API POWER COMPANY LIMITED

Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone: 01-5111037, Fax: 01-5111035
Web : www.apihydro.com
Email: info@apihydro.com

Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project (40 MW)

Darchula District

Terms of Reference
for
Geotechnical Investigations

Prepared by:
Clean Energy Consultants (p) Ltd
New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.

APRIL 2020
ToR for Geotechnical Investigations

Table of Contents

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................3

2. Accessibility..................................................................................................................................4

3. General Layout of Upper Chameliya HEP....................................................................................6

4. Objective of Work.........................................................................................................................7

5. Scope of Work..............................................................................................................................7

6. Geology of Project Site.................................................................................................................8

7. Project Site and Investigation Locations......................................................................................9

8. Electric Resistivity Test (ERT/ECT)..............................................................................................14

9. Multi-channel Analysis Subsurface Waves (MASW) and HVSR..................................................14

10. Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT)....................................................................................15

11. Core Drilling............................................................................................................................15

12. Schedule of the Works............................................................................................................15

13. Reporting................................................................................................................................16

14. Technical Enquiry....................................................................................................................16

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1. Introduction

The Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project is located in Guljar, Tapoban and Latinath VDCs of
Darchula district in the Far-Western Development Region of Nepal on the Chameliya River which
is a tributary of Mahakali River. Geographically, the site is located between latitude 29 o 44’ 20” to
29o 46’ 57” North and longitude 80 o 46’ 50” to 80o 49’ 12” East. The location map of the Upper
Chameliya HPP is presented in figure 1-1.

The license coordinates as per 40MW

License No: bi.bi.bi. 072/073, bi. U. sha. 713
Latitude: 29o 44' 20" to 29o 46' 57"
Longitude: 80o 46' 50" to 80o 49' 12"

Physiographically, the project area including its whole catchment area lies inside Lesser Himalaya
of Far-western Nepal. The drainage area of Chameliya lies between the elevations of 1265m to
6539m from mean sea level. Seasonal snow fall occurs in winter in the upper part of Chameliya
catchment. There are no glaciers in the catchment of the project.

Figure 1-1: Project Layout map of Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project

Geophysical and Geotechnical investigations are essential for planning detailed design of civil
structures since these investigations provides underground information. Important locations at

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headwork area, desander basin, surge tank, and powerhouse sites is recommended for Drilling a
well as Electric Resistivity Test (ERT), Seismic Refraction Toography (SRT) and Multi-channel
Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), Microtremor Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Rato(HVSW) etc.
to confirm the Lithological condition and bearing capacity and Engineering Geological Properties
of the area for detailed planning of various hydropower project components of the project.

2. Accessibility
There is a public bus service from Kathmandu to Attariya/Dhangadi and also there are day buses
from Attariya to Gokuleswor, Darchula on Mahakali Highway. There is access road from
Gokuleswor to Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project along the left bank of Chameliya River
through Balanch where Chameliya project of NEA is already completed.
Gokuleshwor is the nearest junction in the Mahakali Highway from the project area. There is an
Earthen road from Gokuleshwor to Balanch and Latinath, which is about 2 km from the
powerhouse site. The road has fare access up to the middle of alignment up to Nya Gad. There
exists a foot trail up to the intake site from Chauki Bagar of Tapoban and Guljar VDCs. About 4km
access road is to be widened and cleared by the project within area . There is also a daily airplane
service between Kathmandu and Dhangadhi which is nearest airport for the site. By road the
project site can be visited as follows:

Table 2-1: Accessibility to the Upper Chameliya Project Site

Distance from To Distance (KM)
Kathmandu Narayangadh 147
Narayangadh Butwal 115
Butwal Kohlapur 236
Kohalpur Attariya (19.5km Dhangadi Airport) 155
Attariya Dadeldhura 115
Dadeldhura Satbanjh (Baitadi) 60
Satbanjh Gokuleshwar (Darchula) 55
Gokuleshwar Latinath 25
Latinath Powerhouse Site 2
Powerhouse Site Headworks Site 5.5
Total 915.5

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Figure 2-2: Travel Route to reach site from Kathmandu

The pipe alignment is also selected along the left bank of river considering the accessibility and
geological stability. Hence this road will serve as permanent access road and the headrace pipe is
planned along the side of access road.

