Dams & Levees
“Dammed” If I Don’t
Dams and levees are generally used to prevent or regulate water flow. They are also used to facilitate generation of hydroelectric power, which provides roughly one-fifth of the world’s electricity. CTLGroup has been involved in the construction or evaluation of numerous dams and levees throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. Construction of new dams or levees commonly requires mass concrete placements. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and implement plans for controlling and monitoring concrete temperature rise after casting to prevent thermal cracking distress. CTLGroup has helped numerous contractors, engineering/design firms and owners develop thermal control plans for mass concrete placements needed for dam or levee construction.
Like most other civil structures, dams and levees are subject to deterioration with age. However, the mechanism(s) of deterioration can be somewhat different than most structures due to the unique circumstances under which they are constructed and operated. Concrete distress resulting from alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) and delayed ettringite formation (DEF) are examples of atypical deterioration mechanisms that can affect dams and levees. CTLGroup’s engineers and material scientists have the experience and resources needed to reliably diagnose these deterioration mechanisms and others, and provide clients with valuable guidance needed to properly manage these important structures.