo Cru, downstream from the development and
processed at the jobsite. Since the studies revealed that
the utilization of the gravel as an aggregate implied a
high potential for an alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), it
was decided to employ cement with the addition of
pozzolan to combat the harmful effect of AAR. After
extensive research on dosages of cements with
pozzolans, carried out with the suppliers, the CESP
adopted the utilization of pozzolanic Portland cement
designated as cement type "CP IV CESP". This cement
possesses 35% (by weight) of pozzolan, 4,500 cm2/g of
the Blaine fineness modulus, and characteristics of the
Photo 19 - Cellular cofferdam in 2nd Phase of the River Diversion
cement CP 40 (40 MPa after 28 days).
The concrete employed was refrigerated in the
concrete plant, using cold water and crushed ice, with a
pouring temperature that could not surpass a range of
temperatures varying from 11 C to 15 C, according to
its class.
Table 8 presents the general average of all the concrete
mixes employed at Porto Primavera, totalling a volume
of 2.21 x 106 m3:
Discounting the portion relating to pozzolan, the mean
cement consumption results as 149 kg/m3, a fairly
satisfactory result in view of the character of the Porto
Primavera structures. In comparison, the gua Vermelha
hydropower plant (Antnio Ermrio de Morais HPP), also
built by the CESP, has a large part of its structures in Photo 20 - Cellular cofferdam in 2nd Phase of the River Diversion

