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Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
Contents
1 Summary 4
2 Scope and exclusions 5
3 Activities undertaken 5
3.1 Geotechnical investigation 5
3.1.1 Overview 5
3.1.2 Rationale of investigations 7
3.1.3 Drill hole naming convention 7
3.1.4 Tantangara intake area 7
3.1.5 Nungar Creek area 8
3.1.6 Tunnel alignment on Long Plain 9
3.1.7 Long Plain Fault (Plateau option power station complex) 9
3.1.8 Yarrangobilly River Tolbar Ridge alignment 13
3.1.9 Talbingo Intake 13
3.1.10 Access tunnel (Emergency Cable Ventilation Tunnel (EVCT)) 13
3.2 Ground characterisation 14
3.2.1 Soil materials 14
3.2.2 Engineering geology of the rock materials 15
3.3 Geological model 20
3.3.1 General 20
3.3.2 Assumptions 20
3.3.3 Summary of site conditions 20
3.3.4 Modelling issues 22
3.4 Rock mass design parameters 23
3.4.1 Approach to assessment of rock mass design parameters 23
3.4.2 Rock mass characterisation 23
3.4.3 Rock mass models 24
3.4.4 Assumptions 27
3.7 Geotechnical description for Project components 28
3.7.1 General 28
3.7.2 Intakes 30
3.7.3 Headrace tunnel 31
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3.7.4 Headrace surge shaft and gate chamber 33
3.7.5 Pressure shafts 33
3.7.6 Cavern complex 34
3.7.7 Tailrace tunnel 36
3.7.8 Access tunnels to the cavern complex 36
3.8 Seismicity 40
3.8.1 Seismotectonics of southeastern Australia 40
3.8.2 Seismic hazard classification 41
3.8.3 Potential for active faults 41
3.8.4 Maximum credible earthquake 43
3.8.5 Induced seismicity 43
3.8.6 Seismicity monitoring 43
3.9 Ground characterisation results 43
3.10 Rock mass characteristics predicted 47
4 Underground geotechnical investigation 49
5 Risks and opportunities 54
6 Supporting documents and appendices 55
7 Further work required prior to FID 56
8 Definitions and Abbreviations 56
9 Bibliography 56
Tables
Table 1: Drill hole naming convention
Table 2: Geotechnical investigation at the time of reporting
Table 3: Geotechnical soil characteristics assumed from field mapping and literature
Table 4: SMHEA rock mass classification and support practice
Table 5: Brief description and schematic presentation of tunnel behaviour types
Table 6: Tunnel behaviour chart for rock masses
Table 7: Summary of main rock units in geological model with respect to their position along Project
alignment.
Table 8: Geotechnical characteristics of likely rock formations along the Ravine option alignment
Table 9: Geotechnical conditions along the Plateau option alignment
Table 10: Comparison of predicted geotechnical conditions for alternative power cavern locations
Table 11: Comparison table of previous underground excavations within Snowy Hydro and the Project
Table 12: Supporting documents and appendices
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Figures
Figure 1: Drill hole locations in relation to Ravine option
Figure 2: Example drill core from Tantangara Intake area
Figure 3: Example drill core from location of power station complex in Plateau option
Figure 4: Example drill core from location of HRT in Ravine option
Figure 5: Summary of the geotechnical characteristics down hole of BH4101
Figure 6: Geomorphological features of Project area
Figure 7: Section AA' (from Figure 6) indicating an interpreted extension of the Yarrangobilly
Limestone towards the west
Figure 8: Geological Strength Index chart
Figure 9: GSI for heterogeneous rock masses such as flysch
Figure 10: General arrangement of the power station complex (relevant to both options)
Figure 11: Power waterway inferred geological long section
Figure 12: Photo of the Talbingo Intake location
Figure 13: General arrangement of the power station cavern complex in detail, relevant to both
options
Figure 14: Comparison of predicted geotechnical conditions for alternative power cavern locations
Figure 15: Access road locations
Figure 16: Seismic hazard Classification Map
Figure 17: Distribution of earthquakes and mapped faults near the Project location
Figure 18: Summary block diagrams for Kellys Plain Volcanics and Tantangara Formation
Figure 19: Summary block diagrams for Boggy Plain Fault and Gooandra Volcanics (east side)
Figure 20: Summary block diagrams for Gooandra Volcanics (west side) and Long Plain Fault
Figure 21: Summary block diagrams of Ravine Beds (proximal and distal to Long Plain Fault)
Figure 22: Geology and anticipated ground conditions starting at Tantangara Intake (left side of dwg)
for the Ravine option
Figure 23: Geology and anticipated ground conditions along HRT of Ravine option
Figure 24: Geology and anticipated ground conditions at power station complex location for Ravine
option
Figure 25: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for TRT of Ravine option
Figure 26: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for MAT of Ravine option
Figure 27: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for ECVT of Ravine option
Figure 28: Layout of the Dinorwic power station complex with the Machine Hall trial enlargement
shown (item 3)
Figure 29: Dinorwic power station complex Machine Hall trial enlargement shown (item 3)
Figure 30: Geology and layout of Tumut 2 Site including location of exploratory underground tunnel
and associated diamond drill holes
Figure 31: Exploratory Tunnel Portal for Tumut 2 Project
Figure 32: Sinking of Exploratory Shaft for Tumut 2 Project
Figure 33: Schematic of potential underground geotechnical investigations
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1 Summary
This chapter describes the Project’s predicted geotechnical and seismic conditions, the
purpose and scope of the proposed Geotechnical Investigation Program (GIP), and how
potential underground geotechnical investigations (UGIP) could refine the design of the
power station complex.
This chapter describes the Project’s predicted geotechnical and seismic conditions. The existing GIP
is outlined and the chapter describes how it was developed to validate or modify the geotechnical
predictions and thereby reduce the overall project risks. The chapter describes how potential
underground geotechnical investigations could be utilised to finalise refinement of the power station
complex design.
As described in C
hapter Nine Facilities, i nfrastructure for this Project is predominantly underground.
Therefore the design and construction of the Project is linked to the rock geotechnical properties at
various depths down to 1,100m below surface for the proposed excavations.
Presently, the underground conditions for depths ranging as deep as 1,000m are predicted from the
surface mapping and regional geology as outlined in C hapter Six Geology and terrain of this report.
Given the geology is complex, this level of information is clearly not sufficient for final design and
optimisation of the Project. As a result, early in the Study, a GIP was initiated to provide confirmation
of underground conditions through a combination of drilling, rock testing, and monitoring of rock and
water properties.
This chapter describes the ongoing GIP and preliminary results along with the progress of the
remaining portions scheduled for completion prior to Final Investment Decision (F ID ). The
geotechnical prediction and seismic interpretation of the Project are summarised based on the
preliminary GIP results along with available geologic and hydrologic information (see C hapter Six ).
2 Scope and exclusions
This chapter describes the GIP and initial results along with the progress of the remaining portions
scheduled for completion prior to FID. Based on preliminary results of the GIP along with information
from C hapter Six, the geotechnical and seismic preliminary assessment of the Project Area (see
definition below) are presented in this chapter.
In addition, the potential expansion of the GIP to include underground investigations is outlined in an
UGIP. Based on selection of a preferred cavern location from results of surface GIP results in the
coming months, the final stage of the GIP would be developed based on Project needs. This could
include an exploratory tunnel and or shaft from which detailed underground drilling and or trial
excavations could be completed. Results from this potential underground program would be used to
finalise information critical to the detailed engineering of the power station complex.
3 Activities undertaken
3.1 Geotechnical investigation
3.1.1 Overview
The design of the Project is based on a combination of hydromechanical requirements and the
underground geotechnical conditions in which tunnels and chambers are proposed to be constructed.
At present the underground conditions are predicted from the surface mapping and regional geology
as outlined in C
hapter Six of this Report. This level of information is not sufficient for final design and
optimisation of the Project. The GIP has been developed to provide the confirmation of underground
conditions through a combination of drilling, rock testing, and monitoring of rock and water properties.
The development and implementation of the GIP has the following objectives:
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1. Provide sufficient detailed geotechnical information for the preparation of representative
geological and geotechnical models for the development of the design;
2. Identify key geotechnical design issues / implications along the alignment and implications for
the Project along with sufficient information to enable appropriate design and construction;
3. Based on the above objectives, undertake a detailed geotechnical study that includes the
following activities:
a. Physical investigations, materials testing and data collation;
b. Analysis, interpretation and commentary on all aspects of the investigations; and
c. Development of representative geological and geotechnical models for the entire
project.
4. Provide sufficient detailed hydrogeological and geothermal information to assist in the design.
The GIP is primarily focused on the information supporting design and construction of major Project
components such as significant anticipated geological and geotechnical features, surge and pressure
shafts, cavern for power station and associated underground openings, significant river crossings and
tunnel intake and outtake sites.
As of the date of the Study, the GIP is a live document with ongoing updates as the investigations
progress. The information gathered during the site investigations is integrated with historical
information and utilised by the design team to refine the remaining drill hole locations and testing
regime.
A summary of the GIP scope of work as at the date of the Report includes:
1. Procurement of contractors and resources;
2. Implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (C EMP );
3. Implementation of a Safety Management Plan (S MP );
4. Implementation of the GIP;
5. Project and sitebased management of investigation;
6. Drill holes varying in lengths between 55m and approximately 1,200m below ground surface;
7. Installation of vibrating wire piezometers (V WPs );
8. Installation of open standpipes with pressure and temperature loggers;
9. Water pressure / packer tests to assess rock mass permeability;
10. Geophysical investigations including marine continuous seismic reflection survey, landbased
seismic refraction survey, and landbased electrical resistivity tomography survey;
11. Downhole survey tooling including High Resolution Acoustic Televiewer (H RATV ), drill hole
verticality survey, downhole temperature logging and downhole sonic profiling;
12. In situ stress testing of the rock mass at five locations;
13. Geotechnical and environmental laboratory testing;
14. Coordinate survey of completed investigation locations;
15. Transport and storage of soil samples, rock core and water samples, and
16. Production of a Geotechnical Data Report (G DR ).
A program of geotechnical and environmental laboratory testing of associated soils and rock is
progressing concurrently as part of the GIP.
The location of the drill holes are shown in Figure 1 below.
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Figure 1: Drill hole locations in relation to Ravine option1
Details of the drill holes regarding depths, drilling inclination, orientation and testing regime are
outlined in the following sections.
3.1.2 Rationale of investigations
The most appropriate informationgathering methods include surface core drilling, surface geophysical
and laboratory testing investigations. The background for selecting the various investigative
techniques is as follows:
1. Drill hole drilling to obtain information (rock core samples) at proposed tunnel and
underground structure elevations and to facilitate downhole/in situ stress testing of rock mass
conditions;
2. In situ stress testing to determine magnitude and direction of principal rock stresses e.g.
(overcoring technique) expected at depth for critical infrastructure areas;
3. Water pressure / packer tests to assess the permeability of the rock mass;
4. Acoustic teleview imaging the HRATV provides in situ imaging of the structure of the rock
mass including defect type and defect orientations;
5. Temperature logging facilitates ongoing studies into the potential impacts of the Project on
thermal groundwater gradients and conditions;
6. Geophysical surveys provide information on depth of weathering and rock structure;
7. Verticality surveys provide an accurate assessment of the final depth and position of the
drill holes drilled and will be used on holes greater than 200m target depth;
8. Laboratory testing determines engineering properties of soil and rock that will be used in
design; and
9. Groundwater monitoring devices are required to establish a regional groundwater model
(elevations and pressures) to determine design solutions for underground structures and to
assess the potential impacts of the scheme on the regional groundwater system.
3.1.3 Drill hole naming convention
A scope of drilling investigations has been developed to target individual elements of the proposed
scheme. A drill hole naming convention that corresponds to each key element of the scheme was
adopted for the GIP (see Table 1).
1
SMEC Dwg 25, Borehole Location Plan, Date 22/11/2017.
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Series (Drill hole) Zone
1000 Tantangara intake area
2000 Access shaft and Nungar Creek
3000 Tunnel alignment on Long Plain
4000 Long Plain Fault and Plateau option power station complex
5000 Surge / pressure shaft / Ravine option power station complex
6000 Yarrangobilly River / Tolbar Ridge alignment
7000 Talbingo outlet / intake
8000 Emergency Cable Ventilation Tunnel
Table 1: Drill hole naming convention
The detail of each zone of investigation and rationale of investigative technique selection is described
below.
3.1.4 Tantangara intake area
Drill holes BH1114 to BH1117 have been completed within and on the shoreline of Tantangara
Reservoir targeting the Kellys Plain Volcanics at the proposed intake area. All drill holes have been
drilled vertically with depths varying from 30.3 to 93.1m. seismic refraction surveys are planned in the
GIP in landbased holes to obtain weathering profile along with intact soil/rock velocity structure.
Acoustic televiewing and permeability testing were also completed on the landbased holes.
The ground at this location has been described in drill hole logs as porphyritic dacite: dark
blueish/greenish grey with white, green, grey phenocrysts (larger crystals of quartz and feldspar).
Weathering of the dacite is shallow with fresh rock encountered at approximately 3m below ground
level (B
GL ) at BH1115 (Intake Pit location). An example of the core is shown in Figure 2 below.
Please refer to the Engineering Geology Assessment Report (E GAR ) for additional details.2
3
Figure 2: Example drill core from Tantangara Intake area
Preliminary rock strength varies from:
1. Extremely low to very low strength when the rock appeared extremely to highly weathered;
2. Low to medium strength when moderately weathered; and
3. High to very high strength when the rock is slightly weathered or fresh.
Chloritic alteration was observed in fresh rock, changing the colour of the rock fabric to pale greenish
grey and reducing the rock strength to medium to high strength. Additionally, indurated clay up to
2
S 20600REP011506B Engineering geology assessment report (SMEC).
3
See E
GAR .
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5mm thickness was observed as a joint infill in most of the drill holes. Slickensided surfaces were
observed throughout the drill holes suggesting prior movements within the rock mass. The rock mass
has been found to be “blocky” with defect spacing varying typically between 0.1m to 2m. Three main
discontinuity sets were identified within the dacite rock mass using downhole imaging and later data
analysis with DIPS software.4
Drill hole BH1114 was drilled over water using a barge as a drilling platform. The hole provided the
depth of sediment over fresh rock for the construction of the approach channel during construction of
the intake structures.
This series of drill holes were sampled for soil testing as well as Unconfined Compressive Strength
( UCS ) testing for rock strength properties (currently underway). Drill holes BH1115 to BH1117 were
converted to open standpipes with data loggers installed following completion of drilling to monitor
groundwater levels.
3.1.5 Nungar Creek area
Drill holes of the 2000s series comprise BH2101 to BH2103. These drill holes will be drilled in the
Nungar Creek plain to obtain information on the tunnel alignment, headrace structure of the nearshore
zone. Drill holes BH2102 and BH2103 are inclined holes to target faults and will be converted into
open standpipes to interrogate the groundwater levels related to the faults, shallow depth of cover
related to Nungar Creek in particular, and proximity to the reservoir. In situ stress testing will be
conducted in BH2101 (the only vertical hole in this series). To enable water monitoring of the drill hole,
a vibrating wire piezometer installation is planned.
Seismic refraction surveys are also planned in order to obtain information on the weathering profile
and soil / rock velocity of Kellys Plain Volcanics / Peppercorn Formation / Tantangara Formation.
Furthermore, this investigation will assist with determining the possible buried faults which are not
visible from site observations. The plans include two separate seismic refraction survey traverses with
a combined length of approximately 3km.
3.1.6 Tunnel alignment on Long Plain
The 3000s series of drill holes will be drilled in the Tantangara Creek area for the Headrace Tunnel
( HRT ) and mainline tunnel alignment. All drill holes are planned to be drilled vertically with the
exception of BH3106 and BH3107 which are to be drilled an inclination of 75° to intercept the Boggy
Plain and Kiandra Faults at depth. BH3102 is positioned to target the Boggy Plain Suite intrusion as
mapped in the literature, as no outcrop of this unit was observed during the site mapping.
In situ stress testing will be undertaken in BH3106. As a representative permeability measure of the
unit, a combination of open standpipe (BH3101, BH3102 and BH3108) and vibrating wire piezometers
will be installed (BH3104, BH3106, and BH3107) to measure the groundwater conditions of the faults,
sedimentary units and overlying creek systems.
