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This paper deals with the design of bifurcations for internal pressure considering rock participation. Bifurcations must be geometrically designed for good hydraulic performances to minimize energy losses and to avoid unfavorable flows in generating and pumping operations. At the same time they must withstand the huge loads due to internal pressure. Extensive measurements and analyses of the steel structure together with surrounding rock mass, undertaken in Hongawa, demonstrated considerable reduction in stresses in various points of the bifurcation. The effects were found to be predictable. The manifold for Okumino was the first example for which this design concept was applied. Thanks to rock-participation taken into consideration in the design, substantial reduction in thicknesses of shells and reinforcements have been achieved. This resulted in the hydraulically more favorable configuration of the manifold.