Table 8 - Concrete - Average Mix

332

shortened to a total length of 74.20 m downstream from
the powerhouse (39.50 m less than the original design).
Part of this cofferdam corresponds to a cellular
cofferdam 24.0 m in height, provided with 2 principal cells
with a diameter of 24.0 m and two connecting secondaries.
At the time, taking into account the costs and the
time limits, it was decided to reuse the sheet piles
employed in the cellular cofferdams of the Tucuru
Hydroelectric Power Plant.
This cofferdam fulfilled its objectives of dewatering the
area downstream of the powerhouse, however, with the
installation of a lane for the crossing to the right bank,
and which was subjected to the traffic of off-road trucks,
the sheet piles commenced to shift. This was verified in
the course of monitoring the instrumentation installed.
After five years the connecting cell and one of the principal
cells broke towards the side of the powerhouse
Immediately after the occurrence, the area was
isolated and measures were taken to repair the stability
of the affected cells. There was a lowering of the elevation
of the cofferdam by 2.80 m and the movement of traffic to
the right bank was effected by barge. There were no
casualties.
Execution of the drainage tunnel and anchorage of
the lock
With the objective of lowering the water table and
reducing the hydrostatic pressures, as well as anchoring
the right side wall of the navigation lock, a tunnel was
executed in the sandstone bedrock at El. 246.00, along
the entire extension of the chamber, whose executive
sequence of excavation was developed on two fronts.
The apertures, protected by a row of anchor bolts in the
perimeter at the level of the excavation, have their portals
protected by wire mesh and shotcrete.
The average overall production was about 1.00 m/day
in the downstream face and 1.16 m/day in the upstream
face; figures that were considered normal and satisfactory
in jobs of these dimensions and rock of this nature. Mean
values of around 3.35 m/day were attained under ideal
conditions.
Special precautions were taken during the excavation
by blasting, principally as a result of the following factors:
The existence of an external slope already excavated to its
final geometry, between the El. 252.50 m and 263.00 m.
The occurrence in the rock mass of significant amounts
of tie-rods, of 22.00 m, already installed previously, for
temporary stabilization of the above-mentioned slope.
The possibility of the occurrence, along the route for
the tunnel, of pockets of material with worse
geomechanical characteristics that might totally or
partially destabilize the work front.
The existence of subvertical discontinuities of great
extension that might destabilize or provoke large
deformations in the rock mass.
For these reasons, the excavation works were
Main Brazilian Dams III
monitored by measuring the vibrations induced by the
blasting. The analyses of these vibrations showed a high
dispersion of the results, which, without doubt, can be
attributed to the phenomenon of the superposition of the
effects of one blasting delay upon another, demonstrating
a more transmissive medium than the one considered in
the design.
This confirmation demonstrated the need for
redoubling the precautions in future excavations, not so
much in the sense of reducing the values of the loading
rates or the maximum charges per delay, but moreover
to use sufficiently spaced delays to avoid the
superimposition of unexpected effects.
Sealing the Foundation of the 1st Phase - 2nd Stage
Cofferdam of the Left Bank
The cofferdam of the 1st Phase - 2nd Stage of the left
bank was seated upon a fairly permeable alluvial layer,
with thickness varying form 6.0 to 12.0 m, essentially
characterised by sandy horizons intercalated with
conglomeratic slabs (sandy gravel cemented by
ferruginous compounds) of a thickness varying from
20 cm to 80 cm in up to 5 distinct levels, and with
intercalations of soft clay levels.
The alternatives analysed for sealing the alluvial layer
were: concrete piles by the CCP process (Chemical
Churning Pile) or the execution of a plastic diaphragm
wall. The CCP technique consists, fundamentally, in
the execution of soil improvement with cement "in situ",
through the introduction of cement grout into the terrain
at great speed by special devices. This injection is
executed by pumping the grout at extremely high
pressures, forcing it to traverse very small openings. The
jet obtained in this manner destroys the structure of the
soil, promoting the mixing and homogenization of this
material with the grout injected. The solution chosen was
that of the CCP piles, since the alternative of the plastic
diaphragm faced its principal disadvantage in the difficulty
of piercing the slabs of conglomerate and guaranteeing
the stability of the walls of the panels.
A similar process to that of the CCP, called the
ROTOCRETE, was executed on the upstream stretch of
the cofferdam. This method consists in executing columns
through a drill that goes simultaneously perforating and
mechanically executing in situ a mixture of cement grout
and soil.
The analysis of the instrumentation, installed to verify
the behaviour of this sealing curtain, showed that its
performance was lower than expected, not fulfilling the
objective of decreasing the gradients of seepage.
Nevertheless, some sealing effect did occur, homogenizing
and reducing the permeability of the materials of that layer,