Electrical resistivity tomography surveys will be conducted to obtain information characterisation and
pore composition (saturation) of the faults between the Boggy Plain Suite (granites) / Temperance
Formation / Gooandra Volcanics. Furthermore, this investigation will assist with determining the
weathering profile especially pertaining to the Volcanics. The traverse length of this investigation will
be approximately 3km.
3.1.7 Long Plain Fault (Plateau option power station complex)
The 4000s series drill holes are inclined and in various locations near the Snowy Mountains Highway
for definition and characterisation of the Long Plain Fault. As with any fault, understanding the
characteristics enables the development of an appropriate tunnelling strategy to overcome the
associated challenges. Selected holes will utilise vibrating wire piezometers for monitoring of
groundwater conditions.
4
Software for for the interactive analysis of orientation based geological data from Rocscience. See
https://www.rocscience.com/rocscience/products/dips.
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Both electrical resistivity tomography and seismic refraction surveys will be conducted in this series.
The main purpose of seismic refraction survey is to confirm intact structure of soils and rocks and the
Long Plain Fault, changes in lithology including Basalts / Gooandra Volcanics and the Shaw Hill
Gabbro. This investigation will also assist with identification of other possible buried faults and
localised shearing associated with these faults at depth. Transverse length for this section will be
approximately 1km.
BH4101 was designed to investigate the geological and geotechnical condition of the rock mass for a
Plateau option power cavern complex. This drill hole also provides information on the rock mass for
the HRT for a Ravine option alignment.
BH4101 has recently been completed at 1,176.1m in length and comprises an interlayered
metamorphic sequence of greenschist and metabasalt units with some chert and metamorphosed
volcaniclastic layers. The drilling of the hole encountered drill deviation challenges. As a result
multiple attempts to correct the drilling trajectory were implemented with partial success. The drill
deviation has complicated core recovery and also in situ stress measurements. A complete analysis
of this drill hole along with televiewer results are in progress. The ongoing GIP will utilise the findings
of this drill hole and appropriately adjust the program to meet the needs of the Project.
The composition of the weathered zone is typically a fine grained metamorphosed basalt, orange and
brown in colour, extremely weathered, appearing as a low plasticity silt from 2.8m to 13.9m (residual
soil is found from 0m to 2.8m). From 13.9m to 36.3m, layers of metamorphosed basalt and
greenschist both appear as dark grey and grey green in colour, exhibiting extremely to slightly
weathered characteristics. Fresh rock commences after this depth.
The fresh greenschist rock is typically fine grained, dark grey to green grey in colour, with
welldeveloped foliation (often with epidote, chert, pyrite and quartz inclusions along foliations).
Typically, the foliation of the core has been measured between 6080° (the core is oriented at 75° from
horizontal). Therefore, it is likely that the foliation of this unit is subvertical as it was observed on the
surface mapping. Initial logging of the core has suggested the rock strength of fresh greenschist is
generally high to extremely high. However, rock strength of the greenschist is very low when the rock
is highly to extremely weathered. The thickness of the greenschist units vary from <1m to 16.6m, with
an average thickness of <5m.
The fresh metabasalt rock tends to be the more common lithology and is typically described as fine to
medium grained, dark grey to pale grey green in colour with weak to indistinct foliation. Quartz veining
is common and pyrite is typical along foliations. Chlorite, sericite and calcite alteration is common at
depths greater than 500m. Similar to the greenschist units, initial logging of the core has suggested
the rock strength of fresh metabasalt is generally high to extremely high. Thickness of the metabasalt
units again, is similar to the greenschist varying between <1m and 17.5m.
The geological contact between the greenschist and the metabasalt is generally abrupt, producing a
foliation / contact parting in the core. However, in some sections the contact has been observed to be
through a fault zone typically extending no more than a few hundred millimetres along the core with
angular rock fragments and clay infill.
Chert bands are found from 95m to 400m in depth with an average thickness of <6m. These highly
siliceous bands are quartz rich and display significant mineral alteration within the unit.
Geotechnical laboratory testing is in progress with results expected prior to FID. Preliminary
observations of the core in terms of defects (joint spacing) and Rock Quality Designation (R
QD ) have
been developed as a proxy value for rock fracturing (rock mass permeability) until such data becomes
available. With reference to Look 2007,5 RQD values vary consistently downhole however RQD
ratings of ‘Excellent” (ie. RQD > 90%) become noticeably evident at depths greater than 700m.
The cavern complex area as represented in the drill hole (1,080m to 1,135m depth) comprises
metabasalt and greenschist. Both lithologies are fine to medium grained, grey green to dark grey
5
Look, B., 2007. H
andbook of geotechnical investigation and design tables , Leiden: Taylor & Francis, Table 9.10 Correlation
between Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and discontinuity spacing.
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green, high to very high strength rock. Joints are predominantly clean, planar and clay lined. Defect
spacing varies within this location of the core, with the complete analysis in progress. An example of
drill core from this range of depths is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Example drill core from location of power station complex in Plateau option6
For a Ravine option HRT, the rock mass is represented in the drill hole between 359m to 368m as
shown in Figure 4.
7
Figure 4: Example drill core from location of HRT in Ravine option
The headrace would comprise the uppermost 6m of a fine grained greenschist with high to very high
strength and variable foliation for the crown and walls. The lower 3m of the tunnel would comprise
very fine to fine grained metabasalt of medium to high strength for the invert and walls.
As part of the ongoing testing program rock will continue to be tested for silica levels and other
potential substances such as Naturally Occurring Asbestos (N OA ) due to rock types in the area. At
the time of this report, no hazardous substances or concentration levels that exceed industry normal
6
Drill hole length 1,100 to 1,104m at angle.
7
Drill hole length 360 to 364m at angle.
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levels were identified. As part of the GIP, ongoing precautionary monitoring is in place and will
continue for this and all other drill holes.
See Figure 5 for a highlevel summary log of the geotechnical conditions along the full drill hole length
of BH4101.
8
Figure 5: Summary of the geotechnical characteristics down hole of BH4101
8
Definitions: H
WXW Highly weatheredExtremely weathered.
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Figure 5: Summary of the geotechnical characteristics down hole of BH4101
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
3.1.10 Surge pressure shaft and Power house (Ravine power station complex option)
The aim of the 5000s series is to target the full design depth which covers the Ravine option for the
power station complex. BH5102 is currently underway and BH5106 will be drilled as part of the
upcoming GIP. The purpose is to determine a longitudinal profile which will inform where the exact
positions of BH5103 and BH5104 (if required) will be positioned. BH5102 is being drilled directly over
the surge shaft location and BH5103 for the pressure shaft. BH5106 is designed to be drilled inclined
to target towards Yarrangobilly River.
In situ stress testing is planned for BH5102 and BH5104 to determine rock stress parameters within
the power station complex. Open standpipes and vibrating wire piezometers will be installed to assess
groundwater movement within the units and implications for construction and rock mass permeability
established.
3.1.8 Yarrangobilly River Tolbar Ridge alignment
These drill holes will be located in the tailrace tunnel (T
RT ) portion of the alignment in locations
adjacent to Yarrangobilly River. All drill holes in this series are vertical with the exception of BH6102
positioned inclined to determine variation of rock material beneath Yarrangobilly River. Shallow depth
and possible structures are to be targeted using open standpipes.
Seismic refraction surveys will be conducted to obtain information on weathering profile and intact
soil/rock structure to determine stress relief in the valley floor (groundwater recharge zone). The
traverse length for this investigation will be 0.75km.
3.1.9 Talbingo Intake
These drill holes will be located in Talbingo Reservoir between Yarrangobilly River arm and Middle
Creek arm for the Talbingo intake/outlet. Two open standpipes will be installed at BH7103 and
BH7104.
Seismic refraction surveys and continuous profiling will be conducted within the marine and land
environment developing a weathering profile and soil/rock velocity at the intake location. Furthermore,
this investigation will assist with dredging, cut off wall design and rock levels for foundation design
purposes. The transverse length for this investigation will be 0.75km.
The main purpose of continuous profiling is a rapid method of assessing structural details such as
shallow alluvial, weathering and bedding structure and faults. Furthermore, this investigation will help
correlate with seismic refraction. The traverse length for this investigation will be 3km.
3.1.10 Access tunnel (Emergency Cable Ventilation Tunnel (EVCT))
These drill holes will be located in Stable Creek area for the EVCT portion of the alignment. Drill holes
are to be accessed via helicopter making access difficult for most rigs hence specialist equipment is
being sourced for these holes. Groundwater will be monitored with open standpipes and vibrating wire
piezometers.
Seismic refraction surveys will be conducted on landbased holes with an estimated traverse length of
approximately 0.5km. The main purpose of this investigation is to obtain information on the
weathering profile and intact soil/rock velocity structure. This will assist with excavatability in ground
structures and retaining wall design purposes.
Table 2 shows the location of the drill holes undertaken or in progress to date. See the E
GAR for
preliminary drill hole logs complying with AS1726,9 explanatory notes, core photos and laboratory test
results received to date.
9
Standards Australia, 2017. AS 1726:2017 Geotechnical site investigations, Standards Australia.
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Drill Hole Location Easting Northing Surface Inclination Drill Hole Target Status at at
ID Relative from Depth Depth 31 October
Level horizontal (m) (m) 2017
( RL ) (m) (degrees)
BH1114 Tantangara Reservoir 649605.9 6038179.9 1212 90 30.28 30 Completed
BH1115 Tantangara Intake 649431.3 6038166.0 1234 90 55.0 55 Completed
BH1116 Tantangara Intake 649225.4 6038173.0 1231 90 93.10 93 Completed
BH1117 Tantangara HRT 648948.8 6038110.0 1241 90 65.0 65 Completed
BH4101 Gooandra Hill (Plateau 636218.7 6038499.0 1479 65 to 75 1,176.0 1,176 Completed
Site)
BH5102 Marica track (Ravine Site) 632527.0 6038535.0 1331 90 47.110 952 In progress
Table 2: Geotechnical investigation at the time of reporting11
3.2 Ground characterisation
This section presents the geotechnical description of the properties, distribution of and relationships
between the main soil and rock materials. The information is synthesised into a simple assessment of
likely conditions along the Project alignment.
3.2.1 Soil materials
When considering the engineering properties of soils (weathering and erodibility), coarser grained
soils such as mafic rocks typically produce thicker soils while siliceous parent rocks (granites and
rhyolites) tend to have shallower soil profiles that are likely to be sandy and weakly structured.12
Moye suggests alluvium within the Snowy Mountains is quite restricted due to steep and narrow
valleys.13 This is particularly evident in the Ravine and Yarrangobilly areas where alluvium is replaced
with boulder lag deposits of mixed (volcanic and sedimentary) origin. It is common that fresh outcrop
will occur on lower slopes with active streams and rivers.
The open wide plains around Tantangara and Nungar Creeks tend to have typical alluvial style
deposits.14 The residual and extremely weathered soils cover the majority of the Project Area, due to
weathering of parent rock.15 The residual soils are likely to comprise mainly cohesive materials such
as silty clays, sandy clay and gravelly clays with likely high plasticity. Residual soils make for suitable
material to be used in earth dams, embankments and road base.16
Two soil units have been inferred at the intakes at Tantangara and Talbingo Reservoirs. The fill
materials are likely to be derived from the excavations from material around the intakes similar to the
residual and extremely weathered rock soils. The strength of these soils is likely to have high
variability.
While granites are known to be the most prolific source of (chemically) weathered soil material in the
Snowy Mountains,17 there is little outcrop seen in the Project Area. Quartzites, acidic lavas and
10
As at 31 Oct 2017.
11
See E GAR .
12
Gray, J. & Murphy, B.W., 1999. P
arent Material and Soils: a guide to the influence of parent material on soil distribution in
eastern Australia .
13
Moye, D.G., 1955. Engineering geology for the Snowy Mountain schema. C ivil Engineering Transaction Journal, Institution of
Engineers, Australia , 27, pp.281–299.
14
Ibid.
15
Ibid.
16
Ibid.
17
Ibid.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 14 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
porphyritic rocks tend to weather based on mechanical processes such as weakening along joints and
fault zones predominantly represented as crushed zones.18
Often thick vegetation cover precludes visualising the soil condition. Without excavation (e.g.
trenching), Table 3 displays the geotechnical characteristics of the soil as assumed per geological unit
along the Project alignment based on literature and field mapping observations. The value of
appreciating the various soils types will contribute to planning the further ground investigation program
with particular reference to proposed surface facilities such as portals, shaft heads, access roads and
construction work areas.
Geotechnical Susceptibility to
Soil type Depth
characteristics weathering/ erosion
Kellys Plain Volcanics Topsoil/ Residual Shallow Generally granular Moderate to high
Peppercorn Formation Residual Shallow to moderate N/A Moderate
Tantangara Formation Topsoil/ Residual Moderate Moderate potential for Low
shrink/swell
Temperance Formation Topsoil/ alluvial Moderate N/A Low to moderate
Boggy Plain Suite Topsoil/ Residual Moderate potential for shrink/swell Low
Gooandra Volcanics Topsoil/ Colluvium Shallow to moderate High potential for Moderate
shrink/swell
Tertiary Basalts Topsoil/ Colluvium Shallow to moderate High potential for Low
shrink/swell
Shaw Hill Gabbro Topsoil/ Residual Shallow N/A Low
Ravine Beds Topsoil/ Residual/ Shallow Moderate potential for Moderate to high
Colluvium shrink/swell
Boraig Group Residual/ Shallow to moderate N/A Moderate
Colluvium
Bryon Range Group Residual Shallow N/A Low
19
Table 3: Geotechnical soil characteristics assumed from field mapping and literature
3.2.2 Engineering geology of the rock materials
Weathering
The Project area has two main terrains where weathering processes have taken place (See Figure 6).
On the east side of the escarpment is undulating plateau country, with broad mature valleys where
deep weathering has produced a deep mantle of residual soil over the various rock types. The depth
of weathering is likely to be 30m to 40m with further penetration along joints. The western side of the
Project area (west of the Long Plain Fault escarpment) has incised valleys with a generally shallower
weathering profile on the steep slopes and exposed competent rock on the steepest gradients and
commonly along the stream channels.
Moye describes the weathering processes and implications for the Project Area.20 Moye notes that
weathering is by no means evenly developed throughout the Snowy Mountains area. The important
factors influencing its development are the rock type, local geological structure and the erosional
history of each particular locality.
The weathering classification developed by Moye was a pioneering aspect of engineering geology in
the Snowy Mountains Scheme and has gone through various modifications and standards.21 The
system adopted is according to A
S 1726 a
nd is presented in the E
GAR .
18
Ibid.
19
See E GAR . Some geotechnical properties are N/A where project requirements exclude that material.
20
Moye 1955.
21
Ibid.
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It is anticipated that in most of the underground works, the rock will be fresh or slightly weathered. It is
only in the surface openings (including the intakes, portals and excavation for the surge shaft collar)
that weathered rock is expected to be encountered. Results from the ongoing GIP are expected to
clearly define the extent of the various grades of weathered rock and inform how to address
respective conditions in design and execution of the rock excavation.
Rock strength
Rock strength (defined as UCS) excludes discontinuities within the sample.22 A rock mass strength
can be obtained by considering the pattern and nature of discontinuities, their spacing, planarity,
surface condition and aperture. This property is utilised in the analyses for rock mass strength and
likely ground behaviour.
An indication of the rock UCS can be obtained from a tactile assessment of surface outcrops or from
drill cores with a classification made according to AS1726.23 Rock units for the Project Area having the
highest strengths appear to be igneous rock (volcanics) from the Kellys Plain Volcanics, Temperance
Formation, Gooandra Volcanic and some of the granites. The sedimentary rocks of the Tantangara
Formation and Ravine Beds tend to have more variable strengths due to the layering of both high and
lowstrength rocks. All of these assumptions will be updated based on results from the ongoing GIP.
Assessment of rock mass behaviour
The assessment of a rock mass is dependent on the intrinsic properties of weathering and strength,
the pattern and nature of discontinuities and by consideration of the actual failure mechanism of an
excavated rock mass.24 The approach to assess the likely rock mass behaviour has been obtained
from documented work by Hoek and Brown (1980),25 and further described and discussed by Hoek
and Marinos (2000),26 Hoek et al (2005),27 and Marinos et al (2005).28
Referring to the Snowy Mountains HydroElectric Authority (S MHEA ) engineering geology
assessment for the Scheme,29 a simple rock class classification (S nowy Rock Class ) was adopted
based on rock hardness (strength) and the nature of joints, seams, and shears plus the typical
support adopted in Table 4. The best rock is assigned an index of 5
, and worst assigned 1
. This has
worked well in the past, and experience with construction has indicated this,30 but since this system
was prepared in the 1950s there has been extensive development of rock mass classification systems
such as the Rock Mass Rating ( RMR ),31 and the QSystem.32
The RMR and Qsystems depend on reliable data and assigned values from careful observation of
rock exposures, in outcrop, excavations, tunnels, caverns or drill cores. It is premature to assign RMR
and Qsystem ratings at this stage of the Project as observations can only be made on outcrops with a
22
UCS is used for unconfined compression test data on intact rock and σci
is
used to define the unconfined compressive
strength of intact rock by backprojection from triaxial tests.
