Challenges in Dam Engineering in Switzerland - Göscheneralp

The Göscheneralp rockfill dam is situated in the Gotthard Alps of central Switzerland and, when it was constructed between 1955 and 1962, was the highest earth core/rockfill dam in Europe. The dam has a maximum height of 155 m, a crest length of 540 m, and impounds a reservoir with an active storage capacity of 75 Mio. m3.

Future heightening of the dam was allowed for in the original concession for the Göscheneralp hydro power scheme, which was granted 1953. Nearly fifty years later a feasibility study of increasing the reservoir capacity was carried out. Following further, more detailed studies, Pöyry Energy Ltd. was, in 2008, awarded a contract for detailed design of the heightening of the dam by 8.0 m.

The design concept is to extend and raise the existing dam crest zones and to adapt the existing appurtenant structures to the higher storage level. The present side channel spillway inlet will be demolished, as far as required, and reconstructed at a higher level. The existing surge chamber will be enlarged construction of an additional upper chamber. None of the other original structures such as the power intake and pressure waterways, adduction systems, mid-level and bottom outlets, or the underground power house, will need to be modified.

Learn more about the challenges and download the pdf below.

Goescheneralp_e.pdf (PDF 178 kb)