The nearest airport for the project site is Dhangadi Airport. Domestic flights are available from
Kathmandu to Dhangadi but can be limited during lockdown agaist CoVID-19.

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3. General Layout of Upper Chameliya HEP

Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project is a run-of-river type of project. The installed capacity of
the plant shall be 40MW corresponding to the design discharge of 23.47 m3/s and net head of
194.1 m

The main components of the projects are Diversion Structure with Sluice Gates, Side Intake in
front of Sluice Gates, connecting Closed Channel, gravel trap, desander, headrace pipe, surge tank
with connection pipe, penstock, powerhouse, tailrace, and switchyard.

 Headworks: Headwork in Chameliya River with intake on left bank can be located
about 100m downstream of confluence of Rugru Gad with Chameliya River.

 Gravel Trap and Desander: Gravel Trap and Desander are surface Structure on the
left bank of Chameliya River just after Dam and Intake

 HR Pipe: The Mild steel Pipe of 3.2m dia 5.8km on left bank of the river along the
road crossing few stream on the alignment

 Surge Tank Connecting Pipe: The location of Surface surge tank shall be near ridge
just up hill from powerhouse site on the side of nala above micronydro site. There
will be connecting pipe of 2.8m dia up to the surgetank

 Surge Tank : There will be combination of Rectangular RCC tank 49*17*8 as well as
3 limb 4m dia pipe Metal Buried pipe for Surgetank in the ridge

 Penstock Shaft: There will be Surface penstock pipe of 2.8m 3.2 dia dia 10 to
28mm thick connecting surgetank to powerhouse.

 Powerhouse: There will be Semi-Surface powerhouse located on the left bank of

Chameliya River at elevation of 1050m releasing water back to the same river.

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Figure 3-3: Catchment Area of Upper Chameliya intake site in Google Earth

4. Objective of Work
The main objective of the present work is to establish and confirm the characteristics of the
subsurface strata that include degree of compactness, occurrence, bearing capacity and strength
of the materials , seismic response, and formations. The findings of geotechnical parameters and
investigations aimed to use for detailed planning and detailed engineering design purpose.

5. Scope of Work
The main scope of this work is to investigate surface and subsurface geological condition of the
project sites where major structures like Diversion Weir, Sluice, Gravel Trap/Desander, Surge tank,
Penstock alignment, Power House using Drilling, 2D ERT, SRT, MAM and MASW tests. To fulfill the
scope of present work, data acquisition will be done using multi electrode arrays acquiring more
precise and deep subsurface information of the project area. The main objectives of the
Investigations are as follows:

i. Show different layers of soil and rocks along the given profiles,
ii. Find out possible depth of bedrock,
iii. Find out ground water table along the given profiles,
iv. Find out shear zones or any other possible weak planes of weakness, and
v. Evaluate the slope if there is any deformation or creep.
vi. Calculate dynamic parameters (E dyn, Gdyn, νdyn), natural period and natural frequency
(resonant frequency) of the soil and site stiffness.

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vii. To calculate and provide ultimate bearing capacity of the layer below and unit weight.
viii. Find out the Electrical resistivity value of the soil at PH area required for Earthing MAT
Design
ix. Validation of the parameter from Core Drilling of the area and test on material underneath
x. Analyze critical slopes in the alignment and investigate them for stability analysis for
excavation
xi. Recommendation for the suitability of ground for planning of Major Structure and make
presentation with the developer.