23
See the E GAR .
24
Marinos, V.P., 2012. Assessing rock mass behaviour for tunnelling. E nvironmental & Engineering Geoscience , 18(4),
pp.327–341; V. P. Marinos, “Assessing rock mass behaviour for tunnelling,” E nviron. Eng. Geosci ., vol. 18, no. 4, pp.
327341, 2012; Marinos, V., Fortsakis, P. & Stoumpos, G., 2015. Classification of Weak Rock Masses in Dam Foundation and
Tunnel Excavation. In E ngineering Geology for Society and TerritoryVolume 6: Applied Geology for Major Engineering
Projects . Springer, pp. 859–863.
25
Hoek, E. & Brown, E.T., 1980. U nderground excavations in rock , London : The Institution of Mining and Metallurgy.
26
Hoek, E. & Marinos, P., 2000. Predicting tunnel squeezing problems in weak heterogeneous rock masses. T unnels and
Tunnelling International , Part 12(November), pp.1–20. Available at:
https://www.rocscience.com/documents/hoek/references/H2000d.pdf [Accessed November 16, 2017].
27
E. Hoek, P. G. Marinos, and V. P. Marinos, “Characterisation and engineering properties of tectonically undisturbed but
lithologically varied sedimentary rock masses,” I nt. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. , vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 277285, 2005.
28
Marinos, V., Marinos, P. & Hoek, E., 2005. The geological strength index: applications and limitations. B ulletin of Engineering
Geology and the Environment , 64(1), pp.55–65.
29
Moye 1955; Moye, D.G. & Price, D., 1966. Geology and Tunnelling in the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
30
See, eg Moye, D.G., 1959. Rock mechanics in the investigation and construction of T1 underground power station, Snowy
Mountains, Australia. G eological Society of America Engineering Geology Case Histories , 3, pp.13–44; Pinkerton, I.L. &
Gibson, E.J., 1964. Tumut 2 Underground Power Plant. Journal of the Power Division, 90(1), pp.33–108.
31
Bieniawski, Z.T., 1993. Classification of rock masses for engineering: the RMR system and future trends. Comprehensive
rock engineering, 3, pp.553–573.
32
Barton, N., Lien, R. & Lunde, J., 1974. Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support. Rock
Mechanics, 6(4), pp.189–236.
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Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
range of weathering conditions. However, there can be a preliminary assessment based on assigning
a geotechnical strength index (G
SI ), based on results from mapped rock structure, lithology and
making a judgement on likely rock mass behaviour in the proposed tunnels and other underground
openings.
Marinos proposed a useful system,33 with charts for tunnel behaviour types and a combined GSI
chart, obtaining tunnel behaviour type due the nature of the rock mass structure, intact strength and
thickness of overburden. Failures can be grouped as either structural (gravity)controlled failures,
such as wedge and chimney type failures (ravelling and flowing ground) and stresscontrolled failures
(shear failures, squeezing and swelling, anisotropic deformations and brittle failures). Table 5 and
Table 6 present the charts from Marinos (2012) as Tunnel Behaviour Types and the Tunnel Behaviour
Chart for rock masses respectively.
Rock mass Rock condition Summary characteristics Technical support used on works of the
classification SMHEA
5 Excellent Sound, compact, usually dry rock, either No support, except in large excavations
unjointed with tightly closed strongly cemented such as power stations.
joints.
5S Excellent (but As above, but ‘spalling’ or ‘popping’ occurs. Generally rock bolting if appropriate.
highly
stressed)
4 Good Hard rock generally dry with tightly closed, Mainly unsupported or with few rock bolts
weakly cement joints, some slightly open joints to pin shoulders, if orientation of
with water seepages or flows may occur. May excavation is adverse in relation to main
contain some narrow sheared or crush zones jointing. Generally less than one bolt per
linear fit for a 20ft (6.1m) diameter tunnel.
3 Very fair Mainly hard rock, but considerably loosened by Light steel set or “completely” supported in
the opening up of weakly cement joints on rock bolts, occasionally supplemented by
excavation or due to the presence of slightly steel channels and wire mesh. Usually 2 to
open joints, or narrow sheared or crushed 3 bolts per linear fit for a 20ft (6.1m)
zones. May be dry but usually wet. Tends to diameter tunnel.
break entirely along joint planes on excavation,
regardless of the orientation of excavation
surfaces in relation to the joint planes.
2 Fair Partly hard rock but usually containing more Generally heavy steel sets in tunnels and
than 20% of soft material classifiable as soil, i.e., light steel sets, or rock bolts with mesh in
crushed zones, loosely jointed sheared zones or shafts.
highly to completely altered zones.
1 Poor Consists of more than 50% soft material Generally heavy steel sets with close
classifiable as soil, i.e., crushed zones, loosely timbering in both tunnels and shafts. Invert
jointed sheared zones or highly to completely struts occasionally required in tunnels
altered zones. Can be excavated without the use
of explosives. Exerts pressure on supports.
0 Very poor Consists entirely of soft material classifiable as Heavy steel sets at close spacing in both
rock, usually crushed or completely altered rock. tunnels and shafts. Invert struts required in
Exerts pressure on top and sides of supports. tunnel. Timber or steel spilling required.
Includes squeezing and swelling ground Pilot drifts and other special tunnelling
techniques possibly required.
Table 4: SMHEA rock mass classification and support practice
33
Marinos, V.P., 2012. Assessing rock mass behaviour for tunnelling. E
nvironmental & Engineering Geoscience , 18(4),
pp.327–341.
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Table 5: Brief description and schematic presentation of tunnel behaviour types34
34
Marinos 2012.
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Table 6: Tunnel behaviour chart for rock masses35
35
Marinos 2012.
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3.3 Geological model
3.3.1 General
The purpose of developing a geological model of the Project area is to synthesise all available data
into a comprehensible explanation of the ground conditions relevant to the Project elements. The
approach is to treat the model as a Total Geological Model (T GM ),36 with the understanding that
further updates will be linked to results from the ongoing GIP.
The geological model approach assists with the confidence level. The International Association of
Engineering Geology and the Environment (I AEG ) set up a commission in 2005 to advise on the use
of engineering geological models.37 A more recent paper by Parry et al (2014) provides a useful
approach for preparing a geological model.38 It describes a process whereby a conceptual model is
initially set up, followed by an observational model, which can then lead to an analytical model,
provided there is sufficient information.
3.3.2 Assumptions
Based on literature, published maps and field mapping, the regional geological setting of the Project is
very complex and has been affected by several cycles of deformation, metamorphism, uplifting,
erosion, deposition and volcanism. In addition, assumptions have been made with inferring geological
boundaries as per published maps and geological contacts and structures vertically propagated in the
absence of factual data.39
3.3.3 Summary of site conditions
The Project site is in southeastern NSW within the Lachlan Orogen (Fold Belt), a geological province
of old volcanic belts, sedimentary basins and intrusive rocks that have been affected by several
episodes of orogenesis and metamorphism.40 The juxtaposed geological units appear to be mostly
aligned in a general northsouth direction. The relative ages are not sequential due to a range of
structural movements along faults, and folding.
These two distinct terrains are separated by a major crustal suture and escarpment caused by
movement on the Long Plain Fault.
This geological setting, presented in simple form in F igure 5, has implications for the engineering
geology of the Project. This is due to a wide range of rock types and geological structures, a
hydrogeological situation with potential impacts due to the planned underground openings and the
geomorphological setting. In addition, the past tectonic setting and presentday crustal setting
produce an in situ stress that affects the behaviour of the rock mass at various depths when subject to
underground excavation.
Figure 6: Geomorphological features of Project area41
36
Fookes, P.G., Baynes, F.J. & Hutchinson, J.N., 2000. Total Geological History: A Model Approach To The Anticipation,
Observation And Understanding Of Site Conditions. In I nternational Conference on Geotechnical and Engineering Geology ;
GeoEng 2000. International Society for Rock Mechanics, pp. 370–421.
37
IAEG COMMISSION 25: USE OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL MODELS.
38
Parry, S.; Baynes, F.J.; Culshaw, M.G.; Eggers, M.; Keaton, J.F.; Lentfer, K.; Novotny, J.; Paul, D.. 2014 Engineering
geological models: an introduction: IAEG commission 25. B ulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment , 73 (3).
689706. Available at http://doi.org/10.1007/s100640140576x.
39
See E GAR .
40
See the section on the Lachlan Orogen in C
hapter Six Geology and terrain .
41
See E GAR .
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 20 of 60
Long Plain Fault Zone Limestone
N
VV Cenozoic basalt Section A-A’ on Figure 8-2
5 km
KIANDRA FAULT
Tantangara Plain
INCISED RAVINE AREA
PLATEAU AREA
Boggy Plain
Figure 6: Geomorphological features of Project area
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
Table 7 presents a summary of the main rock units, location with respect to Project features, and the
likely issues that may affect design and construction. For additional geological details please refer to
Chapter Six Geology and terrain . The right side column of the table covers the geological and
geotechnical issues for each rock unit. This is a general summary that will be further updated based
on GIP results that are focused on risk mitigation and refinement of predictions.
Table 7: Summary of main rock units in geological model with respect to their position along Project
alignment.42
42
See E
GAR .
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3.3.4 Modelling issues
The two distinct terrains described above are a consequence of geological evolution and the
presentday geomorphological processes:
1. Plateau Area this area has been subject to uplift that occurred about 2025Ma (Cenozoic
Era) with differential movements causing both direct uplift and tilting. It includes all geological
units in Table 7 between the Kellys Plain Volcanics and the Gooandra Volcanics and in
addition to the older Palaeozoic Age orogenic events that extended between the Ordovician
and Devonian Periods. It is most likely that the Long Plain Fault was reactivated at some time
during the Cenozoic Era, as an oblique thrust with a lateral slip component, in addition to
some of the faults across the plateau, including the Boggy Plain Fault and Kiandra Fault.
These faults, formed in tension could have opened or closed crushed zones that extend to
tunnel level. As part of the ongoing 4000s series drill holes in the GIP, this issue will be
clarified;
2. Incised Ravine Area t he west of the Long Plain Fault Zone is considered to have been
initially active during the Palaeozoic and reactivated in the Cenozoic. This area was not
affected by the Cenozoic uplift to the same extent as the Plateau area, but there must have
been some uplift as the current terrain is an incised ridge and ravine landscape, with the
Tumut River base level having been the control elevation. Thus, streams and gullies have cut
into the escarpment of the Long Plain Fault exposing the profiles of the Ravine Beds, Boraig
Group and Byron Range Group, and their unconformity contacts. As a consequence of the
down cutting process, slopes are much steeper than in the Plateau area.
The Yarrangobilly Caves formed in the upper reaches of the Yarrangobilly River during the
development of the limestone beds of the Ravine Area terrain. This karstic limestone appears to be
limited to an area 6km north of the Project alignment. However, a hole drilled at Ravine in the lower
Yarrangobilly valley in 1918 for mining exploration encountered limestone at the base of sedimentary
rocks that are likely Ravine Beds, at a depth of ~230m..
Given that the limestone at the Yarrangobilly Caves is stratigraphically at the base of the Ravine Beds
and in the eastern limb of a large synclinal basin,43 it is prudent to check if there is a connection
between both limestone occurrences, and if there is any likelihood of further intersection by the
Project alignment. Figure 6 is an interpretative geological section showing the limestone distribution.
This indicates it is unlikely limestone will be encountered along the tunnel alignment but cannot be
ruled out until GIP drilling and analysis is completed. If it is encountered, the limestone is likely to be
below the limit of karstic features, subject to a range of conditions, and may provide favourable
tunnelling conditions. The planned GIP includes drilling to tunnel levels along the TRT alignment that
can confirm if limestone could be along the Project alignment. Based on results of the GIP, the tunnel
excavation design will be adjusted to address all updated predicted ground conditions.
The Cenozoicage basalt is noted to follow an elongated outcrop in a direction approximately parallel
to the Long Plain Fault Zone. However, at this stage of analysis, there does not appear to be features
of concern south of the basalt outcrop area indicating major faulting. This is possibly because the
pervasive foliation and elongation of the rock mass bodies in this area created a landscape of aligned
valleys (still seen today) and appreciating that Cenozoic basalts have been mapped as filling paleo
valleys in other parts of the Snowy Mountains.44 Drilling along the tunnel alignment will assist in further
defining if there is an issue for design of various components planned in this area.
43
Moye et al. 1954.
44
Sharp, K.R., 2004. Cenozoic volcanism, tectonism and stream derangement in the Snowy Mountains and northern Monaro of
New South Wales. A ustralian Journal of Earth Sciences , 51(1), pp.67–85. Available at:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.14000952.2003.01045.x.
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Figure 7: Section AA' (from Figure 6) indicating an interpreted extension of the Yarrangobilly Limestone
towards the west45
3.4 Rock mass design parameters
3.4.1 Approach to assessment of rock mass design parameters
The preliminary rock mass design parameters are either assumed (if there is no observational basis
for selecting values) or estimated (if there is observational basis). Most of the decisions for selection
of values have been based on assumptions from empirical processes combined with engineering
judgement. These parameters are expected to be confirmed and or revised as a result of the ongoing
GIP.
Rock mass classification
Rock mass classification systems constitute an integral part of empirical design for civil design. Prior
to the publication of currently accepted systems, SMHEA had its own system based on rock
soundness, strength, defects and water (the Snowy Rock Class as noted above) that provided a
guideline for underground rock support used on the Scheme. This is compared below with other
classification systems now in use as described in C
hapter Six .
Groundwater
The groundwater for the Project Area has been assessed and is summarised below. For additional
details, please refer to C
hapter Eight Meteorology and hydrology o f this Report. The key
hydrogeology considerations for the Project include:
1. Major vertical faults may act as potential conduits for draining of water sources, however there
is likely to be low hydraulic connection between the surface and the rock mass at depth within
these fault zones ( due to an upper weathered profile and lack of persistence with depth) ;
2. Groundwater inflows will exist during construction of underground structures, however will
significantly decrease with time (within a few weeks) to a steady rate or even dry up; and
3. Groundwater inflow into underground structures will induce localised
dewatering/depressurisation around the immediate structure, with a limited regional
depressurisation extent.
The overall volumetric impact of the inflow is considered to be minor and highly unlikely to cause
impacts, or any change, to sensitive receptors. As part of the ongoing GIP, information to further refine
groundwater modelling is one of the key targeted outcomes.
3.4.2 Rock mass characterisation
All relevant data are compiled on a geological unit basis, taking into consideration the rock type,
tectonic history, anticipated strength, weathering, alteration and rock mass structure. A table of rock
45
See E
GAR .
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mass characteristics and assumed or estimated physical and mechanical parameters are presented in
tabulated form (together with the groundwater and stress condition) in the E
GAR .
3.4.3 Rock mass models
GSI
Marinos et al (2005) state that the GSI is
based on the assumption that the rock mass contains a sufficient number of ‘randomly’ oriented
discontinuities, such that it behaves as an isotropic rock mass. In other words, the behaviour of the rock
mass is independent of the direction of the applied load.
And
it is clear that the GSI system should not be applied to the rock mass in which there is a clearly defined
dominant structural orientation. Undisturbed slate is an example of a rock mass in which the mechanical
behaviour is highly anisotropic and which should not be assigned a GSI value based on the chart.
However, the HoekBrown criterion (Hoek & Brown 1980; Hoek & Diederichs 200646) and the GSI
charts can be applied with caution if the failure of such rock masses is not controlled by the
anisotropy.
The GSI tables are presented in Figure 8 and Figure 9, from Marinos, et al (2005), and Marinos and
Hoek (2000) respectively. The second table is for sedimentary rock sequences where there are
variably layered rocks ranging from clastic (sandstone and conglomerate) to fine grained (siltstone
and shale) in an alternating sequence.
46
Hoek, E. & Diederichs, M.S., 2006. Empirical estimation of rock mass modulus. I nternational journal of rock mechanics and
mining sciences , 43(2), pp.203–215.
