Permanent commission of experts to assess the system "dam-foundation" Sayano-Shushenskaya HPS (hydropower station) reviewed preliminary results of work on theme "Numerical studies of bearing capacity of the system "dam-foundation" Sayano-Shushenskaya HPS with using numerical data on the state of contact between concrete and rock."

"The first results of the calculations presented to the Commission, confirmed that, despite the use of different computational models based on different methodologies, the conclusions were identical - the state of the dam safe, and it can be exploited further in the current design conditions", - said Rasim Khaziakhmetov, Director Technology Policy RusHydro's .

It was decided to construct the mathematical (finite element) model of the "dam - foundation", which can be used to make calculations to determine the safety factor of stability of an arch-gravity dam station and landfall Sayano-Shushenskaya HPS at different elevations upper pool reach to carry out computational studies of the condition of hydraulic structures the power plant in early 2010 . In mathematical modeling of the dam in conjunction with the base is divided into separate smaller elements, whose parameters are coordinated and laid into the model. The model should take into account all major design features of buildings, including baseline data on the stages of construction, temperature changes of the concrete, as well as geometric parameters of the dam and its design elements (turbine water conduits, service spillway, etc.). Also the model lays the primary information about the physical and mechanical properties of the rock base of the dam, including the characteristics of different breeds in different layers and the base unit. The more detailed design features and parameters of the structures, the stages of its construction and the pressures to which it is subjected during the operation, more accurate the model will correspond to nature and, accordingly, it can be more accurately predict the possible states of the structure.

For experts obtained calculated results are important. First, the results of model calculations are determined by modern estimation of bearing capacity of the system "dam-foundation". Secondly, the safety factor revealed its strength and stability which is compared with the normative. Third, these calculations can be used to update the list of diagnostic parameters and criteria for appointment of safety facilities. Fourth, having not one but several computer models, it becomes possible to more objectively and independently assess the state of the system "dam-foundation".

Study the bearing capacity of the system "dam-foundation" Sayano-Shushenskaya HPS will continue with using mathematical modeling calculations. In particular, we plan to further improve the developed mathematical models and generate new approaches to using the results of computational research in the evaluation of the system "dam-foundation" Sayano-Shushenskaya HPS.

As a result of a two-day work of experts including the country's best scientists in the field of hydropower, employees of research and design institutes came to the unequivocal conclusion - the dam of Sayano-Shushenskaya HPS is stable, and current state of the waterworks meets the criteria for safety. Summing up the meeting, Deputy Chairman of public RusHydro corporation, Deputy Chairman of the Board Rakhmetulla Alzhanov voiced the opinion of experts: "All experts unanimously expressed that the dam operates as a single resilient system, and reliability of the current state of the dam there is no doubt. All waterworks the power plant are in working condition."