6. Geology of Project Site

The area of Upper Chameliya Hydroelectric Project lies in the Galyang Formation and Lakharpata
Formation (DMG, 1987) (Figure 2 and 3). The area is characterized by indurated rocks and semi-
consolidated to loose sediments. Indurated hard rocks are represented by bluish-gray, thick to
thinly bedded, dolomitic limestone, siliceous dolomitic limestone, black, purple shale and slates.
These rock types comprise the Galyang and Lakharpata Formations. The major rock type of the
project area are described below.

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Figure 6-4: Google Image Interpretation of the UCHP area With Major Structural Sites.

7. Project Site and Investigation Locations

The Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project is located in Chameliya River, Darchula District,
Province No 7 Far Western. Location map of the project site is shown in Fig a.1 with the longitudes
and latitudes of the area.

Based upon the suggestion from previous study/reports, different locations for drilling,
ERT/SRT/MASW are recommended. The locations are situated in Headworks, Desander, Surge
tank, Penstock alignment and Powerhouse area. The lines for SRT/ERT has been estimated for
references, Exact length/location and suitable type of test can be adjusted based on ground
condition. The Investigations locations are given in Table 1 below and drawing is annexed in the
Document.

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Table 7-2: Coordinates and Details of Investigation
Depth
S.N Code Location Test Lines Starting Coordinate Ending Coordinate Line (m) Rem
info(m)
A Headworks /Gravel Trap Desander and Forebay/Spillway
X = 482212.5677 Y X = 482298.7666
2 HW-01 Proposed Weir Across SRT 01 115 35  
= 3295385.9987 Y = 3295326.1733
X = 482275.2703 Y X = 482194.7127
4 HW02 Undersluice Area SRT & ERT Lines 150 50  
= 3295379.9988 Y = 3295255.246
Microtremor X = 482266.8430
5 HVSR-01 Intake/Weir Axis/ Suilce        
Spectral Ratio Y = 3295350.2359
X = 482238.7747 Y X = 482297.2098
6 HW03 Weir/Stilling/Gravel Trap SRT 02 Lines 115 35  
= 3295333.9073 Y = 3295295.291
X = 482281.6112 X = 482199.7635
7 DES01 Desander Side/Flood Wall SRT/ERT Line 150 50  
Y = 3295365.9327 Y = 3295242.5722
X = 482253.5854
8 MASW 01 Weir/Sluice Area MASW Point        
Y = 3295345.8135
X = 482216.9176 X = 482279.9416
9 DES02 Desander Hilldise SRT Line 115 35  
Y = 3295242.1228 Y = 3295342.2646
X = 482264.0341
11 MASW 02 Intake/Gravel Trap MASW Point        
Y = 3295317.5508
X = 482248.6558
12 MAM03 Desander Centre point MAM/MASW        
Y = 3295292.5531
X = 482226.3881
13 MASW 04 Desander End point MASW Point        
Y = 3295256.9354
X = 482193.4758 X = 482263.6771
14 DES 03 Desander Center SRT/ERT Line 115 35  
Y = 3295327.2618 Y = 3295280.5586
X = 482251.1922 X = 482172.9805
15 DES 04 Desander End Profile SRT/ERT Line 115 35  
Y = 3295242.7802 Y = 3295290.7727
B Critical Slopes in Alignment and River Crossing Sites
AB @ River bank water X = 481717.5239
1 MASW-HRP01 MASW Point        
logged Y = 3294446.6839
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Depth
S.N Code Location Test Lines Starting Coordinate Ending Coordinate Line (m) Rem
info(m)
Critical Slope at AB 18-20 X = 481691.2455 Y = 3294091.1500
2 HRP 01 SRT/ERT Line 115 35  