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Figure 8: Geological Strength Index chart47
Figure 9 has not yet been used for this preliminary analysis as the relative proportions of the
sedimentary strata are not known in enough detail to select the relevant GSI. This approach can be
used once additional drilling data is available, particularly for the Tantangara Formation and Ravine
Beds.
47
Marinos et al 2005.
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Figure 9: GSI for heterogeneous rock masses such as flysch48
The source data for assigning GSI in the Project area is at this stage essentially from outcrops of rock
and references to descriptions in the published geological maps. Some benefit was also drawn from
the tunnel logs of the Scheme where it is assessed that the rocks so described are similar to the units
along the Project alignments.
To date, the GIP has produced drill cores of the Kellys Plain Volcanics and Gooandra Volcanics from
which GSI values can be obtained. The hole in the Gooandra Volcanics has been briefly reviewed and
the assessed GSI appears to be consistent with the preliminary assumptions.
Projecting GSI values taken from outcrops to depth may require a shift to the left or left and upward
on the charts (Marinos et al. 2005). However, at great depths, such as at 1,000m or more in hard rock,
the rock mass structure may be so tight that the rock mass behaviour approaches that of intact rock
and application of the GSI is no longer meaningful. According to these authors, at such depths brittle
behaviour dominates with resulting spalling, slabbing and rock bursts. When tectonic disturbance is
reported and persists at depth, such as the Long Plain Fault, the GSI charts may be applicable but
used with caution and updated based on results from the ongoing drilling as part of the GIP.
Other systems
There are two rock mass classification systems, independent of the GSI, that are commonly used to
classify rock masses for the application of rock support measures. These are the RMR and the
Qsystem as noted above. While both systems are planned to be used on the Project, the Qsystem is
more applicable for tunnel support design. These classifications require large exposures of rock, such
as in a tunnel, or in a rock cutting or considerable lengths of drill core in order to obtain meaningful
48
Marinos and Hoek 2000.
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parameters. This is generally not yet available at the Project area, apart from correlations with existing
tunnel log data,49 and are selectively further assessed in the E GAR .
In addition, the SMHEA developed its own rock mass classification and support practice system
(Jacobs 2017). This system placed the best rock at Class 5 (excellent) and the worst at Class 0 (very
poor). As most rock mass systems in use today use Class 1 as the best rock, this assessment has
inverted the numbering system.50
3.4.4 Assumptions
To develop the GSI, charts were prepared using Figure 7 as a basis.51 The GSI estimation given is a
range for both the assumed better rock in a formation and likely poorer rock such as in weak or
sheared zones. In some cases, where deeper rock cover may improve the rock mass condition by
improving the joint surface condition and general tighter rock mass, the GSI is assumed to be higher.
It should be emphasised that ranges of GSI are usually recommended.52
The table presenting the assessment of rock mass characteristics along the Project tunnel alignments
can be found in the E
GAR . In regard to this table, it is noted that:
Assumed intact UCS is based on judgement of typical strengths for each lithology assuming the rock is
fresh at tunnel level. A conservative UCS was initially adopted and will be further assessed as
knowledge of the Project area improves.
At fault zones, the UCS, being of intact rock, should be higher than may generally be thought. The
characteristics of intact rock components tend to be masked by the surrounding sheared and
weathered material. Thus, a UCS of up to 20MPa could be adopted for:
1. The Long Plain Fault Zone, 100 to 1,000m wide; the GSI could be 30 to 35 and the intact
UCS at 30MPa;
2. The shallower faults such as Boggy Plain Fault and Kiandra Fault, where little is known about
their extent, but 10m to 100m widths could be assumed taking into account associated
sheared rock. At depth of 200m, the GSI allowed could be 20 and the intact UCS at 20MPa.
The assumed deformation modulus uses guidelines in Hoek & Diederichs (2006). However, the
presented values are based on an estimated GSI that also requires verification.
Weathering is noted in SMHEA papers,53 to be up to 50m deep in granites due to the inherent
alteration and long exposure over the Kosciuszko plateau area. The pattern of weathering is different
from the granite in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and there may be preferential weathering
along weaker layers such as in shale beds and in sheared zones. However, at depths of greater than
100m it is generally considered the rocks will be fresh. Weakening of the rock mass may have
occurred due to hydration from percolating groundwater or chemical alteration due to hydrothermal
activity, and such occurrence can only be confirmed from further subsurface investigations.
The GSI estimation is based on descriptions of the rock mass structure and surface conditions as
guided in the E
GAR . The GSI in the various rock masses assessed was estimated from surface
outcrops, and a few excavations and limited drill cores. The ongoing GIP will produce drill holes and
associated drill core testing, and analysis that will enable more accurate predictions of the various
rock properties at the depths of the proposed underground infrastructure.
49
Rosin, S., 2017. G eological/geotechnical Assessment of Existing Tunnels Report and Interpretation for New Underground
Structures , Sydney: Jacobs Australia Pty Ltd, the findings of which have been considered in the E
GAR .
50
Inverting the scale was agreed during a joint workshop between SMEC and Snowy Hydro on 21 July 2017.
51
See E
GAR .
52
Marinos, et al. 2005.
53
See, e.g. Moye 1955.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 27 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
3.7 Geotechnical description for Project components
3.7.1 General
The design scope for the power waterway hydraulics involves the determination of hydraulic
performance of the water conveyance system between the Tantangara and Talbingo reservoirs.54 As
of the date of this Report, two alternative locations have been carried forward for the power station
complex: the Ravine and the Plateau. C hapter Nine Facilities describes differences in design
between the two locations. This Chapter provides a geotechnical description of the Project elements
for both alignment options. The descriptions, observations and recommendations are from the
following sources:
1. Published literature (maps and reports) summarised in C
hapter Six Geology and terrain of
the Study Report;
2. Field mapping excursions along the waterway alignments during March to June 2017; and
3. Geotechnical assessments of proposed access roads in September 2017.
Figure 10 depicts the general arrangement of the power station complex and associated feeder/
collector infrastructure along with headrace and tailrace connectivity. See C hapter Nine Facilities for
a more detailed description.
55
Figure 10: General arrangement of the power station complex (relevant to both options)
54
See S
21400REP014035 Civil and Structural Design Report (SMEC) (CSDR).
55
S 21405DRG018613 UNDERGROUND POWER STATION POWER STATION COMPLEX GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
ISOMETRIC SHEET 1 (SMEC).
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 28 of 60
NOTES:
1. FOR DRAWING INDEX AND GENERAL NOTES REFER TO DRAWING S2-1405-DRG-018601.
HEADRACE TUNNEL
TAILRACE SURGE TANK
UPPER EXPANSION POND
HEADRACE SURGE TANK
HEADRACE SURGE TANK
LOWER EXPANSION CHAMBER
DISTRIBUTOR TUNNEL
HEADRACE VALVE CHAMBER
EXPANSION CHAMBER
CONSTRUCTION ADIT
HEADRACE VALVE CHAMBER ACCESS TUNNEL
PRESSURE SHAFTS
HEADRACE CONSTRUCTION
ADIT (DOWNSTREAM)
MAIN ACCESS TUNNEL
DRAFT TUBE VALVE GALLERY
ACCESS TUNNEL
TAILRACE SURGE TANK
ACCESS TUNNEL
MAT/ECVT
CONSTRUCTION ADIT
MACHINE HALL
TAILRACE SURGE TANK IPB GALLERIES
EXPANSION CHAMBER TRANSFORMER HALL
HIGH PRESSURE TUNNELS TAILRACE SURGE
TANK
PENSTOCK TUNNELS
150
COOLING WATER TUNNEL
140
COLLECTOR TUNNELS
130
DRAFT TUBE TUNNELS
120
TAILRACE TUNNEL
110
EMERGENCY EGRESS, CABLE
AND VENTILATION TUNNEL
100
90
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT ISOMETRIC
80
150 mm ON ORIGINAL
70
60
DRAWING FILE LOCATION / NAME PLOT DATE TIME DESIGN MODEL FILE REFERENCE
17/11/2017 12:32:59 PM FEASIBILITY
50
S2-1405-MOD-014954
EXTERNAL REFERENCE FILES REV DATE AMENDMENT / REVISION DESCRIPTION WVR No APPROVAL TITLE NAME SCALES AT A1 SIZE DRAWING DESIGNER CLIENT PROJECT TITLE SNOWY 2.0
40
0 17/11/2017 FEASIBILITY DESIGN - ISSUED FOR USE WVR0102 D.E. DRAFTER J. HUNTER UNDERGROUND POWER STATION
POWER STATION COMPLEX
30
DRAFTING CHECK J. IKONEN
DESIGNER M. YEE GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
20
DESIGN CHECK A. NEUMAIER ISOMETRIC SHEET 01
10
PROJECT MANAGER D. EVANS PHASE DRAWING No. REVISION
SMEC PROJECT NO. 30012060 FEASIBILITY S2-1405-DRG-018613 0
A1
PROJECT DIRECTOR C. CLARKE
0
Figure 10: General arrangement of the power station complex (relevant to both options)
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
Figure 11 below provides a long section view of the two power waterway alignment options
superimposed with interpreted geology along the Project alignment. Both options commence
chainage at Tantangara Reservoir with Talbingo Reservoir serving as the second intake as well as
representing the end chainage of both options.
The Ravine Location would have the cavern complex located in the Ravine Beds with the cavern
complex for the Plateau Location located within the Gooandra Volcanics as shown below.
56
Figure 11: Power waterway inferred geological long section
56
S
2171026INFTUNNELGA091KS_ID SNOWY 2.0 RAVINE AND PLATEAU OPTION PLAN AND LONG SECTION .
Ravine option shown in blue. Pink represents Plateau option (Plateau option power station complex not shown).
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 29 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 30 of 60
EXISTING SURFACE (RAVINE OPTION)
EXISTING SURFACE (PLATEAU OPTION)
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION SNOWY 2.0 C ABN 47 065 475 149
RAVINE AND PLATEAU OPTION
S2-171026-INF-TUNNEL-GA-01-KS_[ID]
PLAN AND LONG SECTION
Figure 11: Power waterway inferred geological long section
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
3.7.2 Intakes
The arrangement of the power waterway incorporates intake structures designed to suit both
generation and pumping modes located at the end of the HRT and TRT. Both intake structures
incorporate an approach channel, a transition structure and a gate structure. The arrangement and
layout of the two intake structures remains consistent for both the Ravine and Plateau alignment
options.
Tantangara Intake
The Tantangara Intake structure will require excavation into the Kellys Plain Volcanics, with expected
lithologies based on drilling results and published literature indicating dacite ignimbrite, rhyodacite
ignimbrite, tuff, agglomerate (volcanic breccia), and rhyolite.
Geotechnical drilling at this location was undertaken as noted above and therefore will not be
repeated in this section.
Talbingo Intake
The Talbingo intake structure is located near the southern end of Talbingo Reservoir and is positioned
at the end of the TRT. It is here where the Yarrangobilly River and Middle Creek flow into storage. The
Talbingo intake structure is to be excavated into Ravine Beds and some minor sections on Boraig
Group Volcanics depending on the final design configuration of the structure. The Ravine Beds
comprise shale, slate, sandstone, gritty sandstone and conglomerate.
Field mapping was completed both on foot from the Lobs Hole Road, and by boat along the Talbingo
Reservoir shoreline. During the field mapping, it was observed that the intake area is underlain by
rocks of the Ravine Beds with isolated volcanic flows from the upper Boraig Volcanics group. These
flows resemble fingers of lava flowing from the upper parts of the Boraig Volcanics and towards the
ancient valleys of the Ravine Beds. These fingers were observed along the Talbingo Reservoir
shoreline (Figure 12) and are likely to be less than 3m thick. The flows predominantly consist of
dacite, rhyolite and some tuff.
At the intake location, the Ravine Beds have been described from field mapping as interbedded shale,
sandstone, gritty sandstone and conglomerate as an interbedded turbiditic sequence. Rock strength
of the exposed materials varies from low to medium strength on the more weathered shale to high to
very high strength on the moderately weathered (or better) sandstone. The Ravine Beds are typically
folded when in contact with dacite/rhyolite of the Boraig Group and are described as very high to
extremely high strength, with three to four discontinuity sets.
Figure 12: Photo of the Talbingo Intake location57
57
Source: SMEC field survey 2017.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 31 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
3.7.3 Headrace tunnel
The HRT alignment would link the Tantangara intake structure to the headrace surge shaft. The
horizontal and vertical alignments would be predominantly straight with the length of the HRT
determined by the power cavern complex option to be taken forward. As noted above, drilling is
ongoing with results from a majority of drill holes pending.
Ravine option
For the Ravine option, it is envisaged that the HRT will be 16.9km long. The excavation methods for
this tunnel include a tunnelboring machine (T BM ) as the base case,with drill and blast (D
&B ) as an
option. The final decision on excavation method will consider many factors such as GIP results,
associated excavation ground support and advance rates, etc. Ground cover ranges from less than
40m at the intake location to nearly 375m BGL under the Long Plain Fault at approximately Ch
15,300.
Six ground support categories are detailed for both the TBM and D&B excavated tunnels, depending
on construction limitations.58 Table 8 shows the likely rock formations to be encountered along the
Ravine option alignment and the main geotechnical characteristics of each rock type.
Table 8: Geotechnical characteristics of likely rock formations along the Ravine option alignment59
58
See E
GAR .
59
See E
GAR .
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Snowy 2.0 Study Report - Chapter Seven - Geotechnical and seismic Commercial-in-Confidence
Chainage (m) Rock unit Estimated UCS Estimated GSI (not Groundwater condition In situ stress condition σc / σ1v Stress reduction factor
including faults)
UCS ratio to vertical
0–600 Kellys Plain Volcanics Variable high to 55 to 70 Due to shallow rock cover, of 45-65m Cover is 45 to 65m, low vertical stress, stress Based on Q system, competent rock,
(Dkv) extremely high there is expected to be groundwater possible higher horizontal stress. Allow with weak zones: could be clay in single
3
strength (ISRM); connection from the ground surface. density 0.025 MN/m weak zone
range of 80 to 200 Locally high inflows along steep joints,
MPa; likely dissipating with time. Extensive
damp and dripping zones in long term
allow 120 MPa
80-200
45m 5
50-125
65m 2.5-5
600–3,000 Tantangara Formation Variable low to high 35 to 55 Due to shallow rock cover, of 45-65m Cover is 60 to 135m, low vertical stress, Based on Q system, competent to weak
(Syn-I) strength in there is expected to be groundwater possible higher horizontal stress. Allow rock, with several weak zones; some with
3
moderately locally in weak zones at 20 connection from the ground surface. density 0.026 MN/m clay
weathered to fresh to 35 Locally high inflows along steep joints,
rock (ISRM): likely dissipating with time. Extensive
damp and dripping zones in long term
range is 20 to 100 Head (Ho) = 0.15 to 0.5 MPa 60m 12.5-65 5
MPa
No reduction at tunnel 135m 5-30 2.5-5
3,000–7,740 Tantangara Formation Variable high to 45 to 55 Locally groundwater inflows along Cover is 110m to 375m, consider rock
(Syn-I) very high strength in sheared zones, local blocky jointed cover vertical stress as greater than
fresh rock (ISRM): locally in weak zones 35 to zone would provide connections to horizontal stress. Allow density 0.026
3
40 shallow groundwater sources. In long MN/m
range is 50 to 100 term generally damp to dripping
MPa
Head (Ho) = 0.8 to 3.45 MPa 110m 17-35 2.5-5
possibly 20% reduction at tunnel 375m 5-10 1-2
500–950 2,500–2,600 Tantangara Formation Generally low to 10 to 25 Refer to unit descriptions 5-10
4,030–4,130 5,200– (Syn-II) Faulted or very low strength;
5,300 7,700–7,750 sheared material, locally 5-10 MPa locally in weak zones 5
weathered
7,740–9,850 Temperance Formation Variable high to 60 to 70 Ground conditions expected to be tight Cover is 160m to 230m, consider rock Based on Q system, competent rock with
(Oitd-I) extremely high except along contact zones with cover vertical stress as greater than local weak rock and weak zones.
strength (ISRM); locally 40 to 50 in sheared granitic intrusives and along faults. At horizontal stress. Allow density 0.027
areas these points there is expected high MN/m
3
range of 80 to 150 groundwater flows.