since the dewatering of the enclosure permitted observing
a reduction in the seepage rate.
After the diversion, the location was excavated and in
the samples from the columns that had been executed
great openings could be observed, resulting from the lack
333
Main Brazilian Dams III
of verticality between them, columns that didn't preserve
their initial diameter, lack of penetration into the rock mass,
etc., which can be explained by the great difference
between the strengths of the materials existing in the area
(soft sands, conglomeratic slabs and lenses of soft clay).
7. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND
ECONOMIC ASPECTS
In order to mitigate the impacts resulting from the
implantation of the development, and also taking into
consideration that the impacts traditionally surpass the
legal obligations of mitigation and compensation, the
CESP implanted various environmental programmes of
a mitigating and compensatory nature in accordance with
EIA-RIMA (Environmental Impact Studies), developed in
the period of 1992 to 1994 by the consortium constituted
by THEMAG-ENGEA-UMAH.
These programmes, subdivided into social-economic
and physical-biotic, were complemented by specific
activities of environmental management, whose
introduction was granted priority in the last two years.
7.1. SOCIAL-ECONOMICS PROGRAMMES
These Programmes followed the results of the
EIA/RIMA, with the intention of minimizing the impacts
caused by the implantation of power plants on the
populations, the economic activities, the existing
infrastructure and the historical, cultural and
archaeological heritage of the region of influence.
Programmes for Resettling the Affected Population:
involve rural and urban resettlements
Programmes for Maintaining the Economic Activities:
involve the continuity of the activities relating to: brick
kilns - ceramics, quarrying sand and gravel, fishery.
Programmes of Recomposition and Improvement of the
Highway Infrastructure, Sanitation and Transport:
implantation of roads, crossings, port structure, sanitation
infrastructure (public water supply and distribution,
sewage collection and treatment), electric power and
telephone infrastructure (removal and reallocation of
electricity networks), reallocation of community centres,
schools and public health centres, where, in some cases
of schools and health centres the compensation was
used to equip and enlarge the existing buildings.
Recreation activities were also implemented by the
creation of specific areas and parks.
Programme of Archaeological Rescue and Valorisation
of the Regional Memory: the rescue activities
commenced in 1993, with records of an assembly of
253 archaeological occurrence sites and the collection
of a heritage surpassing 50,000 artefacts.
7.2. PHYSICAL-BIOTIC PROGRAMMES
7.2.1. BIOTIC
This programme covers four principal activities:
334
management of the flora, the fauna, fishery administration
and implementation of units for conservation and protected
areas.
Programme for Managing the Flora: its objective is the
rescue and preservation of the regional flora, providing
recuperation and maintenance of the environmental
quality in the areas of influence of reservoirs. At present,
the CESP is in the process of certifying these projects
under the clean development mechanism (CDM)
promoted in the Kyoto Protocol of Emission Control.
Programme of Management and Conservation of the
Fauna: its objective is to document the fauna, subsidize
its management, develop reproduction projects and
analyse translocations of species. For example: the
marsh deer, puma, jaguar, howler monkey and black
monkey.
Programme of Fishery Management: is equipped with
systems for the transposition of fishes (elevator and fish
ladder) which address the monitoring of the ichthyofauna
and its population dynamics.
7.2.2. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
This programme comprises five principal activities, i.e.:
Programme of control of erosion - silt deposition: its
scope is the control over erosive processes and
consequently, the silt deposition in the basins that
contribute to the reservoir.
Programme for protecting the slopes of the banks: its
objective is to promote actions directed to the
conservation and recuperation of unstable marginal
slopes or those subject to instability within the reservoir
by means of the systematic monitoring of the margins.
Programme for mitigating the impacts of the elevation
of the water table: its purpose is to identify the impacts
resulting from the elevation of the water table caused by
the filling of the reservoir, including the water quality, by
monitoring the water levels and the water quality.
Programme for recuperating degraded areas: its purpose
is to restore to the dominating landscape of the
surrounding region the areas that were degraded by the
execution of the structures of the power plant and
complementary works.
Programme of scientific research on the physical
environment: its purpose is to characterise the alluvial
deposits, their origin, constitution, lithogenetic processes,
paleoclimatic influences, contemplating the areas of
geology, geomorphology and lithology.
As a complement to the set of physical-biotic
programmes, the CESP is implanting three state parks
and one Private Reserve of the Natural Patrimony (PRNP),
as follows:
Parque Estadual das Vrzeas do Rio
Ivinhema 73,345.15 ha
Parque Estadual do Rio Aguape 9,043.97 ha
Parque Estadual do Rio do Peixe 7,720.00 ha
PRNP Cisalpina 6,261.75 ha

