| Iconic dams
involves advanced analysis of meteorological information and collaborative efforts between key stakeholders, emphasising the holistic impact of the dam on its surroundings. The engineering marvel extends to the visitor
experience as well. The underground station, situated 340m deep, not only serves as the heart of the power plant but also doubles as a unique venue for events, including musical
concerts. A highlight of the visit is the roof of the engine room, which replicates the starry sky of Lindoso village during its construction. Alto Lindoso forms part of the XFLEX Hydro
project which is an €18 million initiative at the forefront of advancing hydropower capabilities. Through the initiative, this hydropower project is testing low-cost opportunities to
extend its operating range and optimise power flexibility. This ensures the plant’s adaptability and resilience in the face of evolving energy demands, illustrating a firm commitment to sustainability in efficient hydropower practices. With projects like Alto Lindoso, XFLEX Hydro is demonstrating how flexible hydropower technologies can deliver a low-carbon and resilient power system.
Dams in South Africa Henry-John Wright, Chairperson of SANCOLD, and Dr Quentin Shaw, Vice-President of ICOLD (Africa) explain their choice of Roller Compacted Concrete and Rubble Masonry Concrete dams in South Africa
Above: Mndwaka Dam is the highest multiple arch buttress RMC dam constructed in South Africa
RCC was first used at the Tarbela Dam repair works in Pakistan in 1974. The South African Department of Water Affairs undertook its first research on this new technique in 1978 and the first RCC gravity dam, namely the De Mistkraal Weir, was completed in 1986 in South Africa. The success with RCC gravity dams led engineers to believe that the construction
technique could be extended to arched dams. Consequently, the first arch-gravity dam, the 50m high Knellpoort Dam was completed in 1988. Wolwedans Dam (70m high), completed in 1990, was the second RCC arch-gravity dam. Both sites were in wide valleys with good foundation rock suitable for arch/gravity dams rather than double curvature arch dams. The
dams applied a simple single-centre, arch- gravity configuration, with a vertical upstream face and a sloped, stepped downstream face. The steeper downstream face slope and greater height of Wolwedans Dam implied a greater reliance on arch load transfer under normal operating conditions, as well as under extreme loading.
Above: Knellpoort Dam was the first RCC arch gravity dam to be completed in South Africa in 1988
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