MPa; allow 100
MPa Head (Ho) = 1.3 to 2.0 MPa 160m 18-35 1
possibly 20% reduction at tunnel 230m 12-24 1
Refer to unit descriptions
7,750–7,800 8,800– Temperance Formation Generally low to 10 to 25 5-10
8,850 contact zones (Oitd-I) Faulted or very low strength:
50m sheared material, locally 5-10 MPa locally in weak zones 5
weathered
8,100–8,300 Intrusive rocks - Boggy Variable high to 60 to 70 Ground conditions expected to be tight, Cover is 160m to 180m, consider rock
Plains Granite I-Type extremely high except along contact zones with cover vertical stress as greater than
8,850–9,330 Suite (Dgk2-I) strength (ISRM); with locally 40 to 50 in granitic intrusives and along faults, horizontal stress. Allow density 0.026
sheared areas where high groundwater flows are MN/m
3
range of 80 to 150 expected
MPa; allow 100
MPa Head (Ho) = 1.2 to 1.5 MPa 170m 18 - 34 1
Possibly 20% reduction in tunnel
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017
Snowy 2.0 Study Report - Chapter Seven - Geotechnical and seismic Commercial-in-Confidence
Chainage (m) Rock unit Estimated UCS Estimated GSI (not Groundwater condition In situ stress condition σc / σ1v Stress reduction factor
including faults)
8,050–8,100 8,350 – Granite unit (Dgk2-II) Generally low to 10 to 25, locally in weak Refer to unit descriptions 5-10
8,400 This allows for very low strength: zones 5
random alteration 5-10 MPa
zones
9,850–14,250 Gooandra Volcanics Expected to be high Basalt: 60 - 75 Dry with localised inflows along shears Cover is 200-400m, or up to 1,100m at
(Oigl-I) to very high (ISRM and open joints. Initial high flows likely power house cavern. General E-W
classif.); Foliated rocks: 45 - 60 to decrease with time. In low cover horizontal stress condition. Potential high
Generally 60 - 70 areas - considered moderate; in high stress condition at depth. Allow density
range is : 60 to cover areas - considered moderate to 0.027 MN/m
3
200 MPa, mostly high
>120 MPa
185m 12-40 1
275m 8-27 1-2
Head (Ho) = 1.7 to 3.7 MPa 365m 6-20 1-2.5
possibly 30% reduction in tunnel 1,100m 2-6.7 2-5
9,330–9,380 9,850– Gooandra Volcanics Generally low to 10 to 25, Refer to unit descriptions 5-10
9,900 10,700–10,800 (Oigl-I) very low strength:
5-10 MPa locally in weak zones 5
Faulted or sheared
material, locally
weathered
14,250–14,700 Shaw Hill Gabbro (Og5) Variable high to 55 to 70 Generally considered to be tight rock Cover at about 350m, consider rock
extremely high with limited groundwater effect at depth cover vertical stress as greater. Allow
locally 40 to 50 in sheared 3
strength (ISRM); density 0.027 MN/m .
areas
range of 75 to 150; Depth of cover:
allow 100 MPa.
Head (Ho) = about 3.2 MPa 350m 8-16 1-2
possibly 30% reduction in tunnel 1,100m 2.5 - 5
14,700–15,100 Long Plain Fault zone Likely low strength 10 to 15 at surface but In Eucumbene-Tumut tunnel there was Cover at about 330-360m, for base case Based on Q system: Multiple weak
at surface, but possibly 25 -35 at depth, extensive high water inflow under Project Alignment. Allow density of 0.026 zones, and possible squeezing rock
3
increasing as variable conditions pressure that dissipated with time. If MN/m . Depth of cover: under high pressure
foliation becomes depending on extent of water encountered at great depth there
tight at depth. shearing and presence of will be issues with very high pressures.
clay
Allow 30 to 60 MPa Low Cover: Head (Ho) = 3.0 to 3.3 330m 3.5-7 5-10
MPa
No reduction in tunnel
High Cover: Head (Ho) = up to 11 MPa 800m 1.4 – 2.9 2.5-50
No reduction in tunnel
15,100-16,200 Ravine Beds (Ss2-II) Outcrops low Slates: 20-30, Mixed slate Relatively low inflows, isolated sources Cover from about 200-400m. General E- Based on Q system: Multiple weak
strength, and quartz veins: 30-40, that have initial high flows likely to W horizontal stress. Medium stress zones, and possible squeezing rock
3
assume some sandstone, decrease with time. In low cover areas issues; Allow density 0.026 MN/m . under high pressure.
allow 20-60MPa overall 30-40 - considered low to moderate; in high
300m 7.7 – 26 1 – 2.5
mostly <40 MPa cover areas - considered low to high.
1,100m 2.1 - 7 5 - 100
High Cover: Head (Ho) = up to 11 MPa
No reduction in tunnel
16,200–26,300 Ravine Beds (Ss2-I) Outcrops appear to Sandstone: 50 - 70 Relatively low inflows, isolated sources Cover from about 200-400m. General E- Based on Q System: competent rock with
be high to very high that have initial high flows likely to W horizontal stress. Medium stress stress problems
Siltstone and shale: 35 - 55 decrease with time. In low cover areas
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017
Snowy 2.0 Study Report - Chapter Seven - Geotechnical and seismic Commercial-in-Confidence
Chainage (m) Rock unit Estimated UCS Estimated GSI (not Groundwater condition In situ stress condition σc / σ1v Stress reduction factor
including faults)
3
strength (ISRM - considered low to moderate; in high issues; Allow density 0.026 MN/m .
classif.); Generally 45-60 cover areas - considered low to high Depth of cover: - Low Cover
range is : 60 to
200 MPa, mostly Head (Ho) = 3.0 to 3.3 MPa 50m 46 - 154 1
>120 MPa
possibly 10% reduction in tunnel 150m 15 - 51 1
High Cover: 800m 2.8 – 9.6 2.5 - 50
Table 8: Geotechnical conditions along the HRT - Ravine Option
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
Plateau option
For the Plateau option, it is envisaged that the HRT will be 12.72km long with excavation either by
TBM and or D&B. Ground cover ranges from less than 40m at the intake location to nearly 405m
BGL.
Table 9 shows the likely rock formations to be encountered along the Plateau option alignment and
the main geotechnical characteristics of each rock type. For further details see the E
GAR .
60
Table 9: Geotechnical conditions along the Plateau option alignment
60
See E
GAR .
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 33 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 34 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report - Chapter Seven - Geotechnical and seismic Commercial-in-Confidence
Chainage (m) Rock unit Estimated UCS Estimated GSI (not Groundwater condition In situ stress condition σc / σ1v Stress reduction factor
including faults)
UCS ratio to
0 to 600 Kellys Plain Volcanics Variable high to extremely high 55 to 70 Due to shallow rock cover, of 45-65m there is Cover is 45 to 65m, low vertical vertical stress Based on Q system, competent
(Dkv) strength (ISRM); expected to be groundwater connection from the stress, and possible higher rock, with weak zones: could be
ground surface. Locally high inflows along steep horizontal stress. clay in single weak zone
range of 80 to 200 MPa; allow joints, likely dissipating with time. Extensive 3
120 MPa damp and dripping zones in long term. Allow density 0.025 MN/m
80-200
45m 5
50-125
65m 2.5-5
600 to 3,000 Tantangara Variable low to high strength in 35 to 55 Due to shallow rock cover, of 45-65m there is Cover is 60 to 135m, low vertical Based on Q system, competent
Formation (Syn-I) moderately weathered to fresh expected to be groundwater connection from the stress, and possible higher to weak rock, with several weak
rock (ISRM): locally in weak zones at 20 to ground surface. Locally high inflows along steep horizontal stress. zones; some with clay
35.
joints, likely dissipating with time. Extensive 3
range is 20 to 100 MPa damp and dripping zones in long term. Allow density 0.026 MN/m
Head (Ho) = 0.15 to 0.5 MPa 60m 15-65 5
no reduction at tunnel 135m 5-30 2.5-5
3,000 to 7,740 Tantangara Variable high to very high 45 to 55 Locally groundwater inflows along sheared Cover is 110m to 375m, consider
Formation (Syn-I) strength in fresh rock (ISRM) zones, local blocky jointed zone would provide rock cover vertical stress as greater
locally in weak zones 35 to 40
connections to shallow groundwater sources. In than horizontal stress. Allow density
range is 50 to 100 MPa long term generally damp to dripping 0.026 MN/m
3
Head (Ho) = 0.8 to 3.45 MPa 110m 17-35 2.5-5
possibly 20% reduction at tunnel 375m 5-10 1-2
500 - 950 2,500 - Tantangara Generally low to very low 10 to 25 Refer to unit descriptions 5-10
2,600 4,030-4,130 Formation (Syn-II) strength: 5-10 MPa
locally in weak zones 5
5,200-5,300 Faulted or sheared
7,700- 7,750 material, locally
weathered
7,740 to 9,850 Temperance Variable high to extremely high 60 to 70 Ground conditions expected to be tight except Cover is 160m to 230m, Based on Q system, competent
Formation (Oitd-I) strength (ISRM); along contact zones with granitic intrusives and consider rock cover vertical rock with local weak rock and
locally 40 to 50 in sheared along faults. At these points there is expected stress as greater than weak zones
range of 80 to 150 MPa; areas high groundwater flows horizontal stress. Allow
allow 100 MPa density 0.027 MN/m
3
Head (Ho) = 1.3 to 2.0 MPa 160m 18-35 1
possibly 20% reduction at tunnel 230m 12-24 1
Refer to unit descriptions
7,750 - 7,800 Temperance Generally low to very low 10 to 25 5-10
8,800 - 8,850 Formation (Oitd-I) strength: 5-10 MPa
contact zones Faulted or sheared locally in weak zones 5
50m material, locally
weathered
8,100 to 8,300 Intrusive Rocks - Variable high to extremely high 60 to 70 Ground conditions expected to be tight except Cover is 160m to 180m,
Boggy Plains Granite strength (ISRM); along contact zones with granitic intrusives and consider rock cover vertical
8,850 to 9,330 I-Type Suite (Dgk2-I) locally 40 to 50 in sheared along faults. At these points there is expected stress as greater than
range of 80 to 150 MPa; areas
high groundwater flows horizontal stress. Allow
allow 100 MPa density 0.026 MN/m
3
Head (Ho) = 1.2 to 1.5 MPa 170m 18-34 1
possibly 20% reduction in tunnel
8,050 - 8,100 Granite unit (Dgk2-II) Generally low to very low 10 to 25 Refer to unit descriptions 5-10
8,350 - 8,400 this strength: 5-10 MPa
allows for locally in weak zones 5
random
alteration zones
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017
Snowy 2.0 Study Report - Chapter Seven - Geotechnical and seismic Commercial-in-Confidence
Chainage (m) Rock unit Estimated UCS Estimated GSI (not Groundwater condition In situ stress condition σc / σ1v Stress reduction factor
including faults)
9,850 to 14,250 Gooandra Volcanics Expected to be high to very Basalt: 60-75 Dry with localised inflows along shears and open Cover is 200-400m, or up to
(Oigl-I) high (ISRM classif.); joints. Initial high flows likely to decrease with 1,100m at power house
Foliated rocks: 45-60 time. In low cover areas - considered moderate; cavern. General E-W
range is 60 to 200 MPa, mostly in high cover areas - considered moderate to horizontal stress condition.
>120 MPa Generally 60-70
high Potential high stress
condition at depth. Allow
3
density 0.027 MN/m
185m 12-40 1
275m 8-27 1-2
Head (Ho) = 1.7 to 3.7 MPa 365m 6-20 1-2.5
1100m 2-6.7 2 -5
9,330 - 9,380 Gooandra Volcanics Generally low to very low 10 to 25, locally in weak Refer to unit descriptions 5-10
9,850 - 9,900 (Oigl-I) strength: 5-10 MPa zones 5
10,700 - 10,800
Faulted or sheared
material, locally
weathered
13,321 to 14,250 Gooandra Volcanics Expected to be high to very Basalt: 60 - 75 Dry with localised inflows along shears and open
high (ISRM classif.); joints. Initial high flows likely to decrease with
Foliated rocks: 45 - 60 time. In low cover areas - considered moderate;
range is : 60 to 200 MPa, in high cover areas - considered moderate to
Generally 60 - 70
mostly >120 MPa high
possibly 30% reduction in tunnel 1,100m 2 - 6.7 2-5
14,250 to 14,600 Shaw Hill Gabbro Variable high to extremely high 55 to 70, Generally considered to be tight rock with limited Cover at about 350m,
strength (ISRM); groundwater effect at depth consider rock cover vertical
locally 40 to 50 in sheared
stress as greater.
range of 75 to 150; allow 100 areas
3
MPa. Allow density 0.027 MN/m .
Depth of cover:
Head (Ho) = about 3.2MPa 350 8-16 1-2
possibly 30% reduction in tunnel 1100 2.5 - 5 2-5
14,600 to 15,100 Long Plain Fault Zone Likely low strength at surface, 10 to 15 at surface but In Eucumbene-Tumut tunnel there was Cover at about 330-360m, Bases on Q system: Multiple
but increasing as foliation possibly 25 -35 at depth, extensive high water inflow under pressure that for option 1 Project weak zones, and possible
becomes tight at depth. variable conditions depending dissipated with time. Alignment. Allow density of squeezing rock under high
3
on extent of shearing and 0.026 MN/m . pressure
Allow 30 to 60 MPa presence of clay If water encountered at great depth, there will be Depth of cover:
issues with very high pressures.
High Cover: 1,100 1.0 – 2.1 5 - 100
Head (Ho) = up to 11MPa
No reduction in tunnel
15,100 to 26,400 Ravine Beds Outcrops appear to be high to Sandstone: 50 - 70 Relatively low inflows, isolated sources that have Cover from about 200-400m. Based on Q System: competent
very high strength (ISRM initial high flows likely to decrease with time. rock with stress problems
Siltstone and shale: 35 - 55 General E-W horizontal
classif.);
In low cover areas - considered low to moderate; stress. Medium stress
range is : 60 to 200 MPa, Generally 45-60 issues;
in high cover areas - considered low to high
3
mostly >120 MPa Allow density 0.026 MN/m .
Depth of cover:
Low cover:
Head (Ho) = 3.0 to 3.3MPa 50m 46 - 154 1
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017
Snowy 2.0 Study Report - Chapter Seven - Geotechnical and seismic Commercial-in-Confidence
Chainage (m) Rock unit Estimated UCS Estimated GSI (not Groundwater condition In situ stress condition σc / σ1v Stress reduction factor
including faults)
possibly 10% reduction in tunnel 150m 15 - 51 1
High cover: 300m 7.7 - 26 1 - 2.5
Head (Ho) = up to 11MPa 600m 3.8 – 12.8 2.5 - 50
possibly 20% reduction in tunnel 1,100m 2.1 – 7.0 5 - 100
Table 9: Geotechnical conditions along the HRT - Plateau Option
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
3.7.4 Headrace surge shaft and gate chamber
The headrace surge shaft is the surge attenuation facility for the HRT. It will connect the downstream
portion of the HRT with three distributor tunnels.
The headrace gate chamber will provide access to the upstream isolation valves providing the facility
to seal the HRT and allow dewatering of the penstocks without dewatering the entire HRT. The
chamber is expected to be excavated by D&B. The chamber will be supported by permanent rock
anchors and shotcrete. A permanent shotcrete internal lining will then be installed.
Ravine option
The surge shaft is expected to be excavated with a combination of raise bore and D&B methods into
the Ravine Beds with the upper section likely to reach the contact between the Ravine Beds and
Boraig Volcanics. It is envisaged that rocks from the Ravine Beds at this location will be steeply
bedded due to proximity to the Long Plain Fault. The contact between the Boraig Group and Ravine
Beds is likely to be through discontinuities with relatively poor to fair rock conditions at the contact.
Excavation of a vertical shaft on steeply bedded sandstone and shale may produce local instability on
one side of the shaft walls while the other side may be stable. This is able to be addressed with
conventional shaft sinking with or without the use of a raise bore hole to assist with muck removal.
The gate chamber is expected to be fully excavated in rocks from the Ravine Beds. See Table 8 for
predicted geotechnical ground conditions at this location. The planned drilling program as part of the
GIP will clarify predicted rock properties.
Plateau option
The headrace surge shaft is expected to be excavated into the Gooandra Volcanics. The headrace
surge shaft would be located at the same elevation as the Ravine option however further east than
the Ravine surge shaft. The Gooandra Volcanics has been described as a vertically or near vertically
foliated sequence of metabasalt and greenschist, as observed in the preliminary drill hole logs from
BH4101. It is envisaged that rocks will be steeply foliated due to the proximity with the Long Plain
Fault and observations made during the geological field mapping.
