ABSTRACT
The main design, construction and environmental programs are described for the Dona Francisca Hydroelectric Project, a 125 MW power plant in operation on the Jacuí river in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Special emphasis is given to the advantages of using Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC). Dona Francisca HPP construction began in August/1998 and the commercial generation of the first unit was in February/2001 – only thirty months of construction. Dona Francisca HPP is a 51 m-high dam and the RCC volume is 485,000 m3. The original alternative for Dona Francisca Dam was a Rockfill Dam with Clay Core. Nevertheless, after a new study, the RCC alternative was selected because this solution, allied to the experience of the owners, brings more advantages for the project.
