TECHNICAL STATE ANALYSIS OF HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES IN VIEKŠNIAI MILL

Abstract

The paper analyses the solutions of reconstructed water mills for tourism, reconstruction with energy generation, other reconstruction and dismantling solutions. The aim of the paper is to assess the technical state of the hydraulic structures of the Viekšniai mill and to predict their future prospects. Objectives of the research work: to carry out field investigations and technical state assessment in accordance with STR 1.07.03:2017 and to compare the changes of the elements with the surveys of the previous period; carry out a multi–criteria analysis and assess the prospects for future use or demolition of the watermill. The work uses a variety of methods: literature analysis; cameral works based on various literature sources and their analysis; visual investigation of defects and damages of the weir spillway and its elements (natural surveys by examining the investigated structures, photographing the damaged structures); scoring of the technical state in accordance with the technical regulation for construction STR 1.07.03:2017; multicriterial analysis. The technical state evaluation of the hydraulic structures of the Viekšniai Mill in accordance with STR 1.07.03:2017 has shown that the technical state of the weir spillway, the outlet channel and the outlet part of the HPP has improved after the repair. The overall technical state score of the hydropower plant after the repairs decreased from 4.5 (2016) to 3.2 (2023). An individual analysis was carried out for the Viekšniai Watermill and the decision to reconstruct or change its functional use was analyzed. Based on the results of the multicriteria analysis (Paret dominance; main criteria  (tehnical state); “What if” analysis), the reconstruction of the Viekšniai Watermill has higher benefits than its demolition.