Excavation of a vertical shaft in such steeply foliated metabasalt and greenschist units may produce
local instability on one side of the shaft walls while the other side may be stable. As with the Ravine
option, this could result in asymmetrical stresses on the shaft rock support. This is able to be
addressed with conventional shaft sinking with or without the use of a raise bore hole to assist with
muck removal. The gate chamber is expected to be fully excavated in rocks from the Gooandra
Volcanics. See Table 9 f or the estimated geotechnical ground conditions at this location. The planned
drilling program as part of the GIP will clarify predicted rock properties.
3.7.5 Pressure shafts
Three pressure shafts have been designed to convey water vertically, downstream of the headrace
gate chamber, from the end of the distributor tunnels to the start of the highpressure tunnels. The top
of the shaft is at EL1106.2m and the bottom of the shaft is at EL450.0m. The shafts have an internal
diameter of 5.2m and will be concrete lined with the top of the shafts having concreteformed elbows
and the bottom steellined elbows which will enable both vertical and horizontal redirection of water.
Assessments for the predicted ground conditions of the pressure shafts are based on field surface
mapping, published geological maps and reports. This assessment will be further augmented and
updated based on the results from the ongoing GIP.
Ravine option
The pressure shafts would be excavated in the Ravine Beds. It is envisaged that the Ravine Beds will
be steeply bedded near the surface and likely to be dipping between 30° and 50° from the horizontal
near the base of the pressure shafts and penstock tunnels.
Excavation of a vertical shaft on steeply bedded sandstone and shale may produce local instability on
one side of the shaft walls while the other side may be stable. This could result in asymmetrical
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stresses on the shaft rock support. This is able to be addressed with conventional shaft sinking with or
without the use of a raise bore hole to assist with muck removal. For predicted geotechnical
conditions along the pressure shafts please refer to Table 8. T his assessment will be further
augmented and updated based on the results from the ongoing GIP.
Plateau option
The pressure shafts will be excavated in the Gooandra Volcanics similar to that described for the
surge shaft. Excavation of a vertical shaft in such steeply foliated metabasalt and greenschist units
may produce local instability on one side of the shaft walls while the other side may be stable. As with
the Ravine option, this could result in asymmetrical stresses on the shaft rock support. This is able to
be addressed with conventional shaft sinking with or without the use of a raise bore hole to assist with
muck removal. Geotechnical conditions predicted along the pressure shafts can be found in Table 9.
This assessment will be further augmented and updated based on the results from the ongoing GIP.
3.7.6 Cavern complex
The power station cavern complex is a collective of structures including the Machine hall cavern,
Transformer hall cavern, as well as highpressure tunnels, penstock tunnels, Isolated Phase Busduct
( IPB ) galleries, draft tube tunnels, cooling water tunnels, auxiliary access tunnels and construction
adits. The Ravine and Plateau options have the same design approach for the power station complex
excavation and rock support.
Figure 13 shows a detailed isometric view of the interconnectivity between the HRT and the TRT with
relation to the machine hall complex.
Drill holes at these alternative locations are pending as part of the ongoing GIP. The ground
investigation program is underway and current drilling in this area includes one drill hole BH4101 in
Gooandra Volcanics at Ch13,300m at the Plateau site. Drill hole BH5102 in Ravine Beds at
Ch17,000m at the Ravine site is in progress at the time of this Report.
Figure 13: General arrangement of the power station cavern complex in detail, relevant to both options61
61
S21405DRG018614 UNDERGROUND POWER STATION POWER STATION COMPLEX GENERAL
ARRANGEMENT ISOMETRIC SHEET 02 (SMEC) .
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 36 of 60
NOTES:
1. FOR DRAWING INDEX AND GENERAL NOTES REFER TO DRAWING S2-1405-DRG-018601.
MAIN ACCESS TUNNEL MACHINE HALL DRAFT TUBE VALVE GALLERY
CONSTRUCTION ADIT ACCESS TUNNEL
PRESSURE SHAFTS
TAILRACE SURGE TANK
ACCESS TUNNEL
HIGH PRESSURE TUNNELS
EMERGENCY EGRESS, CABLE
L
H AL AND VENTILATION TUNNEL
INE
PENSTOCK CONSTRUCTION CH
MA
ADIT
PENSTOCK TUNNELS LL
HA
ER TAILRACE SURGE
O RM
SF TANK EXPANSION
AN
TRANSFORMER HALL ACCESS TUNNEL TR CHAMBER
COOLING WATER TUNNEL 2 TAILRACE SURGE TANK
IPB GALLERIES
DRAFT TUBE TUNNELS
AUXILIARY EGRESS TUNNEL
DRAFT TUBE VALVE GALLERY
DRAFT TUBE TUNNELS
COLLECTOR TUNNELS COOLING WATER TUNNEL 1
COLLECTOR TUNNEL TAILRACE TUNNEL
CONSTRUCTION ADIT
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT ISOMETRIC
80
150 mm ON ORIGINAL
70
60
DRAWING FILE LOCATION / NAME PLOT DATE TIME DESIGN MODEL FILE REFERENCE
17/11/2017 12:33:01 PM FEASIBILITY
50
S2-1405-MOD-014954
EXTERNAL REFERENCE FILES REV DATE AMENDMENT / REVISION DESCRIPTION WVR No APPROVAL TITLE NAME SCALES AT A1 SIZE DRAWING DESIGNER CLIENT PROJECT TITLE SNOWY 2.0
40
0 17/11/2017 FEASIBILITY DESIGN - ISSUED FOR USE WVR0102 D.E. DRAFTER J. HUNTER UNDERGROUND POWER STATION
POWER STATION COMPLEX
30
DRAFTING CHECK J. IKONEN
DESIGNER M. YEE GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
20
DESIGN CHECK A. NEUMAIER ISOMETRIC SHEET 02
10
PROJECT MANAGER D. EVANS PHASE DRAWING No. REVISION
SMEC PROJECT NO. 30012060 FEASIBILITY S2-1405-DRG-018614 0
A1
PROJECT DIRECTOR C. CLARKE
0
Figure 13: General arrangement of the power station cavern complex in detail, relevant to both options
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
The choice of location and orientation with respect to the prevailing geological conditions is critical. As
the subsurface geotechnical data is pending GIP drill hole results, present predictions for the potential
site are based on surface mapping combined with historical information for the area as outlined in
Chapter Six of this Report. The orientation of large underground openings depends on a number of
factors, including rock mass conditions, lithology, rock strength properties, geological structures,
groundwater condition, and prevailing in situ stress. Based on the existing knowledge of the predicted
geological conditions, it is prudent to assess what may be the best and worst conditions at the cavern
complex sites.
This section of the report describes both options: Ravine option with the cavern complex being
downstream from the surge shaft site at about Ch17,000m (assumed within the Ravine Beds), and the
Plateau option as an alternative site at Ch12,800m (confirmed to be Gooandra Volcanics based on
drill hole BH4101 results). Geotechnical conditions predicted to be encountered along the cavern
complex and downstream pressure shafts are outlined in Table 10. This table presents an assessment
of the best predicted best and worst case conditions at both potential power station complex locations
based on available information and knowledge.
Ravine option
The machine hall cavern would have a length of 173.5m, width of 32.8m and a height of 55.4m with
the cavern oriented 135° from north to minimise kinematic instability and overbreak. The transformer
hall cavern with the same orientation as the machine hall cavern, would have a length of 180.6m,
width of 23.2m and a height of 43.6m. It is envisaged that the cavern complex and the downstream
surge shaft are to be excavated by a combination of D&B and raise boring in the Ravine Beds at
depths up to 800m BGL.
Plateau option
The machine hall cavern would have a length of 173.5m, width of 26.5m and a height of 54.7m with
an orientation of 135°. The transformer hall cavern would have a length of 173.5m, width of 19.5m
and a height of 44.5m. It is envisaged that the cavern complex and the downstream surge shaft for
the Plateau option would be excavated by a combination of D&B combined with raise boring in the
Gooandra Volcanics at depths up to 1,050 m BGL.
Figure 14: Comparison of predicted geotechnical conditions for alternative power cavern locations
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3.7.7 Tailrace tunnel
The TRT alignment will link the tailrace surge shaft (located downstream of the power station
complex) to the Talbingo intake. The horizontal and vertical alignments will be predominantly straight.
The expected excavation method options include TBM and drill & blast. Both options have been
considered with regard to the predicted ground conditions. Following results of the ongoing GIP the
excavation method is expected to be refined and further optimised.
Ravine option
The Ravine option TRT is anticipated to have an a total length of approximately 9.0km and excavated
in sedimentary rocks of the Ravine Beds. Ground cover ranges from less than 100m at the intake
location to nearly 800m BGL at around Ch17,100m. Refer to Table 8 for a summary of predicted
geotechnical conditions at this location.
Plateau option
The TRT for the Plateau option is anticipated to have total length of approximately 13.1km. Ground
cover ranges from less than 100m at the Talbingo intake location to nearly 1,063m BGL at
approximately Ch13,600m. The Plateau option TRT is likely to be excavated in rocks of the Gooandra
Volcanics, Shaw Hill Gabbro, Long Plain Fault, and from approximately Ch13,800m in the Ravine
Beds. Refer to Table 9 for a summary of predicted geotechnical conditions at this location.
3.7.8 Access tunnels to the cavern complex
Main access tunnel
The Main Access Tunnel (M AT ) alignment will link the Plateau area west of the Snowy Mountains
Highway to the power station complex. Drill holes at this location are pending as part of the ongoing
GIP.
Ravine option
The MAT is an access tunnel approximately 6.55km long. The tunnel portal (1,191m Relative Level
( RL ) is located west of the Long Plain Fault and along the Yarrangobilly escarpment. The tunnel
ramps down to the cavern complex at RL457m. The tunnel portal is expected to be excavated in
residual materials and extremely to highly weathered rocks from the Byron Range Group with these
rocks extending for about the first 150m to 200m of the MAT. From Ch200m to approximately
Ch600m, the MAT is expected to be excavated in rocks of the Boraig Group.
At the MAT location, the Byron Range Group unconformably lies on top of the Boraig Group which sits
unconformably above the Ravine Beds. The exact interaction and thicknesses between these three
rock formations at this location is currently unknown, as are the ground conditions along the contacts
between formations, but will be investigated as part of the ongoing GIP. The basal formation of the
Byron Range Group is described as a pebbly sandstone and volcanic sandstone of medium to high
strength. The bedding dips steeply to the southsouthwest.
The Boraig Group west of the Yarrangobilly River is described as an alternating sequence of steeply
inclined shale, conglomerates and volcaniclastic rocks with dacite and rhyolite bodies. The unit is
generally well jointed with at least four joint sets. Outcropping shales and conglomerate are low to
medium strength, while tuff and ignimbrites are typically deeply weathered and very low strength with
soillike properties. Dacite and rhyolite outcrops are described as very high strength with very shallow
weathering.
Plateau option
The MAT portal for the Plateau option is situated on Bullocks Hill Fire Trail within the Temperance
Formation to the east of the Kiandra Fault. The MAT will be approximately 7.5km in length.
The initial 450m of the tunnel is expected to be in basaltic tuffs and cherts belonging to the
Temperance Formation to the east of Tantangara Creek. For the remaining tunnel length, the geology
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is anticipated to be all in Gooandra Volcanics, as a vertical or near vertical sequence of metabasalt
and greenschist. The exact thickness of the Tertiary basalt will be updated based on GIP results.
Emergency, cable and ventilation tunnel (ECVT)
The preliminary design of the ECVT tunnel alignment links the power station complex with Ravine in
an eastwest direction.
Ravine option
The ECVT for the Ravine option will be 4.55km in length with a gradient of 5.5%. This feature will
extend from Ravine to the power station complex with depth of cover varying between 10m at the
portal to 740m at the power station complex.
The majority of the ECVT will be excavated in the Ravine Beds at low to high cover ground conditions.
Geotechnical conditions likely to be encountered along the cavern complex and downstream pressure
shafts are described in Table 8. Data gathered during the field mapping indicates that the tunnel portal
is envisaged to be excavated in slope scree / colluvium material. This material is expected to be less
than 10m thick.
Plateau option
The ECVT will be 8.75km in length with a grade of 5.5%. Commencing in Ravine Beds near
Yarrangobilly River, the ECVT will continue in an west east direction intercepting the Long Plain Fault
at a depth of 500m BGL. The approximate chainages are Ch 6,570m to Ch7,000m before terminating
in the Gooandra Volcanics power cavern with an invert level of ~RL468m.
Geotechnical conditions predicted along the ECVT are described in Table 9.
Access roads
Upgrades to existing tracks and new roads are required to provide access to the main civil works
infrastructure such as the Tantangara and Talbingo intake structures and the underground power
station complex. In addition, temporary roads are required to provide access for site investigations,
construction camps, quarries and spoil disposal sites.
A preliminary geotechnical assessment has been undertaken through desktop assessment and field
mapping to evaluate the terrain of existing tracks for their applicability for upgrade or additional
treatments. Examples of items to assess include:
1. Slope grade for access by large vehicles;
2. R
ealignment potential or suitable grades for cut/fill works to reduce existing grades;
3. S
mall r adius horizontal curves required for widening to provide access for oversized vehicles;
and
4. Cut and fill slopes will be assessed for stability during further design development and
treatments designed where required.
The following sections describe the main geological conditions of each access roads depicted in the
figure below and any primary geotechnical issues requiring further assessment. Further site
inspections are planned for Access Roads 47.
Figure 15: Access road locations62
62
S21407DRG019005 ACCESS ROADS OVERALL PLAN (SMEC) . Shown for Ravine option only, with similar completed
for Plateau option but excluded due to significant duplication of information.
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FEASIBILITY
SMEC PROJECT No. 30012060
Figure 15: Access road locations
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
Some of the major geotechnical challenges considered include slope stability for cuts, rippability of the
less weathered rocks and managing boggy ground/drainage in the lower lying areas of the access
road. These challenges are being addressed with a combination of GIP and further refinement of the
engineering. See C hapter Nine Facilities for detail on location, access road assessment and design.
Access Road 1
Access Road 1 (6.2km) is planned to connect Elliot Way to the Ravine area via O’Hares Track and by
crossing O’Hares Creek. Access Road 1 gradually ascends the northern flank of the valley in order to
gain elevation. The geological assessment is based on a range of data sources. The main
geotechnical challenges include slope stability for cuts and cut/fill sections of road on steeply sloping
ground, and rippability of less weathered rocks. These will be addressed through the engineering
process. Drainage and the potential for flooding is considered in the design since the access road will
be adjacent to O’Hares Creek.
Access Road 2
Access Road 2 (14.7km) is planned to upgrade the length between Lobs Hole Ravine Road from Link
Road to the Ravine area where the route continues north towards Lobs Hole. In general, the route
descends 680m in elevation from RL1,350m to RL670m.
The alignment crosses numerous geological units, commencing in the (poorly exposed) Tertiary
basalts, followed by the very poorly exposed Mountain Creek Volcanics and Byron Range Group. The
Byron Range Group presents as low to medium strength / splintery shale with some siltstone, high
strength limestone and high strength sandstone / gritstone with minor siltstone and conglomerate
deposits.
Steeply sloping basalt boulder fields are located from Ch7,500m to Ch8,850m. The basalt boulders
are angular, 100mm to 500mm in diameter, very high strength, and estimated to be 2 to 4m thick.
From Ch11,100m to Ch13,000m cut/fill road widening techniques may be challenging in this section
of road due to the steeper slopes. The geology is generally high strength limestone passing into high
strength siltstone with cut slope angles of 4565° possibly being achieved. Further refinement will
utilise results from the ongoing GIP.
Access Road 3A
Access Road 3A (2.9km) would align generally west to east, connecting Access Road 3B to the
ECVT. The route begins in Lobs Hole following the Yarrangobilly River upstream to Wallaces Creek.
The alignment of Access Road 3A generally follows the contact between the Byron Range Group and
Ravine Beds. The Byron Range Group was assessed during the site work to generally be interbedded
conglomerate, sandstone, and shale in nature. Above the Yarrangobilly River a significant amount of
colluvium was observed.
Drainage was the primary geotechnical issue observed along Access Road 3A with wet subgrade,
deep channel incision and thick colluvium posing less significant issues to address.
