James Powerhouses—Layout and Design Criteria

The La Grande River is the first of several flowing into the Eastern side of James Bay to be developed for its energy potential. The structural criteria and layout guidelines developed during the design of the four La Grande powerhouses will be used to advantage in subsequent projects in the James Bay region. Layouts of unit blocks, service bay, superstructure and penstocks are considered. A summary of cases to be studied for the structural stability of the powerhouse is presented, showing the various loading conditions to be considered, along with the corresponding factors of safety. Criteria for the detailed design of structiral elements, including loadings, are also presented.