The effectiveness of new austrian tunnelling method (NATM) for hydro power plant construction: Lau gunung power plant, north sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Hydro Electric Power Plant is a power generating system using gravity fall of water as the main force to move the turbine and generate electricity. The construction purpose of Lau Gunung hydropower (2×7. 5 MW) that is located in Dairi, North Sumatra, is to Supply power to 14,000 house of the surrounding region. The river run-off system, where the water is immediately contained and then flowed through a tunnel considering the discharge flowing river, where it is constant and does not occur in the fluctuating water level. The Lau Gunung river has the minimum flow that can exceed from 15 to 25 m3/s with a high tunnel dimensions of 4 metres long, 3,9 metres wide and a length of 1,6 kilometres. In terms of the analysis of the time effectiveness of the NATM can be saved because of the continuous work of 24 hours, without any obstacles in which the sub methods used include the drilling & blasting. The tunnel then use the form of steel reinforcement rib and Safety shotcrete lining. The general review may show that using NATM result a tremendous savings, also the use of horse shape conduce small displacement which is effective for the construction.