Work on hydraulic tunnels

Hydraulic tunnels, like dams and penstocks, play a major role in the generation of hydro-electricity.

Essential structures

Just like pipes and channels, hydraulic tunnels belong to the group of structures that carry water from the dam or the water intake point to the power plant’s turbines.

It is worth noting that EDF has 1,131 hydraulic tunnels that stretch more than 1,500 km in length, in total. Furthermore, these tunnels are either under pressure or free flow surface.

Importance of technical knowledge

Experts in various areas, such as geology, hydrogeology, hydraulics and civil engineering, play a role in monitoring, maintaining, renovating and/or constructing these tunnels.

Since 2010, Hydrostadium has acquired expertise and diagnosis and decision-support tools specific to these hydraulic tunnels.

Hydrostadium has broadened its expertise and acquired experience by carrying out many different projects, some of which made use of innovative methods in difficult geological environments. These projects, which are very technical and complex, have been discussed and brought to light at specialist conferences.

Importance of experience

Today, Hydrostadium is able to work in every type of hydraulic tunnel, from 80 cm to several metres in diameter and from several metres to several kilometres in length, either under pressure or free flow surface, coated or with an unfinished surface.

Whether the work concerns carrying out an expert assessment of existing hydraulic tunnels, specifying and implementing a renovation programme for an existing hydraulic tunnel or designing new structures, thanks to its experience, Hydrostadium is able to accept every type of assignment and work in any structural configuration. In the course of its project work, Hydrostadium has formed a network of partners with recognised expertise in the undertaking of hydraulic tunnel work.