It should be stressed that in seeking the maintenance
of a standard of improvement of the environmental
processes, the CESP has promoted studies in the field
of Research and Development R&D, with the approval by
the ANEEL of the following programmes that are now
being developed for the reservoir of Porto Primavera:
"Study of the alternatives for the protection against
erosion on the shores of the reservoir of the Eng. Srgio
Motta (Porto Primavera) HPP". This programme seeks
alternatives for erosion control, without their
implementation implying environmental impacts or high
financial costs, considering the magnitude of the reservoir
and the search for unconventional engineering techniques
that adopt ecological criteria and bio-engineering soil
techniques, with the utilization of natural elements of low
cost (live and inert).
"Monitoring and Study of Fish Migration in the Eng.
Srgio Motta HPP".
"Studies on the Occurrence, Distribution, Density and
Growth of Aquatic Plants in the Porto Primavera
Reservoir".
Table 9 - Instruments installed - Types and quantities
Main Brazilian Dams III
8. PERFORMANCE OF THE ENTERPRISE
The instrumentation installed has the purpose of
accompanying and controlling the behaviour of diverse
structures comprising the enterprise (structures of
concrete including the navigation lock and the earth dams)
during the construction, filling of the reservoir and
operation. These results permit evaluating the safety
conditions of the works.
CESP developed a computer programme called
SICESP - SISTEMA CESP DE SEGURANA DE
BARRAGENS [CESP DAM SAFETY SYSTEM], which
generates a Data Bank permitting the taking of readings
on the instrumentation installed and complementary
visual inspections, with an automatic safety follow-up,
producing graphs and check lists.
Table 9 presents a summary of the types and numbers
of instruments installed, stressing that as a complement
to the systematic processes of monitoring, inspections
and maintenance adopted, a specific manual was
prepared covering inspection, maintenance and the
335
Main Brazilian Dams III
precautions to be observed in the earth dam of the right
bank and its foundations throughout the period of
operation of the plant, with its principal focus on the
questions relating to the drainage system installed.
Taking into account the extent of the enterprise, with
960 m relating to concrete structures and 10,400 m to
the earth dams of the right bank, in the riverbed and the
left bank, the considerations concerning dam safety were
divided into: Concrete Structures and Earth Structures.
It can be observed that with the filling of the reservoir
in two stages - the first to El. 253.00 m and finally to
El. 257.00 m, in the analyses of the instrumentation
installed in the first stage, despite the load imposed
representing a portion of the total to be effectively
supported by the structures, it was possible to
characterise a standard of behaviour and even check
some of the project parameters, implement additional
treatments and revaluate criteria adopted in order to
conduct all the structures within the standards of safety
forecast in the project of El. 257.00 m and 259.00 m.
8.1. EARTH STRUCTURES
As a general concept, the dam safety, whose design
was based on drainage as the principal foundation
treatment, particularly depends on the good functioning
of this drainage system.
All the instrumentation existing in the earth dam
(standpipe and pneumatic piezometers) served the
purpose of monitoring the behaviour of this system under
the effect of the uplift pressures. Corrective measures,
such as, relief wells, drainage holes and blankets were
carried out in order to lower these uplift pressures. It can
now be concluded that the values observed are within
the levels established by the design criteria and present
adequate conditions of safety.
As a complement to the safety measures and
monitoring, the planning included inspections and the
eventual unblocking of the drainage tubing capable of
being accessed using filming equipment fitted to small
diameter probes, called CCTV (closed circuit television).
This measure was tested and proved efficient.
A noteworthy programme is that of the "golden
mussel" in the stretch of the earth dam, whose detection
was reported in the concrete structures and in some
mechanical equipment of the power plant.
The measures taken by the CESP for the downstream
portion went beyond the visual inspections, on the surface
and underwater, involving the implantation of rosettes and
acrylic plaques to control the occurrence while yet in its
larval stage in stretches of the dam where the internal
drainage outlets occurred under submerged conditions
in direct contact with the water of the Paran or Baa
rivers. (Stretches of the dam on the plain of the Baa
River and in the riverbed).
The inspections carried out up to the present have
failed to record the presence of this mollusc in the earth
structures and their downstream drainage systems.
336
The risk of this occurrence however, still exists and raises
fears concerning the performance and the safety of the
dam.
While there is still no certainty regarding the questions
raised above, strict monitoring has also to be continued
in the regions of the alluvial terrace, paleo-island and
Paran plateau, which, although presenting only a small
risk of contamination without the occurrence of floods,
are very fragile in the case of an infestation. In these
stretches, the drainage outlets occur through discrete
points that collect the water from the perforated tubing.
An infestation of these tubes represents a serious risk
to the safety of the dam.
8.2. CONCRETE STRUCTURES
It can be stated, in a general manner, that the
auscultation system is functioning perfectly, being fully
satisfactory to record any alterations of the stresses
imposed on the structures and that the values observed
are within the limits established in the design criteria,
presenting adequate safety conditions.
With the piezometric data in hand, the real uplift
pressure diagrams were compared with the project
hypotheses, permitting the assessment of the real
conditions of seepage through the foundations, as well
as the stability conditions of the structures, thus proving
their conformity with the design criteria.
The readings from the strain meters compared the
observed displacements with those predicted in the
project, thus checking the deformability of the structures
and their foundations, which were in line with the design
projections.
The instrumentation also checked the efficiency of
the treatment system applied to the bedrock (Grout and
drainage curtain), with the effective control of the uplift
pressures acting in the foundations, with readings within
the predictions of the project.
The seepage flowing into the foundation drains, after
the 2nd phase of the diversion (1993) was considerably
greater than estimated by the project, particularly in the
region of the microflows and in the vertical wall to the
erection area. Measures were adopted, such as blocking
some drains with control of uplift pressures and which
proved effective and, together with the phenomenon of
the silting of the reservoir, have resulted in a gradual
decrease, as shown in Table 10.
Analysis of the results of the takes by the grout
curtains eliminated the need for additional perforations,
either complementary or quaternary, forecast by the
technical specification. This situation can be explained
by the characteristics of the rock masses injected, where
the groutable domains characterised by the horizontal
discontinuities of high persistency (lateral extension) and
high hydraulic conductivity present in the macroflows were
amply grouted, against the non-groutable domain in the
microflows, characterised by localized portions of highly
fractured rocky mass, low persistence and high hydraulic
 Main Brazilian Dams III

