Birete Dam Geological Investigation Report Summary
Date: February 1981
Location: Birete River Basin, Ethiopia (9°25'-9°29'N, 38°03'-38°20'E)
Prepared by: Nafis Ahmad (UN Engineering Adviser), Akiliu Assefa (Senior Geologist), Banteyehun Haile (Engineer)
1. Project Overview
The Birete Dam study was initiated to store water (2000m³/day) for a cement plant while considering other water utilization needs. The investigation included geological mapping, borehole drilling, permeability tests, and construction material assessment.
2. Basin Description
- 38 km² catchment area in the Ethiopian plateau
- Altitude: 2450-2670 meters
- Main tributaries: Bora and Likimsa rivers
- Topography: Undulating with gradual slope to the north
- Surface: 95% covered by residual clay from weathered basalt
3. Geological Findings
Stratigraphy
- Upper basic volcanites
- Ignimbrites
- Lower basic volcanites (predominant)
- Underlain by Cretaceous sandstone, limestone with gypsum, shale, and marl
Dam Site Geology
- Highly weathered basalt with 2-5m thick residual clay
- Joint patterns observed in outcrops (3 sets with 15-50cm spacing)
- Two lava flows identified within drilled depth (30m)
- Paleosoil formation indicates former swampy conditions
- Average 2.5m clayey overburden to be stripped
Borehole Findings (9 holes, 173.4m total)
Key Findings | Details |
---|---|
Core Recovery | 70-98% recovery rates |
Mineral Composition | Augite basalt (45% plagioclase, 40% pyroxene) |
Water Conditions | Shallow artesian groundwater at left bank (BH No.8) |
4. Permeability Tests
Tests conducted in boreholes 3, 4, 7, and 8 using pumping-in method (0.3-2 kg/cm² pressure):
Critical Findings:
- High permeability at BH No.4 (18.5m depth): 6.96×10⁻⁴ cm/sec
- High permeability at BH No.8 (22m depth): 5.42×10⁻⁴ cm/sec
- Areas requiring grout curtain: Horizontal distance 240-310 from left abutment (18m depth)
5. Construction Materials
Recommended Sources
Material | Location | Distance from Dam | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Rock | Downstream quarry | 700m north | Avoids reservoir leakage issues |
Clay (core) | Kotcha Creek (3A) and Hud-gebeya (3B) | 1.5km NE and 3km NW | Shear parameters: φ=15°, C=0.05 kg/cm² |
Transition Material | Mekoda church area (7B) | - | Better graded, closer to site |
6. Recommendations
- Foundation: Bedrock is competent but requires:
- Grout curtain (240-310m from left abutment, 18m depth)
- Alternative: Dental treatment + upstream clay blanket
- Materials:
- Use downstream quarry (700m north) for rock
- Clay from Kotcha Creek (3A) and Hud-gebeya (3B)
- Transition material from Mekoda church area (7B)
- Special Considerations:
- Peat layer at 30m depth not considered critical
- Artesian flow at BH No.8 requires attention
7. Appendices Included
- Bore logs (Appendix I)
- Permeability test results (Appendix II)
- Borehole sample test results (Appendix III)
- Clay test results (Appendices IV-V)
- Transition material analysis (Appendix VI)