A team of height workers from VERTICAL GROUP OOD has begun the implementation of a project for the dismantling of metal structures in the expansion joints of the Vacha Dam – the highest dam in Bulgaria with a height of 144.5 meters.
The project involves work in an extremely complex and difficult-to-access infrastructure environment, with all activities being carried out in an alpine manner through rope access and industrial mountaineering.
The Vacha Dam is a concrete-gravity structure with a crown length of 420 meters and is one of the most significant hydrotechnical facilities in the country.
The project covers a total of 15 expansion joints along the structure of the dam wall. The activities performed include:
dismantling of old metal walkways;
removal of compromised metal elements;
cutting off protruding iron bars within the joints;
transportation of the dismantled elements;
securing the work areas.
The activities are carried out at heights between 60 and 90 meters relative to the bottom of the individual joints, depending on their depth and location.
Due to the specific nature of the facility and the impossibility of erecting scaffolding or assembly platforms, the works are performed via rope access. Industrial rope access allows for:
safe access to deep and narrow joints;
work within a confined infrastructure environment;
execution of activities at great heights;
minimal use of heavy machinery;
flexible organization of the workflow.
Working on such hydro-technical facilities requires high technical preparation, specialized equipment, and extensive experience in working at heights.
Here is the professional English translation of the text:
The removal of old metal walkways and structural elements is carried out through:
oxy-fuel cutting (gas-flame cutting);
the use of metal cutters;
controlled dismantling of individual elements;
securing the work zone within the joints.
These types of activities require precise organization and constant safety control due to the work being performed in confined spaces and at great heights.
Following the dismantling, individual metal elements are transported from the joints to the dam’s control gallery by means of:
trolley rope systems;
pulley (block and tackle) systems;
specialized rope transport techniques.
The use of such systems allows for the safe relocation of heavy elements in difficult-to-access environments without the need for heavy machinery.
Working on hydro-technical facilities such as the Vacha Dam wall involves:
great heights;
confined spaces;
difficult access;
specific structural conditions;
increased safety requirements.
The execution of such activities requires a combination of industrial rope access, assembly and dismantling skills, experience in working on infrastructure sites, and specialized techniques for rope access and transport.
All project activities are carried out in strict compliance with safety measures. During the work, the following are used:
dual-rope safety systems;
certified rope access equipment;
positioning systems;
personal protective equipment (PPE);
preliminary risk assessment;
emergency procedures and a rescue plan.
The works are performed by qualified technicians with experience in working within complex infrastructure and industrial environments.
The project for the dismantling of metal structures at the Vacha Dam wall is an example of highly specialized work via rope access on complex hydro-technical facilities. Thanks to industrial alpinism and specialized techniques for dismantling and rope transport, activities can be performed safely and efficiently, even in extremely difficult-to-access environments and at great heights.
