Damming without embankments of the Dnepr River at the site of the Kanevsk hydroelectric plant

Abstract

1. The experience here described confirmed the possibility of damming large rivers, without constructing embankments, at hydraulic developments, by placing fine-grained sands by hydraulic dredges. This method of damming river channels is especially convenient if in the project region the rock and rubble material are obtained from quarries located at great distances. 2. The method of damming river channels without using embankments permits closing off a narrow passage, within a short period, by constructing a hydraulic-fill dam by means of suction dredges, without employing floating cranes, pontoon bridges, or other auxiliary equipment. 3. When damming a river channel without constructing embankments, a discharge channel with a small drop should be constructed and a sufficient volume of sand capable of being adequately handled by suction dredges should be supplied. 4. For the construction of river-channel earth dams with very wide bases (and gentle slopes on the downstream side), the method of damming the channel without constructing embankments by placing local soils can save large volumes of rock and rubble. 5. The damming of the Dnepr River at the site of the Kanevsk hydroelectric plant permitted saving 54,000 m3 of rock and 17,000 m3 of rubble; the total economy resulting from the damming of this river without constructing an embankment was 750,000 rubles.