Area Y = 3294076.0916 Z = 1137.1231
Nwa GAD Crossing X- X = 480905.7201 X = 480804.5370
4 HRP 03 SRT Line 115 35  
Secion Y = 3291955.326 Y = 3291907.2916
AB on the bank of X = 480822.1476
6 MASW-HRP03 MASW Point        
NwaGAD Y = 3291919.5977
C Surgetank
X = 479144.8394 X = 479253.9955
1 ST 01 Surgetank Slope SRT SRT Line 150 50  
Y = 3290611.559 Y = 3290714.0148
X = 479204.4876 X = 479135.8782
2 ST02 Upper Tank X-Line SRT Line 115 35  
Y = 3290598.49 Y = 3290671.2475
X = 479239.3321 X = 479166.5523
3 ST03 Lower Tank X-Line SRT Line 115 35  
Y = 3290627.9833 Y = 3290705.1549
X = 479185.9439
4 DH -SS-03 Surgetank Center Drill Hole        
Y = 3290649.5367
X = 479182.4071
5 HVSR-02 Surgetank Middle limb HVSR station        
Y = 3290646.8209
X = 479164.6447 X = 479235.0878
6 ST04 Surgetank Left limb SRT/ERT Line 115 35  
Y = 3290603.6045 Y = 3290668.7161
X = 479134.9130 X = 479205.1604
7 ST05 Surge Right Limb SRT/ERT Line 115 35  
Y = 3290629.8042 Y = 3290693.6643
X = 479203.1109
8 MASW/SS01 ST Cnter Block MASW Station        
Y = 3290666.2538
X = 479170.0418
9 MASW/SS02 ST Upper Chember MASW Point        
Y = 3290635.2147
E PH and Switchyard
X = 479030.4125 X = 479089.3533
1 PH01 Powehouse L section SRT Line 115 35  
Y = 3290956.7652 Y = 3291035.9690
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Depth
S.N Code Location Test Lines Starting Coordinate Ending Coordinate Line (m) Rem
info(m)
X = 479087.0687 Y X = 478987.3930
2 PH02 Powehouse X-section SRT Line 115 35  
= 3290950.0057 Y = 3291024.0492
X = 479112.4762 X = 479008.8172
3 PH03 SW X-section SRT Line 115 35  
Y = 3290979.8799 Y = 3291056.3887
X = 479130.7893 Y X = 478994.3411
4 PH04 SW X-section ERT/SRT Line 150 50  
= 3290945.6408 Y = 3291049.1180
X = 479035.9110 Y X = 479111.3279
  PH 05 PH Center ERT Line 150 50  
= 3290951.9930 Y = 3291052.0084
Powehouse Machnie X = 479048.1781
6 HVSR-03 HVSR station        
Foudaiton Y = 3290980.6356
X = 479046.2038
7 MASW/PH01 Unit 1 MASW point        
Y = 3290977.9853
X = 479053.7145
8 MASW/PH02 Unit 2 MASW point        
Y = 3290991.7330
X = 479064.6153
9 MASW/PH03 Transformer MASW point        
Y = 3291021.3045
X = 479041.9850 X = 479078.1084 For
10 ELR 01 Soil resistivity 2 pints  
Y = 3290962.1335 Y = 3291009.8762 Earthing

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The details location for SRT/ERT/MASW and Drilling location are presented in Map at Annex 1
The lines are provisional and may change during test with concent from Designer/Engineering
Geologist.

The investigation location and coordinates are based upon the structure location of the project.
The lines and points could be adjusted within small periphery getting consent with Consultant
Engineering Geologist/designer of the Project. Also the Length is recommended based upon the
design of the structure but could be adjusted depending upon site condition upon the consent of
Consultant of the Project.

8. Electric Resistivity Test (ERT/ECT)

2D-ERT is the most commonly used geophysical tool in the subsurface investigation of
hydropower projects of Nepal. It is useful in characterizing the subsurface geology in the sites of
different components of a hydropower project. Geological observations provide a priori
information while processing the data and interpreting the tomograms.

