At 275 metres high, the Yusufeli Dam on the Çoruh River in north-eastern Turkey is one of the tallest arch dams in the world. For around ten years, iC supported this extraordinary hydropower project, which was carried out under complex geological conditions.
A major project in challenging terrain
The Yusufeli Dam is situated in a deeply incised gorge with rock faces up to 500 metres high. The topographical and geological conditions placed high demands on the planning process. Around 4 million m³ of concrete was used in its construction, and the reservoir covers an area of 33.63 km².
Digital models as the basis for planning
3D modelling of the complex geological conditions formed an essential basis for the geotechnical planning. The models made it possible to consolidate extensive geological data, visualise it spatially and continuously refine it throughout the project.
iC’s geotechnical expertise
iC supported the project by providing engineering-geological and geotechnical consultancy. The services included the design of excavation pits and slopes, the assessment of mass movements, and the excavation and support planning for caverns and other underground structures.
Outstanding Engineering Project
The Yusufeli Dam secured a place in the top five at the 2025 State Prize for Engineering Consultancy and was previously named Project of the Year by INGenial magazine in 2018.
With a capacity of around 540 MW and an annual energy output of approximately 1,827 GWh, the Yusufeli Dam is now a major hydropower project in the region and a prime example of the synergy between digital modelling and geotechnical expertise.