Table 10 - Flows and Seepage from the Foundation Drains

conductivity, where the effectiveness of the sealing curtain Basic data

was smaller than in the region of the macroflows. Area of the hydrographical basin 574,000 km
Mean annual rainfall 1,388.6 mm (from 1975 to 2007).
9. TECHNICAL FEATURES Mean annual temperature 25.20 C

Location Porto Primavera Power Plant Reservoir

and Navigation Lock, built at the Southwestern end of Area at maximum normal level:
the State of So Paulo, a region designated as the Pontal Area of reservoir at El. 257.00 2040 km
do Paranapanema. It is located in the Paran River, close Area of reservoir at El. 259.00 2250 km
to 28 km upstream from the confluence with the Total storage volume:
Parapanema River and 267 km downstream from Usina at lowered level (257.00- 257.30 m) 16,318 x 109 m
Souza Dias (Jupi) Power Plant. The area of the at design level (257.00- 259.00 m) 20 x 109 m
development comprises the regions of the municipalities Active storage volume:
of Anaurilndia, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul and at lowered level (257.00-257.30 m) 618 x 106 m
Rosana, in the State of So Paulo, close to 789 km at design level (257.00- 259.00 m) 4.3 x 109 m
distant from the capital of So Paulo. Length 250 km
Maximum width 15 km (El. 257.00 m) and 19.4 km
Year commenced in 19/09/1979, approval by the (El. 259.00 m)
Ministro das Minas e Energia, for the basic project of Maximum normal water level 259.00 m
Porto Primavera and permission for its construction. Maximum flood water level 259.70 m
Year concluded 15/10/2003 Minimum water level 257.00 m
(14th Generator Unit commenced commercial generation).
Tailrace
Owner Maximum normal water level 239.80 m
CESP - Companhia Energtica do Estado de So Paulo. Maximum flood water level 246.00 m
Minimum water level 236.40 m
Designer
THEMAG Engenharia e Gerenciamento Ltda. Flows
Mean incoming flow 7,145 m/s (period 1931/2005)
Principal Constructor of the Civil Works Maximum recorded flow 33,380 m/s
CONSTRUES E COMRCIO CAMARGO CORREA S/A (17/02/1983 - stream gauge PA-62F)
Supplier of the electromechanical equipment: CONSRCIO Minimum recorded daily flow 3,140 m/s
GIPA - GRUPAMENTO INDUSTRIAL PARAN - (11/09/1973 - stream gauge PA-52L)
PARANAPANEMA and principal consortiums of the firms Maximum diversion flow and time of recurrence
ALSTOM HYDRO ENERGIA BRASIL S.A., INEPAR S/A 28,700 m/s - 25 years
INDSTRIAS E CONSTRUES and ABB LTDA.

