The Cheves Hydropower project is located on Rio Huaura, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) by air north of Lima, Peru. Construction on the project began in 2011 and is expected to be finalized in 2013. This plant will add 168 MW / 837 GWh to the interconnected Peruvian hydroelectric system once operational. The prevailing geology is comprised of hard, brittle granodiorite and hornfels and has an overburden of up to 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). A high in situ stress component has lead to rock bursts in the caverns, the surrounding tunnels and the headrace tunnel.
Tunnel Design and Site Support Services:
Gall Zeidler Consultants is providing expert consulting services to the contractor, including the assessment of areas with rock bursts. The geological conditions required both a support and a field classification system to identify the risk of rock bursts.