Toppling and stabilization of the intake slope for the Fengtan Hydropower Station enlargement project, Mid-South China

The intake slope for the Fengtan Hydropower Station enlargement project is composed of thickly bedded sedimentary rock. During excavation of the intake slope and tunnels, toppling was observed in the rock masses of the intake slope. Research was conducted to study the engineering geological conditions and the deformation characteristics of the slope during excavation. The in situ monitoring data and possible causes for toppling were analyzed. A method for analyzing monitoring data was proposed, which can be used to calculate the depth and rotation angle of block toppling. The monitoring results showed that toppling occurred only at a shallow depth, and induced local instability of the slope. Deformation had been controlled and the slope tended to be stable after reinforcement. Through this case study, it can be seen that the stability of the slope and underground openings during and after excavation is variable, especially when the loading conditions and topography are changed. A proper construction sequence is essential, i.e., excavation from the inside toward the free slope surface; excavating the slope above the tunnel after the tunnel lining is in place. This is particularly important for the excavation of multiple tunnels at the slope toe.