MHB were commissioned by Story Contracting to undertake a geotechnical inspection of the Cruachan Power Station, Main Aqueduct System, also known as an Unlined Tunnel Geotechnical Risk Assessment.
The object of the assessment was to identify geological features or geotechnical issues which may affect the stability of the unlined tunnel and provide details of any remediation required to reduce the risk of rock block failures within the tunnel and keep the tunnel in a serviceable condition.
The works comprised inspecting and geological mapping 12km of tunnels to determine the existing stability of the tunnel to establish the baseline conditions and identify areas where future remedial and monitoring was required. During the assessment 2km of remedial measures (rock scaling and dowels) were undertaken in the main access section of the tunnel to render the tunnel safe for continued immediate use, which included the removal of 75 tons of rock during scaling works. Subsequent remedial measures and monitoring will take place in the future.
