Registration for this event has closed. If you would like to register or have any questions please contact Kim Wyatt at kim@phoenix-amc.com or at 303-641-0592.
NEPAL HYDRO PROJECT POST-EARTHQUAKE EVALUATION
Presented By: Ray E. Martin, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE
The Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project was under construction in 2015 when two large earthquakes occurred in Nepal. The presenter was part of a Panel of Experts1 (POE) assembled by the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited (UTKHPL), a subsidiary of Nepal Electricity Authority with the charge of evaluating: 1) differential settlements and displacements of various monoliths of the concrete dam under construction; 2) remedial measures proposed by project consultants for needed repairs; and 3) other critical issues observed that posed risks to the future completed project. These earthquakes adversely impacted the $441 million (U.S.) project including a cumulative vertical displacement of 7.5 inches which occurred between the right concrete dam abutment block and the adjacent concrete intake block and smaller displacements which occurred between the inlet culvert connected to the desanding basins and the outlet culvert connected to the power tunnel. There were also concerns about the competence of the left abutment and a 1000 ft high downstream landslide dam which supported the alluvium upon which a portion of the dam was founded. Because of the damage, the project construction was suspended and an assessment of the causes of the damage and other potential threats to the project moving forward were conducted.
Dr. Martin holds BS and MS Degrees in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and a PhD in Civil Engineering from West Virginia University. He served as a President, CEO and Chairman of Schnabel Engineering, Inc., a 300+ person firm, prior to his retirement in July 2002. Since retirement he has provided individual consulting geotechnical engineering services related to dam and levee projects throughout the US and in foreign countries. Dr. Martin was named Distinguisted Alumus of the Virginia Tech College of Engineering in 2003 and was inducted into the College of Engineering Academy of Engineering Excellence He is a former member of the Geotechnical Engineering Committee of the National Research Council and a former adjunct faculty member at the University of Virginia.
Dr. Martin is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Academy of Geo-Professionals of ASCE and a member of the Association of Dam Safety Official. He continues to led engineering mission teams to Guatemala including members of various churches and students from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech and Randolph-Macon College. He is also past President of Circles Ashland, the mission of which is to inspire and equip individuals, families, and our community to resolve poverty and thrive.
One sponsorship is available for each CAGE monthly meeting. Sponsorships include a display table, acknowledgement on each meeting announcement, acknowledgement slide displayed during meal, thank you announcement by Board Director to attendees, and one registration. Sponsorship registration can be made through the online registration for the meeting, or by contacting Becky Roland at 303-551-3266.