Access Road 3B
Access Road 3B (7.3km) connects Talbingo Reservoir to Ravine Road. This road is planned to cross
two geological units: the Byron Range Group and Ravine Beds. The Byron Range Group along the
alignment of Access Road 3B can generally be classified as low to medium strength shale, and
splintery shale with some siltstone. Cut slope angles of 4565° should be achievable with easy to hard
ripping anticipated. The Ravine Beds along this road alignment generally comprise siltstone with
some sandstone which may be difficult to excavate, presenting easy to hard ripping. Slope angles of
4565° should be achievable.
Thick layers of colluvium, comprising silty sand with gravel and cobbles, were observed, along with
extremely steep terrain where Ravine Beds geological conditions are considered to be unfavourable.
Wedge and toppling and planar failures could be possible. Scouring was noted on the steep
downslope (45°) of the track and a localised rockfall was observed in the Ravine Beds on the upslope
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Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
side of the existing track. As the proposed track passes close to the Yarrangobilly River, this area may
be prone to flooding during heavy rain events and is considered in the design.
Access Road 3C
Access Road 3C (18.0km) is planned to connect the Snowy Mountains Highway to the Talbingo
Reservoir area, aligning north to south. In general, the route falls 485m in elevation, from RL1,095m
to RL610m.
From Ch0m to Ch3,850m and Ch17,150m to Ch18,800m, t he route is underlain by rocks from the
Ravine Beds comprising sandstone, siltstone, conglomerate and shale. Between Ch3,850m and
Ch17,150m the route is underlain by rocks from the Boraig Group comprising rhyodacite, tuff, lapilli
tuff, feldspathic sandstone and granophyre.
The following key areas have been identified with further refinement proposed as part of the standard
engineering process:
1. L
ava flows (visible and possibly buried) such material may prove slow to excavate, and
require ripping and localised breaking/blasting, but also prove useful as high quality fill.
Further work to assess excavatability is advised. Batter angles of 65° may be achievable;
2. Volcaniclastic material within the Boraig Group due to the chaotic nature of deposition,
these materials are likely to vary considerably over small distances, complicating design and
construction. Safe batter angles will vary widely from 26° (low quality tuff) to 65° (sandstone).
Excavation by digging, ripping and localised breaking is possible. Detailed mapping of the
deposit is advisable;
3. Colluvium, residual soil and highly weathered material of poor consistency in
combination with steep slopes may lead to difficulties in achieving satisfactory batter angles
such as 3H:1V to 2H:1V and may involve significant earthworks; and
4. Ravine Beds have been observed as performing well when cut at 45°, with a tolerable
amount of spalling/weathering. Where bedding and joints are well oriented, steeper 65° slope
angles may be achievable.
Other access roads
Further site investigations are planned for Access Roads 4, 5, 6 and 7. It is expected that these roads,
will have similar geotechnical challenges to most of the other roads in this Project. These challenges
include slope stability for cuts, rippability of the less weathered roads and managing boggy ground.
These aspects can all be addressed as part of standard and typical engineering process. Other
similar roads have been constructed previously in the Scheme and learnings from that experience
combined with road maintenance since the construction will also be utilised.
3.8 Seismicity
3.8.1 Seismotectonics of southeastern Australia
The Seismology Research Centre (S
RC ) Review of Seismicity for the Snowy Mountain Dams
Guthega, Island Bend, Eucumbene and Tantangara,63 describes the tectonic model of the area as
showing
an area of high activity north of Canberra. Other areas of high activity include reservoir induced
seismicity at Talbingo Dam, and the longterm activity between Eucumbene and Jindabyne.
The report also highlights that
apart from these clusters, the earthquake distribution in the Snowy Mountains area does not show any
obvious pattern. There does not appear to be any convincing geological evidence to constrain the
current earthquake activity to particular faults.
63
Gutteridge, Haskins & Davey, (1996) (reference 411/14296/00, Brian Forbes) and the Hydroelectric Commission. Reference:
Tony Morse.
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Most earthquakes in the Snowy Mountains are very shallow, less than 15km deep and cause strong
ground shaking in the epicentral region.
Australia’s tectonic situation is one of entirely intraplate crustal area (McCue 1999). In the last 100
years there have been 20 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or more. The two most damaging earthquakes
were in 1989 (Newcastle) and 1954 (Adelaide). The magnitude 5.3 earthquake that occurred at
Berridale on 18 May 1959 is a notable event in the region.
Moye et al. (1954) commented that the Snowy Mountains area is traversed by many faults. The rock
is usually crushed in zones of varying width along the fractures, and is often more closely jointed than
normal adjacent to them.
3.8.2 Seismic hazard classification
Seismic hazards are measured in Australia by Geoscience Australia which produces a seismic hazard
classification map (see Figure 16). An assessment of the Project Area in Figure 16 shows the peak
ground acceleration (maximum shaking of the ground at a location) from an earthquake with an
annual exceedance probability of 1 in 500 (that is, a return period of 500 years) is 0.060.07g.
Figure 16: Seismic hazard Classification Map64
3.8.3 Potential for active faults
It is challenging to identify faults in low seismicity regions where longterm fault movement rates could
be similar to local erosion and sediment deposition rates. The length of the fault involved in generating
small magnitude events is ~100m long, and does not necessarily have related surface features. The
primary faults in the Project Area are the Long Plain Fault, Kiandra Fault and Boggy Plain Fault. There
are also minor faults intersecting the Project alignment. Figure 17 shows earthquake distribution
around the Project Area.
Sharp (2004) indicated some neotectonic features where a thrust of older rocks over alluvium was
observed on a fault near Khancoban that may be part of the western margin of the uplifted Kosciusko
block. Given that the faulting has displaced alluvium of presumed Quaternary age there could have
been fault displacement during the past 1Ma. In the Project area there is likely evidence for
Cenozoicage fault movements from perhaps 2025Ma ago.
64
See http://ecat.ga.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/eng.
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Lambeck et al (1984),65 propose that presentday seismicity does not exhibit any clear relation with
the continental topography. In addition, there is no clear correlation with geologic or tectonic structure;
however, some generalisations can still be made:
1. Seismic events > Magnitude 3 are distributed uniformly throughout much of the Lachlan Fold
Orogen;
2. However, there is a seismically quiet zone to the east of the southern Dividing Range (below
Eucumbene Reservoir);
3. Seismic events less than Magnitude 3 have a very similar geographic distribution to the larger
earthquakes. Some smaller seismic events represent aftershocks following large
earthquakes;
4. There is no real correlation between seismicity and known faults in the Snowy Mountains,
apart from higher seismic activity correlates with known higher concentrations of faults are
mapped; and
5. It is theorised that much of the activity occurs on or at the edges of the abundant granite
intrusions in the Lachlan Fold Belt (Cleary 1967).66
Figure 17 indicates the local historical earthquake distribution.
Figure 17: Distribution of earthquakes and mapped faults near the Project location67
65
Lambeck, K. et al., 1984. The state of stress within the Australian continent. A
nnales Geophysicae , 2(6), pp.723–742.
Available at: http://people.rses.anu.edu.au/lambeck_k/pdf/95.pdf [Accessed November 17, 2017].
66
Cleary, J.R., 1967. The seismicity of the Gunning and surrounding areas, 1958–1961. J ournal of the Geological Society of
Australia , 14(1), pp.23–29. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00167616708728641.
67
Lambeck et al, Figure 2c), p.728.
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3.8.4 Maximum credible earthquake
The literature reviewed for this chapter does not conclusively rule out the occurrence of seismic
events in the future, nor can the potential size of future earthquakes be accurately predicted.
The Maximum Credible Earthquake (M CE ) is defined by the Australian National Committee on Large
Dams (A
NCOLD ) guidelines as ‘the largest reasonably conceivable earthquake magnitude that is
considered possible along a recognised fault or within a derived tectonic province’.68 The earthquake
hazard in the Snowy Mountains Area is just above average for eastern Australia.
ANCOLD guidelines suggest that the MCE could be in the order of magnitude 7.58.0. This estimate
can be derived by either deterministic analysis or by a riskbased analysis. The riskbased analysis
approach is preferred when following the ANCOLD guidelines.
3.8.5 Induced seismicity
The SRC Review of Seismicity for the Snowy Mountains dams (1996), Lambeck et al. (1984) and
Muirhead (1981)69 all support the theory that the activity hotspot under Talbingo Reservoir is assumed
to be reservoir induced. As the reservoir was filled over 20 years ago it is believed that stress and
pore water pressure will have stabilised and the probability of further events in the area is no higher
than the background level of the surrounding area.
3.8.6 Seismicity monitoring
Snowy Hydro presently has existing seismic monitoring instrument installation in Power Stations at
Wambrook, Murray 2 Dam, and Tumut Pond Dam. The system detects seismic activity that has
potential to cause damaging energy within the Snowy Mountains region. As part of the risk mitigation
process, an earthquake monitoring and alarm service is provided by the SRC at Environmental
Systems and Services (E S&S ) (a Melbournebased company who specialise in earthquake studies
and seismic monitoring).
Data is monitored by the SRC and for each seismic event, the SRC utilises the information to estimate
intensities. Based on intensities, response actions following an earthquake are identified in Standard
Response Practice documents. This existing system would be augmented to include the Project and
for earthquakes, Standard Response Practices would be augmented.
3.9 Ground characterisation results
Each of the main rock units encountered along the Project alignment was assessed based on the
available geological data presented in the E GAR and assigned a GSI grouping, intact strength and
overburden situation. Based on these predictions, schematic block diagrams were generated for the
main tunnels with excavated cross sections covering both the D&B profile (horseshoe shape) along
with the TBM (circular shape).
The main rock units are illustrated in general terms in Figures 18 to 21. The general behaviour of the
rock mass will not alter greatly if the tunnel dimensions are slightly adjusted. The selection of sections
that would be tunnelled either by D&B or TBM or some combination are based on current design
information.
68
ANCOLD, 1998. G uidelines on Design of Dams for Earthquake .
69
Muirhead, K.J., 1981. Seismicity induced by the filling of the Talbingo reservoir. J ournal of the Geological Society of Australia ,
28(3–4), pp.291–298. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00167618108729168.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 45 of 60
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Figure 18: Summary block diagrams for Kellys Plain Volcanics and Tantangara Formation70
70
See E
GAR .
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71
Figure 19: Summary block diagrams for Boggy Plain Fault and Gooandra Volcanics (east side)
71
See E
GAR .
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Figure 20: Summary block diagrams for Gooandra Volcanics (west side) and Long Plain Fault72
72
See E
GAR .
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Figure 21: Summary block diagrams of Ravine Beds (proximal and distal to Long Plain Fault)73
3.10 Rock mass characteristics predicted
The results of the rock mass characterisation assessment and detailed predicted parameters are
presented in the E GAR . At present the underground conditions are predicted from the surface
73
See E
GAR .
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Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
mapping and regional geology as outlined in C hapter Six o
f this Report. This level of information is not
sufficient for final design and optimisation of the project. The GIP has been developed to provide the
confirmation of underground conditions through a combination of drilling, testing, and monitoring of
rock and water properties. Therefore the following predictions should be considered as preliminary
only, with this information to be updated based on the ongoing results of the GIP program. Figures 22
to 27 illustrate the predicted conditions at depth along the tunnel alignment starting at the Tantangara
Intake. This set of figures is for the Ravine base case option. It has also been completed for the
Plateau option but excluded in this summary due to duplication of geotechnical information.
Figure 22: Geology and anticipated ground conditions starting at Tantangara Intake (left side of dwg) for
the Ravine option74
Figure 23: Geology and anticipated ground conditions along HRT of Ravine option75
Figure 24: Geology and anticipated ground conditions at power station complex location for Ravine
option76
Figure 25: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for TRT of Ravine option77
Figure 26: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for MAT of Ravine option78
Figure 27: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for ECVT of Ravine option79
74
S 20602DRG012216 GEOLOGY AND TERRAIN POWER WATERWAY TUNNEL INTERPRETED GEOLOGY LONG
SECTION SHEET 01 (SMEC).
75
S 20602DRG012217 GEOLOGY AND TERRAIN POWER WATERWAY TUNNEL INTERPRETED GEOLOGY LONG
SECTION SHEET 02 (SMEC) .
76
S 20602DRG012218 GEOLOGY AND TERRAIN POWER WATERWAY TUNNEL INTERPRETED GEOLOGY LONG
SECTION SHEET 03 (SMEC).
77
S 20602DRG012219 GEOLOGY AND TERRAIN POWER WATERWAY TUNNEL INTERPRETED GEOLOGY LONG
SECTION SHEET 04 (SMEC) .
78
S20602DRG012221 GEOLOGY AND TERRAIN MAT PLAN AND INTERPRETED GEOLOGY LONG SECTION
(SMEC).
79
S 20602DRG012226 GEOLOGY AND TERRAIN ECVT PLAN AND INTERPRETED GEOLOGY LONG SECTION
(SMEC) .
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 50 of 60
FEASIBILITY
SMEC PROJECT No. 30012060
Figure 22: Geology and anticipated ground conditions starting at Tantangara Intake (left side of dwg) for the Ravine option
FEASIBILITY
SMEC PROJECT No. 30012060
Figure 23: Geology and anticipated ground conditions along HRT of Ravine option
FEASIBILITY
SMEC PROJECT No. 30012060
Figure 24: Geology and anticipated ground conditions at power station complex location for Ravine option
FEASIBILITY
SMEC PROJECT No. 30012060
Figure 25: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for TRT of Ravine option
FEASIBILITY
SMEC PROJECT No. 30012060
Figure 26: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for MAT of Ravine option
FEASIBILITY
SMEC PROJECT No. 30012060
Figure 27: Geology and anticipated ground conditions for EVCT of Ravine option
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
4 Underground geotechnical investigation
In general, the underground power station complex designed for both the Ravine and Plateau options
consists of many large excavations. Design and construction of excavations of this size and
complexity are highly dependent on the rock properties and structural geology of the potential
locations. The existing GIP has been described in earlier portions of this chapter and is largely a
surface based program that utilises deep drill holes to access the depths of the proposed excavations.
This approach is appropriate for determining first stage information on a broad level but does have
limitations. Some of the limitations with this approach include (for example) when the targets are deep
the drilling process is long and measurements for factors such as in situ stress are further complicated
and sometimes not possible. Other limitations include the orientation of drill holes that are typically
vertical with a possible variation angle of ±20 degrees. This lack of horizontal holes limits the level of
detail possible when attempting to define vertical tending structures. Based on the complex geology
for these two possible power station complex options as described in C hapter Six of this Report, it is
expected that underground investigations of some form will be needed before final detail design of the
selected power station complex location is possible.
Until the drill holes and testing associated with the two possible power station complex locations are
completed, it is not possible to define in detail what would be appropriate for the underground phase
of the GIP. That being said, there are many hydro power stations previously constructed around the
world that have also had to overcome the challenges of collecting the information needed to enable
the appropriate design and construction methodology in deep and geotechnically challenging
locations. Some of these underground geotechnical investigation programs examples are described
below for Dinorwic (Wales), and also Snowy Hydro Tumut 1 and Tumut 2.
The site geology of the Dinorwic Power Station in Northern Wales as outlined by Douglas, Richards
and Arthur 1979,80 was identified as slates of the Cambrian series with dolerite intrusions. A surface
investigation program was conducted with significant data collection and analysis through various
methods such as: quarry works, surface mapping and drill holes. The result of this work identified that
a detailed analysis of the underground structural geology would be required prior to excavation of the
caverns could start. This was further confirmed with the collapse of a tunnel portal early in the project.
The investigation plan to clarify the design factors included the construction of an access tunnel along
with excavation of a heavily instrumented trial excavation of a portion of the Machine Hall as shown
below.
80
Douglas, T.H., Richards, L.R. & Arthur, L.J., 1979. Dinorwic Power Station Rock Support Of The Underground Caverns. In
Fourth Congress of the Int. Soc. Rock Mechanics . Montreux: International Society for Rock Mechanics, pp. 361–369.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 51 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
Figure 28: Layout of the Dinorwic power station complex with the Machine Hall trial enlargement shown
(item 3)81
A further enlargement of the the Machine Hall trial enlargement is shown below.
Figure 29: Dinorwic power station complex Machine Hall trial enlargement shown (item 3)82
81
Douglas et al. 1979, p.362.
82
Ibid, p.364.
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Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
The results from this Machine Hall trial enlargement improved the design and construction process.
Considerable savings in time of construction (of the order of 20%) due to wider pacing of anchors than
originally envisaged and to the installation of secondary reinforcement in line with the excavation
thereby initially eliminating any additional support which might have been nominated by the contractor.
