Kinematic Analysis of the Dam and Powerhouse Sites of the Baglihar Hydropower Project

Abstract

The present study assesses the slope stability at the most significant Baglihar Dam for slope failure and landslides occurrences. The study comprises of twelve sites which were selected for detailed geotechnical investigation for assessment of potential slope failures using basic Rock Mass Rating (RMRb), Slope Mass Rating (SMR) and kinematic analysis techniques. The results show that even though the rocks are of fair quality but other factors including joint pattern and density caused by tectonic and anthropogenic activities have rendered three sites completely unstable, 8 sites are unstable and one site is stable. Moreover Nine sites are susceptible to wedge failure, six to topple and two to plane failure. The RMRb value varies from 45 to 55 and SMR value varies from 11 to 44. The thorough results and interpretation of work done is presented in this paper.