Dasu achieves another benchmark

ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): Dasu Hydropower Project achieved yet another benchmark as full-scale Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) trial has commenced on the Project. The full-scale trial is a pre-requisite to lay RCC for Main Dam of the Project.

A team of engineers and technical experts is conducting the full-scale RCC placement at a dedicated trial section located near the Main Dam site with the purpose to validate construction methodologies, ensure consistent quality standards, assess logistical and operational systems, identify potential technical challenges, and provide practical training to the Project’s workforce, said a message received here on Tuesday.

The full-scale trial, including its testing, is expected to be completed in 4 months. Teams from the Contractor, the Consultants, and WAPDA will review and evaluate all technical aspects of the trial before formal commencement of RCC works at the Main Dam, scheduled later this year, depending upon the availability of pozzolan from Gini area, which despite efforts spread over a decade, WAPDA has not been able to acquire.

Besides conducting the full-scale RCC trial, construction activities are also underway on 23 workfronts of Dasu Hydropower Project. Major construction sites include the Main Dam foundation, underground Power House and underground Transformer Cavern. The Crushing and Batching plants, needed for RCC production, are fully operational, ensuring readiness for the next phase of construction.

It is important to note that Dasu is the largest hydropower Project of Pakistan in terms of annual energy generation, which is 21 billion units. The 4320 MW-Dasu Hydropower Project is planned to be completed in two Stages. At present, WAPDA is constructing Stage-1of 2160 MW, which will provide 12 billion units clean, green and economically affordable electricity to the National Grid.