Large-scale Project finished in Nepal after 6 Years: Middle Marsyangdi Dam

Because the country of Nepal is not blessed with abundant natural resources such as oil or coal, their main source of energy is water power. Due to the exportation of electricity to India, water power also represents a long-term source of income. Year after year, demand for electricity and peak loads of Nepalese hydroelectric power plants rise by 8-9%.

As a result, construction began 20 years ago on three dams on the Marsyangdi River. The middle dam, Middle Marsyangdi, is located approximately 170km west of Kathmandu.

Construction started as early as 2001, but was delayed by political conditions and only resumed recently. The new power plant generates 72 MW or 400 GWh per year. Even during the dry season, the plant has a peak load capacity of 5 hours. The dam did not need to be very large because the power plant takes advantage of the 108m of the Marsyangdi River’s natural change of elevation over a 5.5km long section.

The dam features an intake weir and a spillway and mainly serves as an equalizing reservoir on a daily basis. With its length of 85m, width of 36m and height of 36m, the spillway has a capacity of approximately 4,270m³/s.

In 2007, DSI supplied DYWIDAG Post-Tensioning Systems for tensioning the trunnion girders of the radial gates. A total of 62t of 0.6"2 strand, 120 type 6812 MA Anchorages and 60 type 6812 HV Loop Anchorages were installed at the job site. In addition, DSI supplied 4,000m of 90mm Ø x 0,5mm metallic sheathing.

DSI also provided the required strand installation equipment. An experienced DSI employee supervised the tensioning and grouting work, which was also carried out using DSI equipment.

Middle Marsyangdi Dam began to fill in November 2008 and inaugurated in December 2008. DSI is proud to have been part of a tough and dynamical building team that contributed to the economic development of the country of Nepal.