Computer diagnostic system for monitoring the state of structures at the Volga-Lenin hydroelectric station

Conclusions The experience of developing and introducing a computer information diagnostic system for monitoring the safety of hydraulic structures at the Volga-Lenin hydrostation showed that the new technology and computing machinery make possible a fundamental change in the established practice of on-site observations and have imparted to them functions of a key link in the process of routine monitoring of the state of structures and safe operation of the hydro development. This factor has special significance for structures that have been operating for decades and naturally acquired an increased hazard and vulnerability to the effect of the environment and aging processes of materials, structural members, equipment, and monitoring and measuring equipment. A change to computer technology of monitoring the safety of structures of hydrostations is justified both under conditions of the continuing operation of MME installed earlier without the possibility of its automatic polling and under conditions of replacing the equipment with newer measuring tools substantially increasing the efficiency of monitoring the state of structures. Translated from Gidrotekhnicheskoe Stroitel'stvo, No. 9, pp. 25–30, September, 1996.     

Assessment of the stress—Strain state of the left block of the Plavinas hydroelectric station powerhouse with consideration of the data of on-site observations

Conclusions 1. It was established that the calculated estimate of the effect of settlement of the undersurface of the foundation slab on the stress—strain state of the powerhouse should be done with consideration of the coaction of the structure and foundation and real rigidity of the structure, i.e., on the basis of a structure—foundation model. In this case the powerhouse is examine with consideration of its real rigidity, crack, reinforcement, etc. 2. Calculations on the basis of a three-dimensional finite-element structure—foundation model with consideration of reinforcement and calculated character of cracking as well as settlements in the construction period made it possible to determine the values of settlements of the undersurface of the foundation slab, criterion values for which members of the left block can reach the design limit state. 3. On the basis of calculations within the scope of the stated problem and assumptions made it was established that despite the considerable values of differential settlements of the foundation, members of the left block of the powerhouse have a certain safety factor. 4. Further refinement of the three-dimensional structure—foundation model is recommended by including in this model the distinctive cracks detected during inspection, which were not foreseen by calculations in the zone of the left-bank abutment and unit sections Nos. 8, 9, and 10, and refined parameters of the foundations soils as well as with consideration of other structures of the hydro development. Translated from Gidrotekhnicheskoe Stroitel’stvo, No. 2, pp. 47–53, February, 1998.