Similarly a saving in the cost of approximately 20% was achieved in comparison with the basis originally
tendered.83
Snowy Hydro (as SMHEA) previously designed and constructed both Tumut 1 and Tumut 2 power
station complexes. For both Tumut 1 and Tumut 2 underground exploratory programs were completed
prior to the finalisation of the design and the start of construction as described by Brown.84 It is also
important to note that the depth of Tumut 1 and 2 Power Stations is approximately ⅓ the depth of the
proposed power station. In addition the size of the largest excavations in the Scheme to date are
significantly smaller than for the Project as outlined in the table below.
Power station complex and Length (m) Width (m) Height (m)
Excavation
Tumut 1 machine hall 93.2 18.0 33.5
Tumut 2 machine hall 97.4 15.6 33.5
Project machine hall (base case) 190.0 29.4 (crown arch) 50.4 (typical)
32.8 (max width) 55.4 (max)
Table 11: Comparison table of previous underground excavations within Snowy Hydro and the Project
Prior to construction of Tumut 1 and Tumut 2 underground power stations, detailed underground
geotechnical investigations were completed. These investigations included detailed in situ stress
testing, and significant drilling completed for each site as described below.
Possible sites for the underground power stations were investigated using airphoto interpretations,
surface geological mapping and diamond drilling. Electrical resistivity logging and seismic refraction
surveys were also used in site investigation for other structures in the Scheme (Moye 1955). In the case
of Tumut 1, four diamond drill holes ranging from 300 to 600m in length were first drilled from the surface
into the rock at the proposed power station site. As the surface drilling indicated favourable conditions at
the proposed site, an exploratory tunnel was driven to confirm and augment the data obtained from the
surface drill holes and to enable direct examination of the rock in which the excavations would be made.
From a chamber located at the end of the exploratory tunnel six diamond drill holes with a total length of
420m were drilled across the proposed excavations for the machine and transfer halls and draft tubes
(Moye 1959, Pinkerton et al 1961). A similar process was followed for Tumut 2. However, as a result of
the identification of a crushed and shear zone in the exploratory tunnel and the the underground
diamond drill holes, the initially proposed location of the power station and much of the associated works
was moved by approximately 30m along the longitudinal axis of the machine hall (Stapledon 1961,
Pinkerton & Gibson 1964).85
The location of the underground exploratory tunnel and associated drill holes for Tumut 2 are
illustrated in Figure 30 below.
83
Ibid, p. 368.
84
Brown, E., 1999. Rock mechanics and the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The Spirit of the Snowy Fifty years On. In
Proceedings of the 1999 Invitation Symposium . Cooma: Australian Academy of Technology, Science and Engineering, pp.
89–101.
85
Brown 1999, pp.9293.
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Figure 30: Geology and layout of Tumut 2 Site including location of exploratory underground tunnel and
associated diamond drill holes86
86
Pinkerton & Gibson 1964.
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Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
Figure 31: Exploratory Tunnel Portal for Tumut 2 Project87
In addition to the Exploratory Tunnel for Tumut 2, an Exploratory Shaft was also constructed for
collection of geotechnical information on the project as shown below.
Figure 32: Sinking of Exploratory Shaft for Tumut 2 Project88
The underground investigations programs for both Tumut 1 and Tumut 2 were considered successful
and appropriate. For example, specific feedback on the Tumut 2 site investigation is quoted below.
The comprehensive program of field exploration, rock tests, photoelastic model studies and
instrumentation carried out of the Tumut 2 Power Plant was probably the main factor in enabling the
design and construction to be completed without any significant amendments being necessary during
the construction period. On this basis, the cost of the program was fully justified and a similar program
would certainly be adopted for any future underground plant.89
87
SMHEA Official Photo Date 25956 Negative No 8945.
88
SMHEA Official Photo Date 29755 Negative No 6914B.
89
Pinkerton & Gibson 1964.
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Based on the depth of the proposed power station complex for both the Ravine and Plateau options,
the use of exploratory tunnel and or shaft to provide access will be further considered based on the
results from the ongoing GIP and the potential requirements for any UGIP. An illustration is provided
below as an example only, to help describe the possible locations of horizontal drill holes in relation to
a potential power station complex layout.
Figure 33: Schematic of potential underground geotechnical investigations90
5 Risks and opportunities
As described in C
hapter Six , the likely geological and geotechnical risks and opportunities for this can
currently only be understood at a conceptual level. This is based on predictions of rock types, rock
structures, and rock properties at the underground depths of proposed infrastructure being based on
predominantly surface based information. As a result, the underground actual geology and the
associated geotechnical rock properties could be better or worse than existing predictions.
The geology forms the basis of the geotechnical design and associated construction methodologies
and resulting project schedules and costs. While available subsurface data at the date of this Study
Report is minimal, the quality of surface mapping undertaken is considered sound.
One of the clearest opportunities to reduce uncertainty in Project outcomes is improve the accuracy of
predicted underground geological information at the depths, location of proposed excavations and
associated infrastructure. The GIP has been developed to mitigate this risk through detailed surface
drilling, mapping, testing, and analysis. The GIP is expected to be substantially if not wholly complete
before FID.
At this early stage of the GIP it is most appropriate to provide examples only of geology related factors
and highlight that once results of the GIP have been received, potential risks and opportunities will be
more fully understood, and appropriate mitigations developed.
The risks and opportunity areas that will be clarified through the GIP include:
1. Percentage of each rock type along project alignment;
2. Rock properties for each rock type;
3. In situ stress;
90
Scope only able to be confirmed based on results from existing GIP.
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Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
4. Width and location of faults;
5. Orientation of rock structures;
6. hazardous gas or substances;
7. Rock temperature; and
8. Groundwater pressure, temperature, and flow rates.
As with all underground tunnelling and hydropower projects, assessing underground geology from
surface with the use of surface geophysics and surface drill holes is challenging, especially when the
targeted underground locations are up to 1,100m below surface. Once a preferred cavern location is
identified based on surface drilling results, the next stage of risk mitigation probably includes an
underground drill site that can enable horizontal and multidirectional drilling and potentially trial
excavations. As outlined above, the scope for any underground geotechnical investigation program
can only be confirmed once results of the existing GIP are available.
6 Supporting documents
Multiple sources of information were used for the compilation of this report, refer to the E
GAR for a full
list. The primary references used in this report are listed in Section 9.
Reference name Source Year
S20600REP011506 Engineering Geology SMEC 2017
Assessment Report
S21400REP014035 Civil and Structural Design SMEC 2017
Report
NSW zone 55 East Seamless Geology dataset, Geological Survey of NSW, NSW 2017
version 1 (Digital Dataset) Planning and Environment
Resources and Energy
1:250 000 Bedrock Geology Geological Survey of NSW, NSW 2001
Planning and Environment
Resources and Energy
Geology of the Kosciuszko National Park 1:250, 000 Bureau of Mineral Resources, 1990
Australia
Tantangara 1:100,000 Geology Map First Edition Bureau of Mineral Resources, 1979
Australia
Tumut 1:100, 000 Geology Map Geological Survey of NSW, 1990
Department of Mineral Resources
Wagga Wagga 1:250,000 Metallogenic Map Geological Survey of NSW, 1980
Department of Mineral Resources
Geological/geotechnical Assessment of Existing Jacobs, for Snowy Hydro Limited; 2017
Tunnels Report and Interpretation for New Report 1A5066001
Underground Structures
EucumbeneTumut tunnel logs and reports Snowy Mountains HydroElectric 1957
Authority
MurrumbidgeeEucumbene tunnel logs and reports Snowy Mountains HydroElectric 1960
Authority
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 57 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
EucumbeneSnowy tunnel, EucumbeneSnowy, Snowy Mountains HydroElectric 1966, 1972
SnowyGeehi and Murray 1 logs and reports Authority
Tantangara Dam Quarry Rehabilitation Preliminary SMEC 2010
Design Report
Earthquake Ground Motion Response Spectra AECOM 2017
Snowy Hydro Phase 1 sites
Review of Seismicity Snowy Mountains Dams SRC 1999
Geehi, Happy Jacks, Talbingo, Jindabyne &
Eucumbene
Review of Seismicity Snowy Mountains Dams SRC 1996
Guthega, Island Bend, Eucumbene & Tantangara
Rock Mechanics in the investigation and Moye, D.G 1959
construction of Tumut 1 Underground Power Station,
Snowy Mountains
Engineering Geology of the Snowy Mountains Moye, D.G 1955
Scheme
Table 12: Supporting documents and appendices
7 Further work required prior to FID
As discussed in C
hapter Six Geology and terrain , further work required prior to FID is heavily
dominated by understanding the geology within the Project alignment through the GIP.
The primary activity to further develop understanding of the geology of the Project Area is to complete
the GIP. It is recommended that the results from the ongoing GIP be incorporated into the study
information and associated design. This will gain a clearer understanding of the subsurface conditions
of the geological units, in addition to the nature of the faults (particularly the Long Plain Fault),
groundwater and geological contacts in the Project Area. Based on an updated geological model, and
associated updated geotechnical predictions, the refinement of power station complex design,
construction and final location selection can be completed.
Once a preferred chamber location is identified, the next stage of risk mitigation includes initiation of a
program to quickly access an underground drill site that can enable horizontal drilling of the preferred
chamber location. The timing of this decision in relation to FID depends on the level of confidence
from the results of surface based GIP program and as such can not at this stage determine how much
if any of the underground drilling results or other underground tests are needed before FID.
8 Definitions and Abbreviations
Refer to Chapter Two of the Study Report.
9 Bibliography
1. ANCOLD, 1998. Guidelines on Design of Dams for Earthquake.
2. Barton, N., Lien, R. & Lunde, J., 1974. Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel
support. Rock Mechanics, 6(4), pp.189–236. Available at:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Barton%2C+N%2C+Lien%2C+R+and+Lunde%2C+J.+(1974).+E
ngineering+Classification+of+Rock+Mass+for+the+Design+of+Tunnel+Support.+NGI+Publication+106%
2C+Oslo.+Rock+Mechanics+6%3A+No.+4%3A+189236.&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU723AU723&oq=Ba
[Accessed September 4, 2017].
3. Bieniawski, Z.T., 1993. Classification of rock masses for engineering: the RMR system and future
trends. Comprehensive rock engineering, 3, pp.553–573.
4. Brown, E., 1999. Rock mechanics and the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The Spirit of the Snowy Fifty
years On. In Proceedings of the 1999 Invitation Symposium. Cooma: Australian Academy of
Technology, Science and Engineering, pp. 89–101.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 58 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
5. Cleary, J.R., 1967. The seismicity of the Gunning and surrounding areas, 1958–1961. Journal of the
Geological Society of Australia, 14(1), pp.23–29. Available at:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00167616708728641.
6. Douglas, T.H., Richards, L.R. & Arthur, L.J., 1979. Dinorwic Power Station Rock Support Of The
Underground Caverns. In Fourth Congress of the Int. Soc. Rock Mechanics. Montreux: International
Society for Rock Mechanics, pp. 361–369.
7. Fookes, P.G., Baynes, F.J. & Hutchinson, J.N., 2000. Total Geological History: A Model Approach To
The Anticipation, Observation And Understanding Of Site Conditions. In International Conference on
Geotechnical and Engineering Geology; GeoEng 2000. International Society for Rock Mechanics, pp.
370–421.
8. GHD, 1996. Review of Seismicity for the Snowy Mountain Dams Guthega, Island Bend, Eucumbene
and Tantangara,
9. Gray, J. & Murphy, B.W., 1999. Parent Material and Soils: a guide to the influence of parent material on
soil distribution in eastern Australia,
10. Hoek, E., Marinos, P.G. & Marinos, V.P., 2005. Characterisation and engineering properties of
tectonically undisturbed but lithologically varied sedimentary rock masses. International Journal of Rock
Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 42(2), pp.277–285.
11. Hoek, E. & Brown, E.T., 1980. Underground excavations in rock, London : The Institution of Mining and
Metallurgy.
12. Hoek, E. & Diederichs, M.S., 2006. Empirical estimation of rock mass modulus. International journal of
rock mechanics and mining sciences, 43(2), pp.203–215.
13. Hoek, E. & Marinos, P., 2000. Predicting tunnel squeezing problems in weak heterogeneous rock
masses. Tunnels and Tunnelling International, Part 12(November), pp.1–20. Available at:
https://www.rocscience.com/documents/hoek/references/H2000d.pdf [Accessed November 16, 2017].
14. Lambeck, K. et al., 1984. The state of stress within the Australian continent. Annales Geophysicae, 2(6),
pp.723–742. Available at: http://people.rses.anu.edu.au/lambeck_k/pdf/95.pdf [Accessed November 17,
2017].
15. Lambeck, K. et al., The state of stress within the Australian continent. Available at:
http://people.rses.anu.edu.au/lambeck_k/pdf/95.pdf [Accessed November 17, 2017].
16. Lambeck, K. et al., The state of stress within the Australian continent. Available at:
http://people.rses.anu.edu.au/lambeck_k/pdf/95.pdf [Accessed November 17, 2017].
17. Look, B., 2007. Handbook of geotechnical investigation and design tables, Leiden: Taylor & Francis.
18. Marinos, P. & Hoek, E., 2000. Estimating the geotechnical properties of heterogeneous rock masses
such as flysch. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 60(2), pp.85–92.
19. Marinos, V., Fortsakis, P. & Stoumpos, G., 2015. Classification of Weak Rock Masses in Dam
Foundation and Tunnel Excavation. In Engineering Geology for Society and TerritoryVolume 6: Applied
Geology for Major Engineering Projects. Springer, pp. 859–863.
20. Marinos, V., Marinos, P. & Hoek, E., 2005. The geological strength index: applications and limitations.
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 64(1), pp.55–65.
21. Marinos, V.P., 2012. Assessing rock mass behaviour for tunnelling. Environmental & Engineering
Geoscience, 18(4), pp.327–341.
22. McCue, K., 1999. Seismic hazard mapping in Australia, the southwest Pacific and southeast Asia.
Annali Di Geofisica, 42(6), pp.1191–1198. Available at:
http://www.annalsofgeophysics.eu/index.php/annals/article/view/3776 [Accessed November 16, 2017].
23. Moye, D.G., 1955. Engineering geology for the Snowy Mountain schema. Civil Engineering Transaction
Journal, Institution of Engineers, Australia, 27, pp.287–299.
24. Moye, D., Sharp, K. & Stapledon, D., 1954. Engineering geology of the Snowy Mountains Scheme,
25. Moye, D.G., 1959. Rock mechanics in the investigation and construction of T1 underground power
station, Snowy Mountains, Australia. Geological Society of America Engineering Geology Case
Histories, 3, pp.13–44.
26. Moye, D.G., 1959. Rock mechanics in the investigation and construction of T1 underground power
station, Snowy Mountains, Australia. In Geological Society of America Engineering Geology Case
Histories. Geological Society of America, pp. 13–44.
27. Moye, D.G. & Price, D., 1966. Geology and Tunnelling in the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
28. Muirhead, K.J., 1981. Seismicity induced by the filling of the Talbingo reservoir. Journal of the Geological
Society of Australia, 28(3–4), pp.291–298. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00167618108729168.
29. Parry, S. et al., 2014. Engineering geological models: An introduction: IAEG commission 25. In Bulletin
of Engineering Geology and the Environment. p. 707.
30. Pinkerton, I. et al., 1961. The design, construction and commissioning of Tumut 1 Power Station.
Journal of the Institution of Engineers, 33(7–8), pp.235–252.
31. Pinkerton, I.L. & Gibson, E.J., 1964. Tumut 2 Underground Power Plant. Journal of the Power Division,
90(1), pp.33–108.
32. Rosin, S., 2017. Geological/geotechnical Assessment of Existing Tunnels Report and Interpretation for
New Underground Structures, Sydney: Jacobs Australia Pty Ltd.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 59 of 60
Snowy 2.0 Study Report Chapter Seven Geotechnical and seismic CommercialinConfidence
33. Sharp, K.R., 2004. Cenozoic volcanism, tectonism and stream derangement in the Snowy Mountains
and northern Monaro of New South Wales. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 51(1), pp.67–85.
Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.14000952.2003.01045.x.
34. Standards Australia, 2017. AS 1726:2017 Geotechnical site investigations, Standards Australia.
35. Stapledon, D., 1961. Geological Studies for the Planning and Construction of Tumut 2 Underground
Power Station, Engineering Geology Report S.G.86, SMHEA, Cooma. University of Adelaide.
© Snowy Hydro Limited 2017 Page 60 of 60
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