This is 2D-ERT survey and electrical current of very low frequency is passed through the geological
subsurface in array targeting the length and depth coverage. The response of current on
geological formations such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, boulders, and bedrock are interpreted for
geotechnical information. Electrical Chargeability tomography can also be adopted for suitable soil
type as appropriate. Electrical resistivity should also make clear about the matrix of deposit (rock
and/or sediments) and salinity of the fluids (water) and degree of saturation of pore spaces
confirming the formation of the ground and help revealing the historical background of ground.

9. Multi-channel Analysis Subsurface Waves (MASW) and HVSR

In MASW it should cover both surface as well as depth information. A high frequency surface
wave, which propagates with short wavelength, only stresses material near the exposed surface
and thus samples the properties of the shallow, near surface material. A lower frequency surface
wave, which has a longer wavelength stresses material to a greater depth and thus samples the
properties of both shallower and deeper material.

Despite of traditional time domain methods, MASW techniques is to be adopted to explore in the
frequency domain, where we are interested in frequency content of recorded waveforms and
dispersive nature of the surface waves (phase velocity of each frequency) and to find out details
about shear wave velocity.

The dispersion curve obtained from both passive and active source should represent the same site
and needs to be combined. The MASW should find out the shear wave velocity information of the
subsurface and the Shear wave velocity thus obtained to be used to calculate soil parameters such
as modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, Poission’s ratio, P-wave velocity and bearing pressure,
natural period and frequency (resonant frequency) of the surface layer, site classification for
geotechnical earthquake engineering and site stiffness. These parameters shall be used for design
of foundation including machine foundation of vibratory rotating synchronous generator of mass
more than 50 ton.
ToR for Geotechnical Investigations

Similarly there is also requirement of Microtremor Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR)
test at the location of major structure at HW, PH and Surgetank.

10. Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT)

2D-SRT is the most useful and trusted geophysical tool in the subsurface investigation of
hydropower projects in the world. It is useful in characterizing the subsurface geology in the sites
of different components of a hydropower project and depicts the hardness by observing share
wave velocities through the medium..
This is 2D-SRT survey and geophones array are recorded for receiving the vibration through near
of Far source of the disturbance to record the difference at the geological formation present at
site. The response of current on geological formations such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, boulders, and
bedrock are interpreted for geotechnical information.

11. Core Drilling

The most prominent and deterministic point information can be achieved by Core Drilling at the
location of major structures of the project. The Drilled hole core log can be recovered and put on
Boxes for observation. The material extracted room the core can be tested for physical properties
of the material. There can be in-situ tests to confirm on site parameters like permeability, bearing
capacity/ SPT and DCPT tests etc.

12. Schedule of the Works

The tentative schedule of the work is presented below for the referece which can be adjusted as
per requirement.
SN Particulars Week1 Week2 Week3 Week4 Week 5 Week 6
1 Preparation and Agreement in
Kathmandu
2 Mobilization to site and
SRT/ERT of Upper Chameliya
3 Testing at Upper Chameliya
Dam Axis, HW, Sluice, GT,
Surgetank, penstock and PH
Area
4 Demobilization and Return
back
5 Draft Report
6 Presentation with Developer,
Design Consultant
7 Final Report of UCH

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13. Reporting
The Consultant should produce draft report of Upper Chameliya HW, ST, Penstock Alignment, PH
related details Immediately after completion of the works within 1 week and final report of Upper
Chameliya shall be produced within a month from the mobilization of the works.

14. Technical Enquiry

Any technical enquiry regarding the details of test, location, starting, ending points, length of line,
required detail of information, Investigation Depth, Any addition,, removal or technical suggestion
can be obtained from the Following Address:
G.B Shrestha , Engineering Geologist, 9851172269
M.R Dahal, Hydropower Engineer, 9851050244
Clean Energy Consultants (p) ltd
GPO Box 21363, Kathmandu

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ANNEX
Location of Test Sites and Proposed
Investigation location/Lines

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