337
Main Brazilian Dams III

Maximum incoming flow: Turbine

Probable Maximum Flood PMF or Ten-thousand year Type Kaplan
flood 52,800 m/s Number of units 18 units (installed 14)
Rated power 111.8 MW
Earth Dam Rated net head 18.30 m
Type Compacted earth embankment Maximum discharge from unit 638 m/s
Length 10,376 m Rated speed 75 rpm
Maximum height 38 m Manufacturer UG1 to UG3 Neyrpic
Crest elevation 261.45 m and UG4 to UG14 Alstom
Crest width 9.50 m
Generator
Concrete Dam Type Umbrella
Type Conventional concrete Rated power 110 MW
Length 1,004 m Voltage 13.8 kV +_ 5%
Maximum height 78.50 m Frequency 60 HZ
(considering the top of the Fish Elevator) Rotation 75 rpm
Elevation 263.00 Manufacturer Units 1 to 3 Alstom/Jeumont Industrie
Units 4/6/8/10/12/14 GE Hidro Inepar (Sade Vigesa)
Spillway Units 5/7/9/11/13/15 ABB Asea-Brown Boveri
Type Surface
Length 315.00 m Step-up Transformers
Width 84.00 m Number 18 units
Maximum discharge 52,800 m/s Type Three-phase
Rated power 112 MVA
Spillway Gates Voltage 13.8/460 kV
Type radial Manufacturer Units 1 to 3 Alstom/Jeumont Industrie
Number 16 Units 4/6/8/10/12/14 GE Hidro Inepar (Sade Vigesa)
Dimensions: Width 15.00 m Units 5/7/9/11/13/15 ABB Asea-Brown Boveri
Height 18.00 m
Manufacturer Mecnica Pesada S/A Volumes
Earth excavation 11,242,670 m
Water intake Rock excavation 4,323,861 m
Type Gravity Underground excavation 3,159 m
Length 558.00 m Compacted clay 17,995,832
Maximum height 54.00 m Rockfill 3,436,515 m
Concrete (RCC, conventional) 2,193,649 m
Intake gates Steel reinforcement 164,524 t
Type Fixed wheel
Number 54 units 10. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
Dimensions:
Free span of bay 10.50 m [1] INTERNAL REPORTS OF THEMAG
Free height of bay 15.83 m ENGENHARIA - 1976 to 2007.
Manufacturer Mecnica Pesada S/A [2] Celestino, Tarcsio B.; Tressoldi, Marilda; Pacheco,
Iramir B. -"Scale effects on the hydrogeotechnical
Diversion characterizations of Porto Primavera dam site fractures
Type Cofferdam with clay core basalts. In: ISRM WORKSHOP ON SCALE EFFECTS,
1st Phase Riverbed Loen. Proceedings. Loen, International Society for Rock
2nd Phase Spillway Mechanics, 1990.
Design Flow (Tr=25 years) 28,700 m/s [3] Tressoldi, Marilda. "Tensores de condutividade
hidrulica em aluvio e em Arenito Caiu". 6 CBGE
Powerhouse Salvador-BA, 1990.
Type Indoor [4] Tressoldi M.; Celestino, T. B.; Kitahara, S. M. ;
Height 72.40 m Vincenzo Jr., M. C. "Caracterizao Hidrogeolgica e
(between axes A and B - El. 273.40 - El. 201.00) Hidrogeotcnica de Basaltos Fraturados atravs de
Length 558.00 m Ensaios Tridimensionais - O Exemplo de Porto
Installed power 1,540 MW (14 machines) Primavera". 6 CBGE e IX COBRAMSEF, Salvador-BA,
1990.

338

[5] Tressoldi M.; Kitahara, S. M.; Vincenzo Jr., M. C.
"Alguns Aspectos Hidrogeolgicos do Arenito Caiu das
Fundaes da Barragem de Porto Primavera". 6 CBGE
e IX COBRAMSEF, Salvador-BA, 1990.
[6] Jensen,Pedro D.; Barth,Rubens T.;
Martins,Sidney.; Musarra, Maria Luiza; Oliveira
Filho,Jos.E.; Dias, Joo H. P. "Sistema para a
transposio de peixes na Usina Porto Primavera: estudo
de caso". XV Simpsio de Recursos Hdricos, Curitiba,
2003.
[7] Negro, Arsenio; Santos, Newton B. "Hydraulic fill
method: A feasible alternative for earth dam construction".
VI Congresso Panamericano de Mecnica dos Solos e
Engenharia de Fundaes, Lima-Peru,1979.
[8] Moretti, M. R. "Parmetros fsicos do aterro
hidrulico experimental de campo de Porto Primavera".
VIII Congresso Brasileiro de Mecnica dos Solos e
Main Brazilian Dams III
Engenharia de fundaes, Porto Alegre, 1986.
[9]:Vargas, M; Pacheco, I. B.; Moretti, M. R.
"Drenagem versus impermeabilizao na otimizao dos
projetos de fundao de barragens de terra". XXII
Seminrio Nacional de Grandes Barragens, So
Paulo,1997.
[10]:Moretti, M. R.; Pacheco, I. B.; Vargas, M.
"Behavior of a Dam on a Pervious Foundation without
Impermeable Elements". 12th Panamerican Conference
for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering and
39th US Rock Mechanics Symposium, Cambridge, USA,
2003.
[11]:Guimares M.C.B.; RE G.; Monteiro L.B. "Critical
Analysis of the Geomechanical Characterization Results
of an Unusual Basaltic Lithology in Porto Primavera
Power Plant". VII International Congress of the IAEG,
Lisbon, 1994.
339