Over two million cubic meters of sand (about 700 Olympic-type pools, 8 tracks, 50 meters long) were laid by the builders in 2020 in the foundation of the future Kursk NPP-2. The plan was completed more than two months ahead of schedule.

"The replacement station is located on an artificial foundation. Its formation is designed specifically for replacing soil and creating a stable, safe foundation for the construction of plant facilities. It was necessary to remove 7.5 million cubic meters of unbalanced (weak) soil. This exceeds 3 Pyramids of Cheops in volume. Instead, builders are shaping a sand and gravel base, or a so-called "pillow block". The timing of the main construction work depends on the pace of sand laying," - Head of Office of Capital Construction at Kursk NPP-2 Alexey Buldygin noted.

The average daily rate of sand laying in October amounted to 10.9 thousand cubic meters per day, while the planned figure was 5.8 thousand cubic meters. The installation is done by experts from Construction and Installation Department #1. The timing was also influenced by an acquisition of dump trucks. The technical park engaged at the construction site of the replacement station received 30 new dump trucks in August. Good weather also contributed to the early implementation of the plan.

The sand undergoes a three-stage quality control prior to laying. It must comply with the requirements of regulatory and work documentation, both in terms of quality indicators and the achieved physical and mechanical characteristics. During rolling, the sand must be compacted to the required density. Only after confirming the filled in layer corresponds with all the necessary requirements, a decision is made on the filling of the next layer.

This year, the construction workers formed a sand foundation for the evaporative cooling tower of the second power unit, auxiliary facilities of the nuclear power plant.

Sand is brought from the quarries at the villages of Byki and Lipino. The work is carried out around the clock, 75 dump trucks are engaged in it. Sand laying continues.