Details of the 1932 construction accident at the Kanaker hydroelectric plant

In 1930, the construction of the Kanaker hydroelectric power station began in Yerevan. It is being built on the middle course of the Hrazdan River, between Arzni and Kanaker. The construction of the hydroelectric power station was completed in 1936. The water coming out of the Arzni hydroelectric power plant, which was already used to generate electricity, is transported to the Kanaker hydroelectric power station. Here they pass through a special canal, the length of which is about 13 km. The total capacity of the plant is about 100 megawatts.

 

The station works with an automatic system, and its commissioning in 1936 was an important step on the way to the formation of the unified energy system of Armenia. As a result of the work of the aqueduct here, water reaches the irrigation canals of Arabkir and Dalma, as well as the water station of Kotayk region. The work of this industrial enterprise was conditioned by the construction of the Sevan electric cascade.

In 1934, the famous Armenian writer Derenik Demirchyan writes his review “About Kanakerges”, where he tells about his visit there, describes it and a number of details inside the structure.

“The Kanakerges system originates from Arznu valley. There is his dam, then the tunnels, then the canal, which comes down the high ravine below the village of Kanaker. And from here, through pressure pipes from a great height, the water of the canal will hit the power plant in the valley with tremendous force and produce that amazing energy. It was last year, on a crazy day in July, I went to visit that giant.” (D. Demirchyan, “Collection of Countries”, Volume IV, Yerevan, 1978, page 148).

Then Demirchyan continues the description and tells about an interesting incident that happened in 1932. It turns out that at that time there was a big construction accident at the Kanaker hydroelectric power plant, but thanks to the efforts and dedication of the workers, the construction managers, it was possible to prevent the big disaster.

“- Are you tired?

– Yes, a little… all night long, you know, they put concrete in the part of the turbine.

And he looks ashamed and smiles tiredly, as if he is excusing himself. Eyes bulging and glowing feverishly. Was sleepless all night. The sound is broken.

– Well, don’t you trust your assistant, masters?

– I’m sure, of course, but… you know… it’s a very responsible procedure. Every cubic meter of concrete that is placed must be placed correctly and permanently. Make a mistake, you can’t fix it. You have to see every detail with your own eyes…

However, he is embarrassed to talk about himself. The word turns…

– I have many conscientious and trained people and selfless workers. Whatever they are!

It was the 12th anniversary of the Sovietization of Armenia, the night of November 28. We were preparing to give a report to the party. Suddenly, a large crack in the base of the station. 36 meters long and 4 meters deep. We will give a good report… And we were happily preparing for the magazine in the afternoon. We had victories. And here is the crack, that too in the foundation… Both the journal and the report were ruined. The boys passed each other.

Commercials and masters. There are workers who were “born” in this building, their eyes were opened in this struggle. Water was seeping through the crack. We had to connect the water and pour concrete into the crack. – Friends, we will not give up our positions, the crack will be filled tonight. The boys wrung their hands and fell from the mouth into the valley and an amazing fight against the crack began. The brigades set a task of honor – “to report tomorrow that the breach is closed”. 500 cubic meters of concrete went and the crack was sealed. We didn’t sleep all night, we fought anxiously, the day dawned and we gave the victory report.” (Ibid., p. 149-150).

 

The construction of the Kanaker hydroelectric power station was not only an important manifestation of technical progress, but also one of the industrial pillars of Armenia. It combined the efficient use of natural resources and engineering thinking. Derenik Demirchyan’s review completes this picture, showing that behind the structure stood not only mechanisms, but also dedication and responsibility of people. Kanakerges is presented not only as an engineering structure, but also as a symbol of the will and work of the Armenian people.

Z. Sh:i was late

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